New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau says forward Josh Hart (knee) is out and will miss his first game of the season on Thursday versus the Washington Wizards. Hart is day-to-day with left knee patellar tendinopathy, with Thursday's outing being the second leg of New York's back-to-back set. The 28-year-old swingman targets a return for Saturday's Atlantic Division clash with the Toronto Raptors. Hart corralled 14 rebounds in Wednesday's win over the Houston Rockets and has a defined sixth-man role in the Knicks' rotation despite sitting outside the top 150 in category fantasy leagues. Donte DiVincenzo should have a longer leash in Thibodeau's starting five on Thursday, while Quentin Grimes and Miles McBride will have a chance at expanded roles from the second unit.

Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle says Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) won't return to action against the Sacramento Kings on Thursday. Though Haliburton will miss a revenge-game shot versus his former team, a return on Thursday may have been wishful thinking. As of Jan. 9, the Pacers anticipated that Haliburton's Grade 1 hamstring strain would sideline him for at least two weeks. Indiana is back in action on a short turnaround against the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday, so the All-Star floor general's status doesn't have much time to improve. T.J. McConnell's minutes haven't grown in Haliburton's absence as some fantasy managers may have hoped for, but Bruce Brown is now out of the mix after Wednesday's trade. Andrew Nembhard (spine), Bennedict Mathurin (ankle), and Aaron Nesmith (shin) are all questionable, so McConnell and Buddy Hield could dominate backcourt minutes on Thursday.

Dallas Mavericks point guard Luka Doncic put together a big comeback performance on Wednesday against the Lakers, returning to the lineup with a triple-double. Dallas struggled and went down 127-110 in Los Angeles, but Doncic had fun all night and piled up 33 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists. He logged 36 minutes and also had an impact on the defensive end with two steals and two blocks. Doncic shot only 2-for-9 from downtown but nailed a solid 12-for-24 from the field overall. Tim Hardaway Jr. and Kyrie Irving, who carried the Mavericks offense during Doncic's absence, both struggled on Wednesday, shooting a combined 9-for-33 from the field.

Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (calf) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against Sacramento. He couldn't practice on Wednesday due to a left calf strain, and it looks like Toppin might have to skip his first game of the season. The 25-year-old is enjoying a decent debut campaign in Indianapolis, averaging 11.6 points with 4.0 rebounds. With Pascal Siakam not yet available for the team, Jalen Smith will likely be in for a very busy night, and Jarace Walker could have a role to play, especially if Aaron Nesmith (shin) can't return to the lineup.

Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (shin) is regarded as questionable for Thursday's matchup against Sacramento. He's already been out for two games with a left shin issue and might have to sit again. Nesmith had made 10 consecutive starts before landing on the shelf. Bennedict Mathurin (ankle) could land in the starting unit in Nesmith's absence on Thursday, although he's also considered questionable for the game.