Hayes will start Thursday's game against Portland, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 24-year-old big man hasn't played since Nov. 26 due to a right ankle injury, though he will enter the starting lineup Thursday with Anthony Davis (ankle) sidelined. Hayes will likely operate under a minutes restriction, meaning Dorian Finney-Smith and Christian Koloko are candidates for a bump in playing time.