Will play Thursday After sitting out the previous Nuggets-Suns game in Denver, Murray will be available for their return matchup at Phoenix. December has been a strong month for the 27-year-old, who is averaging 24.8 points (on 46.3/39.3/87.5 shooting splits), 5.8 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 2.5 steals in 37.3 minutes this month. Murray will look to keep the pace going against a Suns team relatively ripe for the picking with Devin Booker (groin) still out.
Does some on-court work Booker's Christmas status remains unchanged, but his injury-related absence may not last much longer. While the Suns prepare for their upcoming game against the Nuggets, likely with Royce O'Neale once again in the Suns' starting lineup, Booker will look to make a return in their game Friday against a Mavericks team currently reeling from news of Luka Doncic (calf) possibly being out long-term.
Heads to locker room An undisclosed problem has limited to seven minutes of action, which saw him miss all three of his field goals but log two rebounds and one steal. He will be questionable to return, leaving the Lakers to continue running a small-ball rotation for the time being.
Questionable for Thursday Sabonis has picked up an illness going into the Kings' upcoming game, a scenario that could result in them playing their first game without him since Nov. 18. Trey Lyles has started both of Sabonis' games that he has sat out this season, so it would not be surprising if the former does so should the latter be unavailable. That would not be ideal for a Kings team that has received 21.5 points, 15.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists averaged by Sabonis across his last eight games.
Iffy for Thursday For the third straight game, George is questionable due to his left ankle sprain. The other two games saw them played after his status was gradually downgraded from questionable to doubtful to out. George will hope for a turnaround this time and look to get his starting spot back from Svi Mykhailiuk, who has scored more than 10 points in both games the former sat out.
Questionable for Thursday Collins' left hip contusion will make him questionable for another game. The last time this happened, his status was gradually downgraded before he was ruled out for the Jazz's game Monday at Cleveland. The Jazz lost without him, snapping a two-game winning streak that saw him log 29 points and 20 rebounds, averaging a double-double.
Seen without brace on ankle The Celtics finished their Christmas game without Porzingis, who logged nine points (3-8 FG, 3-6 3Pt), three assists and two rebounds in 13 minutes. Despite not returning to the Celtics' loss to the 76ers, the 29-year-old exiting the C's locker room without a brace suggests his left ankle is not in as bad shape as it has been perceived. Porzingis will hold an injury tag for the time being, with the Celtics now preparing for a home game against the Pacers on Friday.
Iffy for Thursday Contrary to the Trail Blazers' injury report before their previous game at Dallas, they have him listed Williams with a sprain to his right ankle instead of his left. Either way, he is questionable for a second straight game, the first resulting in his absence against Dallas.
Added to injury report Banton is back on the Trail Blazers' injury report with a left contusion, which had already kept him out for two games. It is worth noting that same hip contusion did not stop him from playing the Blazers' previous game at Dallas, where he logged three points (1-3 FG, 1-2 FT, 0-2 3Pt), three assists and one rebound on Monday.
Still out Livingston will miss a second straight game due to an illness. However, his absence won't impact the Bucks' rotation.
Out again Thursday Johnson will miss a second straight game due to an illness. However, his absence won't impact the Bucks' rotation.
Dealing with illness After exploding for a career-high 26 points in 21 minutes during a loss to the Celtics on Dec. 12, Holland has totaled only 26 points over his last four appearances. However, he's played double-digit minutes in 14 straight games, averaging 16.6 minutes a night.
Questionable for Thursday Stewart may miss a fourth straight game due to a sprained left knee. If he's downgraded to out again, Paul Reed would be the primary backup center behind Jalen Duren.
Expected to play Thursday Duren has appeared in four straight games since missing a Dec. 12 loss in Boston due to a wrist injury. The big man is expected to play through the minor ankle sprain, but he's scored in double figures only once over his last four appearances, averaging 10.0 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.0 steals in 29.8 minutes per game during that stretch.
