NBA Player News

Johnson’s layup attempt with seven seconds left in regulation of a tie game was erases by Toumani Camara and the Trail Blazers would go on to win on free throws. The 29-year-old small forward has struggled mightily in his first few games with the Nuggets. Johnson has failed to score even 10 points in four of five games this year. He’s dealing with a shoulder injury that could be the root cause of his struggles and fantasy managers have to take that into account.

Sabonis, who missed the Kings’ last four games before the All-Star break with a back injury, had been dealing with a partially torn meniscus suffered in mid-November. Per Wednesday’s report, the veteran center has already undergone the surgical procedure to repair the tear and is done for the season. Sabonis only played in 19 games this season, averaging 15.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 0.9 steals in 29.7 minutes. With Dylan Cardwell (ankle) out for at least four weeks, the Kings will rely even more on Maxime Raynaud in the middle. The second-round pick is a must-add player.

Both players sat out Brooklyn’s last game before the All-Star break, and both will be back against Cleveland. Expect MPJ and Clowney to handle their usual workloads, which means less playing time for Danny Wolf, Terance Mann and Ziaire Williams.

Okoro did not play in the Bulls’ final game before the All-Star break, as he was dealing with a sore left knee. His return will likely push Patrick Williams back to the bench. Williams should only be rostered in dynasty leagues.

Claxton missed Brooklyn’s last game before the All-Star break with a hip injury, but an ankle injury will keep him out for the first game after the break. With Claxton sidelined, Day’Ron Sharpe should join the starting lineup, and he offers high upside for “silly season.” Fantasy managers in need of big man stats should add Sharpe immediately.

Due to a strained right calf, Smith missed the Bulls’ final three games before the All-Star break. If he’s able to play on Thursday, that would likely mean fewer minutes for Guerschon Yabusele and Nick Richards. However, Smith is likely to be restricted in terms of playing time.

The timeline is still vague, but Herro’s return to practice should certainly encourage fantasy managers who have been waiting on him to get back on the court. Until Herro is available, Simone Fontecchio and Myron Gardner should continue to see increased run.

Due to a strained left hamstring, Jones has missed the Bulls’ last 11 games. If he remains out on Thursday, the Bulls will avoid having too much of a logjam to deal with on the perimeter. Jones has been most useful this season when given extended minutes due to an injury to another player.

It’s unclear what Kuminga’s role will be once he’s cleared to play, but fantasy managers will have to stash him in an IL spot until he’s back on the court. Due to his extensive time off, Kuminga will likely require time to ramp up.

Giddey has missed Chicago’s last eight games with a strained left hamstring. If he’s able to play on Thursday, the Bulls’ guard will likely be under a minutes restriction. Collin Sexton and Anfernee Simons were the starting guards for Chicago’s last game before the break, and Jaden Ivey has also made starts since joining the Bulls.

Young has no timetable to return, and it’s looking increasingly likely that he doesn’t touch the floor for Washington this season. Anthony Davis has already been shut down, and Washington has no reason to get Young on the court as the team looks for the most favorable position in the 2026 Draft Lottery.