Below are the projected starting lineups for each team playing on Thursday's NBA slate, along with notable injury news for each squad. For real-time updates to these lineups, check out our Action Labs NBA lineups page.
NBA Injury News
Anthony Davis said he plans to make his return to the lineup for the Los Angeles Lakers as long as he feels good Thursday morning. Davis went through full-contact work as part of a full practice on Wednesday and told reporters, "I feel 100 percent healthy." He's expected to be limited to around 15 minutes initially as he builds up his conditioning following an extended layoff.
Joel Embiid said he plans to play Thursday on the second night of a back-to-back for the Philadelphia 76ers. He appeared to tweak his knee during Wednesday's loss and said he wasn't even supposed to play heading in. Embiid added that he's "not in the best physical shape at this point," but feels obligated to play given how banged up the Sixers are at the moment. Ben Simmons, Tobias Harris and Seth Curry all sat out on Wednesday night and are questionable for Thursday.
The Boston Celtics have both of their wing players listed on the injury report in advance of Thursday. Jaylen Brown is doubtful with a shoulder injury, Jayson Tatum is questionable with an ankle injury. Kemba Walker is probable and Marcus Smart is available to play, but Evan Fournier and Robert Williams remain out.
Be sure to check the Action Labs NBA page for real time updates.
Projected Starting Lineups
Phoenix Suns vs. Boston Celtics (7 p.m. ET)
Suns Projected Lineup
PG – Chris Paul
SG – Devin Booker
SF – Mikal Bridges
PF – Jae Crowder
C – Deandre Ayton
Injury news: Jae Crowder (Ankle) is questionable; Abdel Nader (Knee) is doubtful
Celtics Projected Lineup
PG – Kemba Walker
SG – Marcus Smart
SF – Semi Ojeleye
PF – Jayson Tatum
C – Tristan Thompson
Injury news: Kemba Walker (Illness) is probable; Jayson Tatum (Ankle) is questionable; Jaylen Brown (Shoulder) is doubtful; Evan Fournier (COVID Protocols) and Robert Williams (Knee) are out
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Orlando Magic (7 p.m. ET)
Pelicans Projected Lineup
PG – Lonzo Ball
SG – Eric Bledsoe
SF – Brandon Ingram
PF – Zion Williamson
C – Steven Adams
Injury news: James Johnson (Adductor) is doubtful
Magic Projected Lineup
PG – Cole Anthony
SG – Gary Harris
SF – James Ennis
PF – Chuma Okeke
C – Wendell Carter Jr.
Injury news: Terrence Ross (Back) and James Ennis (Calf) are questionable
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Milwaukee Bucks (7 p.m. ET)
76ers Projected Lineup
PG – Ben Simmons
SG – Seth Curry
SF – Danny Green
PF – Tobias Harris
C – Joel Embiid
Injury news: Joel Embiid (Knee) is probable; Tobias Harris (Knee), Seth Curry (Rest) and Ben Simmons (Illness) are questionable
Bucks Projected Lineup
PG – Jrue Holiday
SG – Donte DiVincenzo
SF – Khris Middleton
PF – Giannis Antetokounmpo
C – Brook Lopez
Injury news: Nothing new
Detroit Pistons vs. San Antonio Spurs (8:30 p.m. ET)
Piston Projected Lineup
PG – Cory Joseph
SG – Josh Jackson
SF – Saddiq Bey
PF – Jerami Grant
C – Mason Plumlee
Injury news: Rodney McGruder (Elbow) and Dennis Smith Jr. (Knee) are doubtful
Spurs Projected Lineup
PG – Dejounte Murray
SG – Derrick White
SF – DeMar DeRozan
PF – Keldon Johnson
C – Jakob Poeltl
Injury news: Trey Lyles (Ankle) is doubtful
Charlotte Hornets vs. Chicago Bulls (9 p.m. ET)
Hornets Projected Lineup
PG – Devonte' Graham
SG – Terry Rozier
SF – Jalen McDaniels
PF – Miles Bridges
C – Vernon Carey
Injury news: Nothing new
Bulls Projected Lineup
PG – Coby White
SG – Garrett Temple
SF – Patrick Williams
PF – Daniel Theis
C – Nikola Vucevic
Injury news: Zach LaVine (COVID Protocols) is out; Troy Brown Jr. (Ankle) is doubtful
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks (9:30 p.m. ET)
Lakers Projected Lineup
PG – Dennis Schroder
SG – Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
SF – Kyle Kuzma
PF – Anthony Davis
C – Andre Drummond
Injury news: Markieff Morris (Ankle), Anthony Davis (Calf), Andre Drummond (Toe) and Dennis Schroder (Foot) are probable; Marc Gasol (Finger) is questionable
Mavericks Projected Lineup
PG – Luka Doncic
SG – Josh Richardson
SF – Dorian Finney-Smith
PF – Kristaps Porzingis
C – Dwight Powell
Injury news: Kristaps Porzingis (Rest) and Maxi Kleber (Back) are questionable
Phan’s Bet to Watch
As of 9:30 a.m. ET, Justin Phan isn't seeing betting value in any games. To get instant alerts when he sees an edge and his analysis on those picks, sign up for Action Labs.