May miss extended time Doncic posted 14 points (5-9 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 1-1 FT), five rebounds, two assists and one steal in 16 minutes before leaving Wednesday's game against the Timberwolves after aggravating a lingering calf injury. The MVP candidate has dealt with multiple lower-body injuries dating back to the Mavericks' surprise run to the NBA Finals last season. While Doncic has been able to play through minor injuries in his career, Dallas will presumably be extremely cautious with him moving forward. In Doncic's absence, Quentin Grimes, Spencer Dinwiddie and Jaden Hardy are candidates for increased roles.
Won’t play Wednesday Russell will miss at least one game after suffering a left thumb sprain during Monday's loss to Detroit. In Russell's absence, Max Christie, Gabe Vincent and Dalton Knecht are candidates for increased roles. Russell's next chance to suit up will come Saturday against the Kings.
Will play Wednesday James and Anthony Davis (shoulder) have been upgraded from questionable to available and will suit up for the Lakers' Christmas Day game. After missing two games in mid-December, James has appeared in four straight, averaging 24.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, 8.0 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.8 blocks in 34.3 minutes during that stretch.
Will suit up Wednesday Davis and LeBron James (foot) have both been upgraded from questionable to available and will suit up for the Lakers' Christmas Day game. Davis hasn't missed a game since Nov. 6, and over his last 21 appearances, he's averaged 24.6 points, 11.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.3 blocks and 1.2 steals in 35.1 minutes per game.
Will likely play Thursday Middleton has appeared in seven consecutive contests since making his season debut against the Celtics on Dec. 6, including two straight starts. Both of those streaks should continue Thursday. Over his last three appearances, Middleton has averaged 17.7 points, 5.3 assists and 4.7 rebounds in 22.0 minutes per game.
Iffy for Thursday Antetokounmpo has missed two straight games due to back spasms. He was initially listed as doubtful for his first absence and was questionable before being ruled out Monday, so it's unclear how to judge his current destination. If Antetokounmpo sits again, Bobby Portis would likely be the primary beneficiary.
Questionable for Thursday Lillard missed two straight games due to a right calf strain and was unlikely to play Monday due to the injury but was ultimately ruled out due to an illness. He's not listed on the Bucks' injury report with a calf issue, just the illness, so it appears the superstar point guard is trending in the right direction. However, if he's sidelined, Ryan Rollins, AJ Green and Delon Wright would be candidates for increased roles again.
Questionable for Thursday Eason has missed three straight games due to left lower leg injury management, but this is the first time he's initially drawn a questionable tag since his first absence during that stretch. If he's sidelined again, Cam Whitmore, Reed Sheppard and Jae'Sean Tate would remain candidates for slightly increased roles off the bench.
Won’t play Thursday Brooks will miss a second straight game after being a late scratch ahead of Monday's win over the Hornets. Amen Thompson started in Brooks' absence against Charlotte, while the latter's next chance to suit up will come during the second half of a back-to-back set Friday versus Minnesota.
Remains out Zeller remains away from the team due to personal remains. He doesn't have a return timetable.
Not on injury report Barlow was sidelined for Monday's win over the Timberwolves due to an illness, but he should be able to suit up Thursday. However, he's made only three NBA appearances this season, so his availability shouldn't impact the Hawks' rotation.
Draws questionable tag Bogdanovic has missed two games in December, including the Hawks' win over the Timberwolves on Monday. If he's sidelined again, Garrison Mathews could stick in the rotation after playing 26 minutes against Minnesota.
Doubtful for Thursday Ball will likely miss a second straight game due to an illness. Ayo Dosunmu (Achilles) and Josh Giddey (ankle) are both questionable, so the Bulls may be shorthanded in the backcourt against Trae Young and the Hawks.
Iffy for Thursday Since being inserted into the starting lineup against Atlanta on Nov. 22, Dosunmu has averaged 14.4 points, 5.8 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 33.4 minutes per game across his past 14 appearances. Lonzo Ball (illness) is doubtful and Josh Giddey (ankle) is questionable, so the Bulls are in danger of being shorthanded in the backcourt against Trae Young and the Hawks.
