NBA Player News

Watford is starting Thursday's game against the Pistons, Ky Carlin of USA Today reports.

With Kelly Oubre out multiple weeks with an elbow sprain, Watford has a chance to carve out a steady role in the first unit. Watford has averaged 9.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 24.0 minutes per game over six contests as a starter this season, shooting 52.2 percent from the field.

Carrington isn't in the starting lineup for Thursday's game against the Magic.

Carrington will come off the bench Thursday with Trae Young returning to action. Carrington finished with nine points, three rebounds and four assists in his last appearance as a reserve Sunday in Miami.

Drummond (back) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Pistons, Ky Carlin of USA Today reports.

Drummond's back issue appeared to flare up earlier in the day, and it's bothering him enough to keep him from playing Thursday. The Sixers will be without Drummond, Joel Embiid (oblique), Kelly Oubre (elbow) and Adem Bona (back) in the frontcourt, leaving plenty of opportunities for the likes of Dominick Barlow, Trendon Watford and Jabari Walker.

Sims (knee) is available for Thursday's game against the Heat, Stephen Watson of ESPN Milwaukee reports.

Sims is back from a one-game absence with a back injury to handle his typical role off the bench. The big man has averaged 8.1 rebounds, 5.8 points and 2.4 assists in 25.6 minutes per tilt over his last eight games, shooting an absurd 91.7 percent from the field during that period.

Portis (back) is available for Thursday's game against the Heat, Stephen Watson of ESPN Milwaukee reports.

Portis sat out of Tuesday's game against Phoenix while nursing a back issue, but he's received the green light to suit up Thursday. He's gotten off to a solid start to March and is averaging 14.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists in five outings.

Porter (knee) will play Thursday in Miami, Stephen Watson of ESPN reports.

Porter is back after a four-game absence, and his return will likely result in Ousmane Dieng or Kyle Kuzma heading back to the second unit. Porter is averaging 17.5 points, 7.4 assists, 5.2 rebounds, 1.3 triples and 2.2 steals per game this season.

Sengun is questionable to play Friday versus the Pelicans due to low back pain.

Friday's contest will be the fourth game in six days for the Rockets, and with a matchup against the 19-44 Pelicans, the Rockets' medical staff may opt to give Sengun a rest day. If he is forced to the sidelines, Clint Capela would have a chance to start, and Kevin Durant could see some increased playmaking responsibilities.

Finney-Smith (ankle) isn't listed on the injury report ahead of Friday's game against New Orleans.

Finney-Smith sat out of Wednesday's clash for injury management purposes, but he'll be back in action Friday evening. The Florida product is averaging 4.0 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists over his last six appearances, all as a reserve.

McGowens is out for Friday's game against the Rockets with a fractured right toe.

The Pelicans are yet to offer up a timeline for McGowens' return to the floor, so the guard remains day-to-day. Herbert Jones is a candidate to receive heavy playing time and is worthy of streaming consideration in most fantasy leagues.

Highsmith (knee) will play Thursday against the Pacers, Amanda Pflugrad of 3TV Phoenix reports.

Highsmith was initially added to the team's injury report due to right knee injury management, but he's since received clearance to suit up for Thursday's action. The 29-year-old has logged 21 and 13 minutes in his first two games of the season and could see a slight uptick in chances against Indiana with Grayson Allen (knee) downgraded to out.