NBA Player News

Murray-Boyles (thumb) is questionable for Friday's game against the Suns, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.

The rookie first-rounder has a chance to end a six-game absence with a thumb sprain. Less playing time would be open to Sandro Mamukelashvili if Murray-Boyles can play Friday.

Smart is out for Thursday's game against the Bulls with a bruised right hip, per Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com.

The veteran guard can be deemed day-to-day ahead of Saturday's showdown with the Nuggets. Luke Kennard should see enough playing time in the backcourt to command streaming attention in most fantasy leagues Thursday.

Kleber (back) is out for Thursday's game against the Bulls, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports.

Kleber was unable to shake his questionable tag for this contest. Jaxson Hayes (back) is also unavailable for the Lakers, meaning Jarred Vanderbilt could see an uptick in minutes Thursday.

Hayes (back) is out for Thursday's game against the Bulls, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports.

This is a surprise for the Lakers, with Hayes previously labeled as probable. With this news, it's likely that Jarred Vanderbilt picks up some run in the frontcourt with so many players on the shelf.

Moody (wrist) won't play in Friday's game against Minnesota, Sam Gordon of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Though Moody will wind up missing a fifth consecutive game Friday, head coach Steve Kerr said after Wednesday's practice that the fifth-year wing is on track to join the Warriors for their upcoming six-game road trip that begins Sunday in New York. Moody's continued absence Friday opens up more playing time for Will Richard, Pat Spencer and Gary Payton on the wing.

Dennis was transferred to the Hawks from the G League's College Park Skyhawks on Thursday.

The transaction is a sign that Atlanta may be planning to be without Dyson Daniels (toe) for Thursday's matchup versus the Nets. Dennis has averaged 4.3 points, 2.0 assists and 1.5 rebounds in 11.8 minutes per tilt through 15 NBA games this season between the Pacers, Clippers and Hawks.

Newell was recalled to the Hawks from the G League's College Park Skyhawks on Thursday.

The move is a possible signal that Atlanta is bracing for Jonathan Kuminga (knee) to be unavailable for Thursday's tilt versus the Nets. Newell has averaged 5.0 points, 2.0 rebounds and 0.5 assists in 11.1 minutes per contest through 40 NBA games this season.

Mbeng agreed Thursday with the Jazz on a 10-day contract, Jake Fischer of BleacherReport.com reports.

An undrafted rookie out of Yale, Mbeng was cut by the Heat prior to the start of the season and has spent the entire season with Miami's G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce. Through 41 appearances for the Skyforce, the 6-foot-4 guard has averaged 6.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.8 steals in 27.5 minutes per game while shooting just 27 percent from three-point range. With Keyonte George exiting the Jazz's 134-117 loss to the Knicks on Wednesday due to a hamstring injury and at risk of missing time, Mbeng could be called upon to serve as a backup point guard in Utah's next contest Friday in Portland.

Williams (ankle) is doubtful for Thursday's game versus the Lakers.

Williams appears likely to miss his second straight contest Thursday. With this news, the Bulls may lean more on Leonard Miller at the forward spots.

Murray is probable for Thursday's game against the Spurs.

Despite dealing with a nagging ankle sprain, the star guard is expected to play Thursday. Over his last seven outings, Murray has averaged 28.6 points, 5.4 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 3.7 three-pointers in 35.4 minutes per game while shooting a torrid 50.0 percent from deep.