NBA Injury News & Starting Lineups (April 22): Anthony Davis, Joel Embiid Expected to Play Thursday

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.

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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.