NBA Player News

Sunday’s game will be the fourth that Herro has missed since aggravating a toe injury. Rookie Kasparas Jakučionis was in the starting lineup for Friday’s loss to the Celtics, finishing with 17 points, six rebounds, four assists and five three-pointers in 36 minutes. Injuries have limited Jakučionis’ opportunities, but he’ll be worth a look in deep leagues if Davion Mitchell (ankle) joins Herro on the sidelines.

LeBron sat out Tuesday’s loss to the Spurs, which was the second game of a back-to-back for the Lakers. He’s back in the starting lineup on Thursday against the Mavericks. James and Marcus Smart returning will push Luke Kennard and Kobe Bufkin to the bench.

The Pacers were fined $100,000 for violating the Player Participation Policy in relation to the team’s February 3 game against the Jazz. After an investigation that included an independent review, it was deemed that Pascal Siakam and two other starters could’ve played under the medical standard in the policy. The team could’ve also held those players out in a way that “better promoted compliance” with the policy, according to a release from the NBA.

In a statement released by the NBA less than an hour before the Jazz tipped off against the Trail Blazers on Thursday, commissioner Adam Silver said, “Overt behavior like this that prioritizes draft position over winning undermines the foundation of NBA competition and we will respond accordingly to any further actions that compromise the integrity of our games.” The Jazz were held accountable for holding out starters, notably Jaren Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen, in the fourth quarter of the February 7 game against the Magic and February 9 game against the Heat. It’s been an active week for Silver, who also levied multiple suspensions against players stemming from a benches-clearing incident with the Hornets and Pistons. Only time will tell if the Jazz receive this message or decide to get more creative in their pursuit of better lottery odds.

Martin was downgraded to doubtful with an ankle injury Thursday afternoon, so his absence against the Lakers isn’t a surprise. Klay Thompson could see more minutes off the bench with Martin out, but he isn’t worth rostering in most fantasy leagues at this point in his career.

Marshall was upgraded to probable Thursday afternoon, so his availability against the Lakers doesn’t come as a surprise. With Cooper Flagg (foot) out, the 28-year-old small forward should be in line for all the minutes he can handle.

Dončić missed the last four games leading into the NBA All-Star break, but his coach told reporters he “should be good to go” as the Lakers open their second half schedule. Dončić’s next chance to play will come on Friday, February 20 against the Clippers.

Williams is out Thursday against the Jazz for left knee injury management reasons. Yang Hansen could see more minutes as the backup center with Williams sidelined.

Avdija will sit out the second game of a back-to-back against the Jazz on Thursday for low back injury management reasons. With Avdija sidelined, Sidy Cissoko should see more minutes.

With Isaiah Hartenstein (injury management) and Jalen Williams (hamstring) ruled out, Isaiah Joe and Kenrich Williams will slide into the starting lineup Thursday against the Bucks. Joe has averaged 17 points, 3.6 three-pointers and shot 54.5 percent from the field over his last five games.