Questionable for Thursday Giddey has missed three straight games due to a right ankle sprain after initially being listed as questionable, so the designation for Thursday doesn't bring much optimism. Lonzo Ball (illness) is doubtful and Ayo Dosunmu (Achilles) is questionable, so the Bulls are in danger of being extremely shorthanded in the backcourt against Trae Young and the Hawks.
Ruled out for Thursday Carlson will miss a second straight game due to a concussion. However, he wasn't part of the rotation before suffering the injury, so his absence shouldn't have any fantasy impact.
Won’t play Thursday Caruso suffered the injury during the fourth quarter of Monday's win over the Wizards and will miss at least one contest, marking his first absence since Dec. 3. In his absence, Ajay Mitchell, Isaiah Joe and Cason Wallace are candidates for a few extra minutes versus Indiana. Caruso's next chance to suit up will come Saturday in Charlotte.
Will suit up Payton and Kyle Anderson (illness) have been upgraded from questionable to available, so the Warriors will be at full strength for Christmas Day. Before sitting out Monday's game against the Pacers, Payton averaged 5.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 0.9 steals in 16.4 minutes per game over his past eight appearances.
Good to go Anderson and Gary Payton (calf) have both been upgraded from questionable to available, so the Warriors will be at full strength for Christmas Day. Anderson has appeared in seven of the Warriors' first nine games in December, averaging 4.7 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 13.4 minutes per game.
Won’t suit up Thursday Bagley left Monday's loss to the Thunder due to an apparent left knee injury and will miss at least one contest after being diagnosed with a sprain. His next chance to suit up will come Saturday versus the Knicks.
Unlikely to return Wednesday Porzingis posted nine points (3-8 FG, 3-6 3Pt), three assists and two rebounds in 13 minutes during the first half but likely won't play in the second half. Luke Kornet started the second half in Porzingis' place.
Iffy for Thursday Sarr may miss a second straight game due to lower back soreness, which also cost the rookie two games earlier in December. If Sarr remains sidelined, Jonas Valanciunas would likely stick in the starting lineup.
Questionable for Thursday Couliably is in danger of missing a second straight game due to right groin soreness. Carlton Carrington started in Coulibaly's place against the Thunder on Monday, but both players are questionable for Thursday's game. If both are sidelined, Corey Kispert would be a likely beneficiary.
Won’t play Thursday Kuzma hasn't played since suffering a left rib sprain during a Nov. 27 loss to the Clippers. Justin Champagnie should continue to see an increased role in Kuzma's absence, while the latter's next chance to suit up will come Saturday against the Knicks.
Grabs 10 boards Wednesday Achiuwa saw a handful of extra minutes in the win, with Karl-Anthony Towns picking up his fifth foul early in the final quarter. The additional playing time allowed Achiuwa to grab double-digit rebounds for just the third time this season. Although he is typically the first, and only, big off the bench, Achiuwa's role is relatively underwhelming given the Knicks run with a very shallow rotation.
Questionable for Thursday Miller has missed three straight games due to a left ankle sprain, but he was immediately ruled out for the prior two contests, so the questionable tag suggests the second-year wing is trending in the right direction. If he's cleared to play Thursday, Miller may face some restrictions.
Double-doubles in win Hart did his thing Wednesday, cobbling together another double-double, his ninth of the season. Following an underwhelming preseason, Hart hit the ground running once the regular season took off. Through the first 29 games, Hart is averaging 13.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.3 three-pointers in 36.8 minutes per contest.
Remains out Huff hasn't played since suffering an ankle injury during a Dec. 15 loss to the Lakers. His next chance to suit up will come Friday in New Orleans.
Dominates in Christmas day victory Bridges was on fire in the win, dropping a season-high 41 points as the Knicks held on for a hard-fought victory. After beginning the season poorly, Bridges appears to have settled in nicely over the past month. During that time he has averaged a healthy 20.9 points per game, adding 3.3 assists, 1.1 steals and 3.2 three-pointers. Assuming he can remain healthy, Bridges should be a key piece for the Knicks as they look to put together a deep playoff run.
