Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (back) seems to be nearing his return after picking up a questionable tag on the injury report ahead of Wednesday's game against the Detroit Pistons. The Austrian big man has been limited by a back issue throughout the season, and last saw action on Dec. 21. Toronto could really use Poeltl on Wednesday after losing Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb). However, given his lengthy absence, Poeltl may only see limited minutes on Wednesday night. In that case, the frontcourt will rely heavily on Sandro Mamukelashvili.

Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (knee) has been ruled out for Tuesday night's action against the San Antonio Spurs, ESPN's Dave McMenamin reports. Ayton was initially listed as questionable for the game. The Lakers will be extremely shorthanded for this game, with Luka Doncic (hamstring), LeBron James (foot), Austin Reaves (calf), and Marcus Smart (ankle) also out. Jaxson Hayes is set to take over the starting center role from Ayton, making his sixth start of the campaign. Previously, Hayes has averaged 10.6 points and 4.2 rebounds as a member of the first unit.

Toronto Raptors forward/center Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb) won't play on Wednesday night against the Detroit Pistons. The rookie big man aggravated a thumb injury in Sunday's win over Indiana and will be kept out of action through the All-Star break to allow proper healing. Jakob Poeltl (back) has been tagged as questionable on the injury report and could return on Wednesday. Still, even with the Austrian giant back in the mix, Sandro Mamukelashvili appears set for a busy night against the Eastern Conference leaders.

Brooklyn Nets center Nicolas Claxton (hip) could miss Wednesday's game against the Indiana Pacers after landing on the injury report with a questionable tag. Claxton was not listed on the initial injury report on Tuesday, but the team later added him because of right hip soreness. It would be a shame if Claxton had to sit out Wednesday's action, as he just posted a season-high 28 points on Monday night against Chicago. Day'Ron Sharpe's fantasy stock would get a big boost if Claxton gave up his starting spot to him on Wednesday. In three previous starts this season, Sharpe has averaged 12.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 2.3 steals.