NBA Player News

Hartenstein will sit for a third straight game, which means rotation minutes for Anderson Varejao in his Cavaliers swan song. We’ll have an update on Hartenstein once he clears concussion protocol, but it’s possible that he may have played his last basketball of the season.

This will make 10 straight missed games for Harris. The 30-year-old shooting guard told reporters at shoot around Thursday that he feels good and is getting close to making his return. With Franz Wagner also out, Jalen Suggs will continue to operate as the top offensive option for Orlando.

LaVine sat Monday against Toronto, but he’s off the injury report for Thursday’s tilt with Boston. LaVine could see an even bigger workload if Giddey is ultimately ruled out. Lonzo Ball and Ayo Dosunmu could log some more minutes off the bench in that scenario.

Ayton practiced Tuesday, so he’s trending in the right direction after missing two straight games. If he’s able to get back on the court, Ayton will likely start, and Donovan Clingan will head back to the bench.

James missed two in a row before returning to face Memphis on Sunday. If he’s unavailable for the third time in four games, the committee of Gabe Vincent, Max Christie and D’Angelo Russell could absorb his minutes.

Beal is expected to make his return following a two-game absence. If he’s officially given the green light, Royce O’Neale will likely slide back to the bench.

DJJ was expected to miss at least two weeks based on a report from December 10, but he’s apparently ahead of schedule. He’s got a shot to face his former team, though it’s unclear if he’ll handle his normal workload.

With Smart unlikely to play, expect Scotty Pippen Jr. and Luke Kennard to see a bump in playing time off the bench. If Morant ends up sitting too, Pippen Jr. is likely to earn a spot start, making him a worthwhile streaming option.

Okongwu has played well off the bench this season, and his absence should free up additional minutes for Larry Nance Jr. behind Clint Capela.

Hawkins has been in and (mostly) out of New Orleans’ lineup this season, but he’ll get a chance to return Thursday against the Rockets. He’ll likely face a minutes restriction if he’s cleared to take the court.

Miller left Monday’s matchup with the 76ers after sustaining the injury, and his status at Washington is up in the air. Isaiah Wong and Tidjane Salaun could see an uptick in playing time if Miller is sidelined.