NBA Player News

Strus posted 29 points (10-14 FG, 8-11 3Pt, 1-2 FT), eight rebounds and one assist over 23 minutes during the Cavaliers' 149-128 win over the Heat on Friday.

Strus helped the Cavaliers build a commanding lead early on, scoring 22 of his game-high 29 points in the first half. It was the third time in his NBA career that he connected on eight triples, and he was one shy from tying a career high he set Jan. 31, 2022, also against Miami. Friday's contest demonstrated Strus' value to the team, especially in games where either one or both of Donovan Mitchell and James Harden struggle from the field.

Saraf will come off the bench for Friday's game against the Lakers, Ryan Ward of SI.com reports.

Nolan Traore will replace Saraf in the first unit for Friday's game. As a reserve this season, Saraf has averaged 6.8 points, 3.0 assists and 1.0 steals per game.

Hayes won't start Friday's game against the Nets, Ryan Ward of SI.com reports.

With Deandre Ayton (back) returning to the lineup, Hayes will retreat to the second unit. The big man has averaged 5.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.0 blocks across 17.0 minutes per game over his last five appearances off the bench.

Mann will come off the bench in Friday's game versus the Lakers, Ryan Ward of SI.com reports.

Noah Clowney is back and starting, so Mann will retreat to the second unit. As a reserve this season, Mann owns averages of 6.1 points, 1.6 assists and 1.0 three-pointers per game.

Murray-Boyles won't return to Friday's game against the Pelicans due to back spasms, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports. He'll finish with nine points (3-5 FG, 3-4 FT), two rebounds and one block across 12 minutes.

Murray-Boyles won't play in the second half, opening the door for Sandro Mamukelashvili and Jonathan Mogbo to take on additional minutes the rest of the way. Murray-Boyles' next opportunity to play will come Sunday against the Magic.

Barrett (shoulder) has returned for the second half of Friday's game against the Pelicans, Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca reports.

Barrett left toward the end of the second quarter after injuring his left shoulder, but the veteran forward was given the green light to return to Friday's game. Barrett closed the first half with 10 points, four rebounds and three assists over 16 minutes.

Barrett exited to the locker room in the second quarter of Friday's game against the Pelicans due to an apparent left shoulder issue, Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Barrett exited to the locker room with 1:39 remaining in the second quarter after getting tangled up with Zion Williamson while fighting for a rebound. If Barrett is unable to return in the second half, Jamal Shead and Jamison Battle will likely help pick up the slack.

Richard will start Friday's game against Washington, according to Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area.

De'Anthony Melton (knee) is taking the night off, so Richard will move back into the starting lineup. The 23-year-old has started 19 times this season, averaging 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.2 blocks and 1.4 steals in those appearances.

Riley won't start Friday's game against the Warriors.

With Tre Johnson (foot) returning to the lineup following a three-game absence, Riley will retreat to the second unit. The 20-year-old out of Illinois has averaged 15.2 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 29.2 minutes per contest over his last five outings off the bench.

Jackson won't return to Friday's game against Indiana due to a right ankle injury, Lauren Rosen of FanDuel Sports Network SoCal reports. He finished with four points (2-2 FG, 0-2 FT) and four rebounds across 14 minutes.

After exiting with 8:49 remaining in the fourth quarter to get his ankle evaluated, Jackson ended up being shut down for the remainder of the night. The Clippers should have another update regarding the severity of Jackson's injury after the game, but for now, his availability for Sunday's game in Milwaukee is up in the air.