NBA Player News

Coward (knee) won't start against Minnesota on Tuesday.

Coward is available to play following a seven-game absence due to a right knee sprain, though he'll come off the bench and will presumably operate under a minutes restriction. Over his last 10 outings, the rookie first-rounder has averaged 10.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 25.2 minutes per game.

Small (two-way) will be inactive for Tuesday's game against the Timberwolves.

With Cedric Coward (knee) and Ty Jerome (thigh) returning Tuesday following multi-game absences, Memphis will opt to hold out Small and fellow two-way player Jahmai Mashack in an effort to preserve their availability. Small had appeared in each of the Grizzlies' first six games following the All-Star break, averaging 13.2 points, 4.5 assists, 4.2 rebounds, 2.2 three-pointers and 1.5 steals in 25.5 minutes per contest while shooting 51.1 percent from the field. After Tuesday's contest, Small will be eligible to suit up for 21 of the Grizzlies' remaining 22 games, so his availability shouldn't be much of an issue moving forward.

Clayton will come off the bench Tuesday against the Timberwolves.

Clayton drew a spot start Sunday and fared well by dishing out 14 assists, but he'll return to the bench Tuesday due to Ty Jerome being cleared to play. Clayton has scored in double figures in just two of his last 14 appearances as a reserve.

Aldama is out for Tuesday's game against the Timberwolves due to right knee injury management.

Aldama was initially cleared to take the court Tuesday, but Memphis has since downgraded him to out less than 30 minutes before tipoff. Olivier-Maxence Prosper should remain in the starting lineup with Aldama set to miss at least one additional matchup.

Joe will start against the Bulls on Tuesday, Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman reports.

With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) unavailable for the front end of this back-to-back set, Joe will get the starting nod. As a starter this season (six games), the 26-year-old guard has averaged 12.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.5 steals across 28.8 minutes per tilt.

Grimes is starting Tuesday's game against the Spurs, Austin Krell of OnPattison.com reports.

Grimes will step into the starting lineup for Kelly Oubre, who is out Tuesday due to an illness. Grimes has seen substantial work off the bench of late, averaging 26.4 minutes in his last 10 appearances, and he could see an increase in his workload against San Antonio with Philly playing shorthanded.

Aldama (knee) will play Tuesday against Minnesota.

The team reported shortly before tipoff that Aldama was trending in the right direction, and he's since been given the green light to suit up for the first time since Feb. 4. It's unclear whether the Grizzlies will elect to slot him right back into the starting lineup or if they'll take a more conservative approach by deploying him off the bench considering his somewhat lengthy absence.

Coward (knee) is available for Tuesday's game against the Timberwolves.

Coward will shed his questionable tag and return from a seven-game absence due to a right knee sprain. With the rookie first-rounder back in action, Cam Spencer and Walter Clayton could see fewer minutes. Coward has averaged 10.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 25.2 minutes per game over his last 10 appearances.

Jerome (thigh) has been cleared to play in Tuesday's game against Minnesota.

As expected, Jerome will return to the court Tuesday after missing a pair of matchups while tending to a bruised thigh. He'll draw the start at point guard in his ninth appearance of the 2025-26 campaign.

Sharpe isn't in the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against the Heat, Sharif Phillips-Keaton of USA Today reports.

Sharpe drew a spot start at center Sunday with Nic Claxton (thumb) out of commission, but that'll change Tuesday with Claxton returning to play. Sharpe will return to a bench role and hasn't logged more than 19 minutes in his previous four appearances as a reserve, presumably limiting his upside in Miami.