NBA Player News

James (foot) is available for Tuesday's game against the Cavaliers, Trevor Lane of LakersNation.com reports.

It was thought that James could get Tuesday night off for injury maintenance, but the star forward will suit up after all. James is fresh off a triple-double Monday night against Washington, as he finished with 21 points, 10 rebounds, 12 assists and one block in 33 minutes.

Strus will start Tuesday's game against the Lakers.

With Sam Merrill (hamstring) sidelined, Strus will draw his first start of the season. Over six appearances this season, the 30-year-old forward is averaging 12.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 24.0 minutes per contest.

Jackson (ankle), who has already been ruled out for Tuesday's game against Portland, will be evaluated over the next several days before the Clippers determine a timetable for his return, Janis Carr of The Orange County Register reports.

Jackson will miss a second consecutive contest Tuesday after spraining his right ankle in Friday's win over Indiana. The big man can be considered week-to-week until the Clippers offer an update on his status. With Jackson sidelined, John Collins will likely continue to see increased minutes.

Gafford has been ruled out for the remainder of Tuesday's game against Milwaukee due to a right shoulder stinger. He'll finish with seven points (2-6 FG, 3-6 FT), four rebounds and one block across 11 minutes.

Gafford looked to be in significant discomfort as he made his way to the locker room, and the team announced shortly thereafter that he'll be shut down for the rest of the night. Dwight Powell and Moussa Cisse should see an uptick in minutes in Gafford's absence.

Gafford exited to the locker room during the second quarter of Tuesday's game against the Bucks after appearing to suffer a right arm injury, Eddie Sefko of the Mavericks' official site reports.

Gafford suffered the injury on a block attempt, and he wasn't able to move his right arm on his way off the court. He can be considered questionable to return until the Mavs have an official diagnosis for the big man.

Payton is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Spurs due to right knee injury management.

Payton could be held out of the front end of this back-to-back set, which would leave more minutes available for guys like Will Richard, Nate Williams and Seth Curry. Payton would likely see increased playing time if he's cleared to suit up due to De'Anthony Melton (thumb) being unavailable.

Post has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Spurs due to right foot injury management.

Post departed Sunday's matchup against Denver due to right foot soreness, though it's worth noting that he's been ruled out Wednesday due to right foot injury management, so this appears to be a precautionary decision. Draymond Green and Omer Yurtseven should be in line for increased opportunities at center with Post, Al Horford (calf) and Kristaps Porzingis (illness) all out.

Richard (heel) isn't listed on the injury report for Wednesday's game against the Spurs.

Richard is set to return from a one-game absence due to left heel soreness. The rookie second-rounder is a top candidate to enter the starting five due to De'Anthony Melton (thumb) and Kristaps Porzingis (illness) being sidelined.

Santos is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Spurs due to a right pelvic contusion.

Santos had a down night Sunday against the Nuggets, though it's unclear if this injury played a role in his sluggish performance. He'll presumably be monitored closely leading up to tipoff to determine whether he can take the court Wednesday evening.

Melton has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Spurs due to a left thumb strain.

The thumb injury is a new concern for Melton, whose next opportunity to suit up will come Thursday against Cleveland. Will Richard, Pat Spencer and Gary Payton (knee) are candidates for expanded roles in Melton's stead.