NBA Player News

Walker (concussion) won't return to Friday's game against the Clippers, Tony East of Forbes.com reports. He finished with five points (2-3 FG, 1-1 3Pt), one rebound and one assist in four minutes.

Walker landed hard on his head on a dunk attempt with 7:48 remaining in the first quarter and checked out of the game 11 seconds to be evaluated for a concussion. Indiana's decision to shut Walker down for the night likely indicates that he sustained a concussion, putting the third-year forward in jeopardy of missing the Pacers' next game Sunday versus the Pacers. Kobe Brown started the second half in Walker's place, and both Brown and Jalen Slawson could be in line for extra playing time if Walker ends up missing further action.

Highsmith (knee) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Jazz.

Highsmith will miss a fifth consecutive contest due to right knee injury management, and his next opportunity to play will come Monday in Memphis. Ryan Dunn and Rasheer Fleming are candidates for increased minutes in Highsmith's stead.

Dunn (groin) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Saturday's game against the Jazz.

Dunn is set to return after a one-game absence, but with Grayson Allen back, it could be tough for Dunn to find meaningful run. Dunn is averaging 5.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game this season.

Garland (lower leg) will start the second half of Friday's game against the Pacers, Lauren Rosen of FanDuel Sports Network SoCal reports.

Garland exited to the locker room late in the second quarter after appearing to step on a camera operator's foot. However, the 26-year-old point guard has been cleared to return for the second half.

Coffey (ankle) won't play Saturday versus the Jazz.

This will be Coffey's fourth consecutive game on the inactive list, and with Monday's meeting with Memphis being the first of a back-to-back set, he should be considered doubtful for that one. Coffey isn't a large enough part of the rotation in Phoenix for his playing status to impact fantasy leagues.

Williams (foot) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Jazz.

Williams will miss a 13th straight game due to a stress reaction in the third metatarsal of his left foot. The big man has yet to advance to 5-on-5 work, so he can be considered doubtful for Monday's game against the Grizzlies until Phoenix offers an update on his progress.

Middleton (illness) won't play in Friday's game against Portland.

Middleton wasn't listed on the injury report throughout the day. However, he popped up due to an illness, subsequently ruling him out. His next chance to play will be Monday against the Timberwolves. While Middleton is out, Klay Thompson should receive all the minutes he can handle off the bench.

Brooks (hand) will remain on the inactive list for Saturday's game versus the Jazz.

Brooks hasn't played since Feb. 21, and he continues to get ruled out a full day in advance of tipoff, suggesting he's still not close. Until the Suns provide an update on Brooks' rehab progress, he should be considered doubtful for future contests.

Garland exited to the locker room in the second quarter of Friday's game against the Pacers due to an apparent left lower-leg injury, Farbod Esnaashari of SI.com reports.

Garland appeared to step on a camera operator's foot late in the second quarter. He briefly played through the issue before exiting to the locker room, and he can be considered questionable to return until more information comes to light.

Walter will start Friday's game against New Orleans, according to Esfandiar Baraheni of The Athletic.

With Immanuel Quickley (foot) out, Jamal Shead most recently got the start in Wednesday's 119-94 loss to the Clippers. However, Shead will head to the bench for this one, with Walter entering the starting lineup. The 21-year-old has started 12 times this season, averaging 8.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.3 blocks and 0.9 steals in those appearances.