NBA Player News

Porzingis (knee) is out for Tuesday's game versus the Kings.

With Porzingis out, Charles Bassey will have the chance for some extended run, while Malevy Leons might be able to get back into the rotation. For now, Porzingis should be considered questionable for Thursday's meeting with the Lakers, which will be the first game of a back-to-back set.

Head coach JJ Redick said that Smart (ankle) had a "great day on the court" Tuesday and that he's "trending" toward being able to return within the next three games, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports.

Smart will miss his eighth straight game Tuesday, but it sounds like he's hopeful to get back to the floor before the regular season ends Sunday. Thursday's game against the Warriors will be the first of a back-to-back set, so that one seems unlikely, but perhaps he'll be able to get back out there for Friday's match with the Suns.

Okoro won't return to Tuesday's game against the Wizards due to a left quadriceps contusion, K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network reports. He'll finish with 11 points (4-7 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), four rebounds, two assists and one steal in 16 minutes.

Okoro was able to finish the first half but won't return during the second. His next chance to suit up will come in Thursday's rematch against the Wizards. With the 25-year-old wing unavailable, Patrick Williams will likely help pick up the slack the rest of the way.

Brown won't return to Tuesday's game against the Timberwolves due to lower-back soreness, Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star reports. He'll finish with two points (1-2 FG, 0-1 3Pt), five rebounds and one assist across 16 minutes.

Brown drew the start and finished the first half, though he won't return during the second due to the back issue. His next chance to play will come Thursday in Brooklyn. Jalen Slawson started the second half and should help pick up the slack for the remainder of Tuesday's contest.

Mbeng will start Tuesday's game against New Orleans.

Mbeng didn't play in Sunday's 146-111 loss to Oklahoma City. However, not only will he play Tuesday, but he will also re-enter the starting lineup for the first time since the 133-110 loss to the Wizards on March 25. In three starts this season, the 23-year-old has averaged 9.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 0.3 blocks and 1.3 steals across 40.0 minutes.

Looney will start Tuesday against the Jazz.

Joining Looney in the first unit for Tuesday's game will be Jeremiah Fears, Jordan Poole, Micah Peavy and Derik Queen. Across six starts this season, Looney has posted averages of 2.8 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.

Poole will start Tuesday's game against Utah.

Poole will get the start for the first time in three months. In six starts during the campaign, the 26-year-old has averaged 18.0 points, 1.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 0.2 blocks and 0.7 steals across 33.7 minutes.

Peavy will start Tuesday's game against the Jazz.

Zion Williamson, Saddiq Bey and Herbert Jones will all dress but are not expected to play Tuesday, opening the door for Peavy to make his second career start. The rookie second-rounder's lone start came in a loss to Atlanta on Nov. 22, during which he contributed four points, three rebounds and one assist across 27 minutes.

Queen is in the starting lineup for Tuesday's matchup with the Jazz.

Queen should get all the run he can handle with Yves Missi (hand) out and Zion Williamson and Saddiq Bey not expected to play. Additionally, Queen will make for an attractive target in daily leagues with a favorable matchup against Utah. As a starter this season, Queen owns averages of 12.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.0 blocks per contest.

Smith will start Tuesday versus Milwaukee, C.J. Holmes of the New York Daily News reports.

Smith will replace Jalen Wilson in the first unit for Tuesday's game, and this will be Smith's first start of the season. Per 36 minutes, Smith is averaging 13.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 2.1 triples and 2.0 steals per contest.