Won’t play Thursday Smart will miss a second straight game due to a left index finger injury he suffered during Saturday's game against the Hawks. In his absence, Scotty Pippen, Luke Kennard and Jaylen Wells are candidates for a couple of extra minutes against Toronto.
Quiet in loss Wednesday Vassell delivered a somewhat quiet performance, continuing a modest run over the past couple of weeks. In that time he has averaged 14.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, 0.7 steals and 1.8 three-pointers in 30.6 minutes per game. Although his production has left a little to be desired, the fact he is now starting and playing upwards of 30 minutes per night shouldn't be overlooked. As he continues to get his legs under him, his production should come around, perhaps sooner rather than later.
Dealing with knee soreness Green may sit out the first half of a back-to-back set, which would be his third absence in December. If Green is sidelined, Jamal Cain and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl may be back in the rotation versus Houston.
Iffy for Thursday Murphy didn't finish Sunday's game against the Nuggets due to a left ankle injury and may be sidelined Thursday for the first time since Nov. 27. If Murphy can't play, Jordan Hawkins and Brandon Boston would be candidates for increased usage.
Flirts with double-double in loss Sochan continues to quietly put together a fantastic season, falling just one rebound short of another double-double. While his teammate, Victor Wembanyama, typically gets all the attention, Sochan's play is a big reason for the Spurs' success this season. Across 17 games, he is averaging 15.1 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.0 steals in 29.3 minutes per game.
Stellar again despite loss Wembanyama was magnificent in a beaten team, continuing to produce at an elite level despite his relative inexperience. After what some considered a slow start to the season, Wembanyama has been a one-man wrecking crew of late, averaging a mindblowing 28.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 4.4 blocks and 3.9 three-pointers per game over the past month. That's right, he's pretty good at basketball.
Ruled out for Thursday Poeltl will miss his fourth consecutive contest due to a groin sprains. His next opportunity to take the court comes Sunday versus Atlanta, but Toronto could opt to exercise caution with the big man given that both legs are dealing with fatigue.
Still out Thursday Brown is nearing his season debut after completing his recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery. However, he still needs to get fully ramped up before the Raptors give him the green light to play.
Questionable for Thursday Shead is at risk of missing his second consecutive game due to a right knee contusion. The rookie had ramped up to a season-high 33 minutes Dec. 22 versus Houston, and he's settling in as a consistent part of Toronto's backcourt with Immanuel Quickley (elbow) yet to play this season.
Returns to injury report Young has dealt with nagging heel/Achilles soreness throughout the past month, so his inclusion in Wednesday's injury report is not a major cause for alarm. That being said, his status will need to be monitored, especially with Atlanta having granted him days of rest in the past.
Out again Thursday Williams absence will extend to nine consecutive games due to his ongoing left knee sprain. He had ascended to a 25.0 minute per game roll across five starts prior to suffering this knee sprain, so he's a candidate to be a relevant part of Brooklyn's rotation when he is eventually cleared to return to action.
Won’t return Thursday Thomas is nearing a return to action, but he will not take the court to commence Brooklyn's back-to-back starting Thursday. Friday versus San Antonio is a possibility, although Brooklyn may look to manage his workload cautiously upon an eventual return.
Questionable for Thursday Finney-Smith is at risk of missing his third consecutive game due to a left calf contusion. He is joined by Ben Simmons (back) as questionable, while Cam Thomas (hamstring) and Ziaire Williams (knee) will remain out for Brooklyn.
Added to injury report Simmons' injury designation appears to be more maintenance related than indicative of an aggravation, but his status will need to monitored. Simmons has started four consecutive contests for Brooklyn, averaging 10.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 8.5 assists in 30.5 minutes per game over that span.
Unavailable Wednesday Drummond will miss his first contest since Dec. 4 due to a bruised left toe. Guerschon Yabusele will be utilized more frequently as a small-ball five, although Joel Embiid enters Wednesday's contest without an injury designation.
