NBA Player News

Small is not in the Grizzlies' starting lineup against the Pacers on Sunday, Tony East of Forbes.com reports.

The rookie second-rounder made his first NBA start against the Warriors on Wednesday and was in the starting five in Friday's loss to the Mavericks, when he logged nine points, five assists, four rebounds, two steals and one three-pointer over 26 minutes. Small will return to the bench for Sunday's contest while the Grizzlies roll with a starting five of Walter Clayton, Scotty Pippen, GG Jackson, Jaylen Wells and Olivier-Maxence Prosper.

Clayton is in the starting lineup for Sunday's game against the Pacers, per Tony East of Forbes.com.

Clayton will slide into the starting five for Sunday's matchup, replacing fellow rookie Javon Small, who had started the Grizzlies' last two contests. This move comes as head coach Tuomas Iisalo continues to shuffle his backcourt, with Ty Jerome (thigh) officially ruled out and several other rotation pieces sidelined.

Wembanyama closed with 25 points (8-17 FG, 1-7 3Pt, 8-9 FT), 13 rebounds, two assists and four blocks in 34 minutes during Sunday's 114-89 loss to the Knicks.

In Wembanyama's last appearance at Madison Square Garden on Christmas Day 2024, the superstar center put on a show with a 42-point double-double in a close loss. He strung together another strong performance in New York on Sunday, but he was one of only three Spurs players to score in double digits in a blowout loss. Wembanyama continues to fill up box scores, but a concern of late has been his struggles from beyond the arc, as he's shot 8-for-40 (20.0 percent) from three-point range over his last seven outings. He has averaged 19.2 points, 12.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 4.3 blocks and 1.0 steals over 30.0 minutes per game since the All-Star break.

Jones will start Sunday's game against the Grizzlies, Tony East of Forbes.com reports.

The rookie second-rounder will get the starting nod due to Andrew Nembhard (back/neck) being sidelined. As a starter this season (five games), Jones has averaged 10.0 points, 6.2 assists and 3.8 rebounds in 33.2 minutes per contest.

Black (quadriceps) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Pistons.

Black was a late addition to the injury report due to a right quadriceps contusion and won't suit up Sunday. With the third-year guard sidelined, Tristan da Silva, Jevon Carter and Jett Howard are candidates to see increased playing time. Black's next opportunity to play will come Tuesday against the Wizards.

Johnson (hip) is available for Sunday's game against the Trail Blazers, Kevin Chouinard of the Hawks' official site reports.

Johnson has been given the green light to return from a one-game absence due to a left hip flexor injury. With Johnson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker (foot) both cleared to return, that should result in both Zaccharie Risacher and Jonathan Kuminga reverting to bench roles for Sunday's contest. Johnson averaged 25.0 points, 12.4 rebounds, 9.0 assists, 1.1 threes and 1.4 steals over 37.1 minutes per game in February.

Alexander-Walker (foot) is available for Sunday's game against the Trail Blazers, Kevin Chouinard of the Hawks' official site reports.

The veteran swingman has been cleared to return after a one-game absence due to a left foot sprain. He is expected to reclaim his spot in the starting lineup alongside Jalen Johnson (hip), who has also been upgraded to available.

James (foot) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Kings.

James is in danger of missing the second half of this back-to-back set due to arthritis in his left foot. If the superstar isn't cleared to suit up, Jake LaRavia, Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt would be candidates for increased roles. James played 28 minutes in Saturday's win over Golden State, posting 22 points (7-13 FG, 4-6 3Pt, 4-5 FT), nine assists, seven rebounds and one steal.

Hachimura (illness) is available to play Sunday against the Kings.

Hachimura is officially off the injury report and will return to action after a two-game absence due to an illness. He has been a consistent presence in the Lakers rotation this season, averaging 11.7 points and 3.4 rebounds in 29.5 minutes per game. The 28-year-old forward could see increased playing time Sunday if LeBron James (foot) is downgraded from questionable to out.

Brunson posted 24 points (7-16 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 6-7 FT), seven assists and four rebounds over 32 minutes during the Knicks' 114-89 win over the Spurs on Sunday.

Brunson played a key role in the Knicks' 26-2 run in the first quarter, with the All-Star point guard scoring 11 of his 24 points in the opening frame to finish as the team's second-leading scorer behind Mikal Bridges (25 points). Brunson has scored 20-plus points in five of six games since the All-Star break, and over that span he has averaged 23.8 points, 6.2 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 2.5 threes over 34.8 minutes per game while shooting 44.1 percent from deep.