March 12, 2026
Chicago Bulls forward
Patrick Williams (ankle) has been downgraded from doubtful to out for Thursday's contest against the Los Angeles Lakers. Williams was trending in the wrong direction throughout the day, having been listed as questionable on the initial injury report. The 24-year-old hasn't been able to build any momentum this season and will be sidelined for the sixth time in seven games. Chicago begins a back-to-back set, and it's unclear whether Williams will be in contention to play on Friday against the Clippers.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 12, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers forward
LeBron James (foot, hip) will return to action on Thursday night against the Chicago Bulls, ESPN's Dave McMenamin reports. The veteran superstar has dealt with several health issues recently, missing three games.
Rui Hachimura has been a starter during James' absence and will likely drop back to the bench for Thursday's tilt. James had a 24-point outing in his first meeting with the Bulls this season. He has averaged 19.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 1.1 steals since making his 22nd All-Star appearance.
--Taavi PailkSource: Dave McMenamin
March 12, 2026
Chicago Bulls forward/center
Guerschon Yabusele (foot) will miss Thursday's encounter with the Los Angeles Lakers. He has been ruled out for the contest after being downgraded to doubtful on the injury report earlier on Thursday. Meanwhile,
Jalen Smith (calf) has been cleared to play and will anchor the frontcourt with
Nick Richards. Bulls head coach Billy Donovan has already announced that Smith is likely to be held out of Friday's matchup with the Clippers, which would allow Yabusele to take on a significant role again if he's ready to return.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 12, 2026
Chicago Bulls forward
Matas Buzelis (ankle) will suit up on Thursday against the Los Angeles Lakers. Due to an ankle injury, Buzelis was initially listed as probable for the game. The 21-year-old sophomore is fresh off a career night against the Warriors and should be full of confidence ahead of Thursday's matchup. Since the All-Star break, Buzelis has produced averages of 19.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 12, 2026
Chicago Bulls guard
Josh Giddey (ankle) has received the green light to play on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Lakers. He was listed as probable on the initial injury report. Despite dealing with a right ankle sprain, Giddey logged 43 minutes in Tuesday's overtime against Golden State, so he doesn't appear to be limited in any way. Giddey produced a 21-13-17 line against the Warriors and will head out for his third consecutive triple-double on Thursday.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 12, 2026
Chicago Bulls forward/center
Jalen Smith (calf) has been upgraded from questionable to available for Thursday's matchup against the Lakers. Smith recently logged 12 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, one block, and two 3-pointers in 34 minutes as a starter and should continue seeing meaningful frontcourt minutes if his workload remains intact. His availability could cut into
Nick Richards' playing time, lowering Richards' short-term streaming appeal. Smith's mix of boards, blocks, and some floor spacing keeps him on the radar as a deeper league hold, especially if he continues to see stable playing time.
--Brian DailisanSource: K.C. Johnson
March 12, 2026
Golden State Warriors guard/forward
Moses Moody (wrist) will be out for a fifth straight game on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Warriors announced earlier this week that Moody has resumed on-court activities. According to head coach Steve Kerr, the 23-year-old could be an option during the team's upcoming six-game road trip, which begins on Sunday in New York.
Gary Payton II and
Will Richard will continue to enjoy extra playing time until Moody returns.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 12, 2026
Chicago Bulls guard
Collin Sexton (leg) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Lakers after initially being listed as questionable due to a left leg injury. His absence should continue to open minutes for
Tre Jones, who delivered 22 points, five assists, four rebounds, one steal, and two 3-pointers across 34 minutes off the bench in the last game. Second-year guard
Rob Dillingham also saw 20 minutes with five points and four assists, making him a deeper league streamer. Jones profiles as the safer short-term fantasy play, while Dillingham remains a riskier upside option.
--Brian DailisanSource: K.C. Johnson
March 12, 2026
Golden State Warriors center
Quinten Post (foot) is listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Dutch big man is managing a foot injury and could be out for the third time in four games. Post has delivered some fine performances during his sophomore campaign, but the Warriors won't miss him as long as
Al Horford and
Kristaps Porzingis are healthy. Both veterans are expected to play on Friday night.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 12, 2026
Golden State Warriors guard
De'Anthony Melton (adductor) is questionable to play on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Melton has been a regular on the injury report this season while managing a knee injury, but he has now hurt his left adductor muscle. This issue could sideline him for a second consecutive game.
Will Richard started in Melton's absence on Tuesday against Chicago and may keep his spot for Friday's game. The 23-year-old rookie had eight points, four rebounds, one assist, and three steals in an overtime defeat.
Pat Spencer, who contributed 17 points and six assists, and
Gary Payton II, who had a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double, are also in a position to see more action without Melton.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 12, 2026
New York Knicks guard/forward
Josh Hart (knee) is considered questionable for Friday's tilt against the Indiana Pacers. He is bothered by a sore left knee and missed Wednesday's win over Utah after being questionable. It remains to be seen whether the same happens on Friday night. While
Landry Shamet moved into the first unit to replace Hart,
Jordan Clarkson benefited the most from his absence against Utah. He reappeared as a regular in the rotation and popped off for a season-high 27 points against his former team. Shamet had a quiet night with seven points, three rebounds, four assists, and one steal.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 12, 2026
Brooklyn Nets center
Day'Ron Sharpe (thumb) will miss the rest of the season after being diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb that requires surgery. Sharpe had carved out a steady reserve role, averaging 8.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 steals across 62 appearances.
Danny Wolf should see the biggest opportunity increase after posting 13 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and two blocks in 28 minutes last game.
Josh Minott and
Chaney Johnson could also see deeper rotation minutes, though both profile as risky deep-league streamers.
--Brian DailisanSource: Erik Slater
March 12, 2026
New York Knicks forward/center
Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) is listed as questionable for Friday's meeting with the Indiana Pacers. The six-time All-Star has landed on the injury report with bilateral knee soreness. If Towns sits out the action, the Knicks are expected to promote
Mitchell Robinson to the starting lineup. While moving into the first unit would boost Robinson's fantasy appeal, he has averaged only 3.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in 19.1 minutes as a starter this season.
Ariel Hukporti's role would also increase if Towns doesn't play.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 12, 2026
Utah Jazz guard
Keyonte George (hamstring) is out for Friday's game against the Trail Blazers after suffering a right hamstring strain during Wednesday's loss to the Knicks. With Utah likely to be cautious this late in the season, George could remain sidelined beyond one game.
Isaiah Collier should see an expanded role after posting nine points, two rebounds, five assists, and one 3-pointer in 19 minutes last game. With fantasy playoffs already underway in many leagues, Collier is trending toward must-roster status.
Brice Sensabaugh and
Ace Bailey could also see modest usage bumps.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 12, 2026
San Antonio Spurs forward
Harrison Barnes (ankle) will rejoin the lineup on Thursday against the Denver Nuggets. The veteran made 364 consecutive appearances before missing the last five games due to an ankle problem. Barnes might have extra responsibilities on Thursday with
Victor Wembanyama (ankle) out of the lineup, though he will once again come off the bench. As a reserve, Barnes has averaged 7.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
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