Will not play on Christmas Gordon was downgraded to questionable Wednesday morning and is ultimately unavailable for Wednesday's Christmas Day affair. He'll now have until Saturday against Utah to continue recovering from oral surgery.
Officially ruled out Depending on the severity of Doncic's calf, a multi-week to month-long absence could be expected. Doncic has dealt with five separate incidents of lower body injuries since training camp, which adds up to be taxing from a muscular compensation standpoint on his kinetic chain. He was ruled out mere minutes after suffering the aggravation, which will thrust Spencer Dinwiddie into a higher-usage role for Dallas.
Questionable for Thursday Turner represents the only member of Indiana's typical rotation to appear on Wednesday's injury report thus far. He has started 16 consecutive contests, but his status will nonetheless need to be monitored.
Limps to locker room Doncic entered Wednesday's contest dealing with a left heel contusion, and he had a non-contact aggravation of the same region while attempting to drive on Jaden McDaniels. While Doncic had no abnormal extension or force applied, the simple nature in which his injury occurred is similarly concerning.
Unavailable for Christmas Day Holiday will miss his first game since Dec. 4 due to a right shoulder impingement, with his next opportunity to take the court coming Friday versus Indiana. Holiday was sharp with 18 points, seven rebounds and seven assists on Christmas Day last year, but Boston's fully-healthy surrounding cast will look to take the torch Wednesday.
Good to go Wednesday White will suit up for a 10th consecutive contest despite dealing with right hamstring soreness Wednesday. Jrue Holiday (shoulder) is inactive, leaving White and Payton Pritchard as likely starters in Boston's backcourt.
Playing on Christmas Tatum and Derrick White (hamstring) have been cleared for action Wednesday, while Jrue Holiday (shoulder) is out. Tatum has been dealing with this illness since Sunday, but he'll look to follow-up on last year's Christmas performance which featured 25 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in a victory over the Lakers.
Questionable for Thursday Harris is dealing with a left hamstring strain and has not suited up for game action since Nov. 25. Thursday marks the start of a back-to-back for Orlando, so his usage would be likely limited if he's ultimately cleared to return.
Out again Thursday Richardson has not played since Nov. 18 due to heal inflammation, with his next opportunity to take the court coming Saturday versus Atlanta. Notably, being ruled out more than 24 hours in advance of Thursday's contest does not indicate that a return is on the horizon.
Questionable for Thursday Rozier is at risk of missing his second consecutive contest due to left knee inflammation. Jimmy Butler (conditioning/personal) is doubtful, while Josh Richardson (heel) has been ruled out, putting Miami's backcourt in flux.
Considered doubtful for Thursday Butler has been unavailable for Miami's past two contests, with a "return to competition" re-conditioning injury designation being tagged to him Wednesday. He continues to be mired in trade rumors as well, and it's unclear if he will travel to Orlando on Thursday. Terry Rozier (knee) is regarded as questionable for Thursday's game.
Dealing with illness Anderson was a late addition to the injury report on Christmas Day, which is never a good sign. He's been a healthy DNP in two of the Warriors' past four games, but in the other two matchups during that stretch, he recorded 14 points, five rebounds, five assists and two blocks in 37 minutes.
Suiting up Wednesday Hardy has been upgraded from questionable to available and will suit up for the first time since Dec. 5. Given the lengthy layoff and the fact the Mavericks are close to full strength, it's unclear how large of a role Hardy will have on Christmas Day. Over 21 appearances this season, Hardy has averaged 14.2 minutes per game.
Will play Wednesday As expected, Doncic has been upgraded from probable to available and will suit up on Christmas Day. After missing two games with a left heel contusion, Doncic returned to action Monday and posted 27 points (10-19 FG, 1-7 3Pt, 6-8 FT), seven rebounds, seven assists and one steal in 30 minutes during a blowout win over the Trail Blazers.
Downgraded to questionable Gordon missed Monday's game against the Spurs after undergoing minor surgery on the right side of his mouth, but he initially drew a probable tag for Wednesday, suggesting he'd return to action versus Boston. The veteran is now trending in the wrong direction, but he still has a chance to suit up.
