NBA Player News

Vucevic will not return to Friday's game against the Mavericks due to a fractured right ring finger. He logged no counting stats across two minutes.

Vucevic exited to the locker room with 4:21 remaining in the opening quarter after a brief appearance, and it's now been revealed that he sustained a fractured finger. Luka Garza will likely help pick up the slack while Vucevic is sidelined.

Hart (back) is good to go for Friday's game in Denver, Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette reports.

Hart tweaked his back during Wednesday's loss to the Thunder, but he was able to play through it, and it looks like he'll continue to do so Friday evening. Hart is averaging 11.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.5 triples and 1.1 steals per game on the season.

Sheppard will start Friday's game against the Trail Blazers, Lachard Binkley of SI.com reports.

With Jabari Smith (ankle) sidelined for the second leg of this back-to-back set, Sheppard will enter the starting five. As a starter this season (nine games), the second-year guard has averaged 16.0 points, 4.9 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 3.3 combined steals-plus-blocks in 31.7 minutes per game.

Vucevic exited to the locker room in the first quarter of Friday's game against the Mavericks due to an apparent hand injury, Zack Cox of the Boston Herald reports.

Vucevic was seen getting his hand examined on the bench before exiting to the locker room after logging less than two minutes. The veteran center should be considered questionable to return until more information comes to light.

Smith (ankle) has been ruled out for Friday's game against Portland.

Smith will miss the second leg of this back-to-back set due to a right ankle sprain, and his next opportunity to play will come Sunday in San Antonio. With the 22-year-old forward sidelined, Reed Sheppard will likely return to the starting five, while Dorian Finney-Smith and Josh Okogie are also candidates to see increased playing time.

Hendricks (illness) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Saturday's game versus the Clippers.

Hendricks sat out Wednesday's loss to the Trail Blazers due to an illness, but he'll be back in action Saturday, which will likely result in fewer minutes for GG Jackson. Hendricks has been inconsistent in Memphis, but he could be worth a dart throw in deep leagues if you need some points and rebounds.

Gibson (reconditioning) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Clippers.

Gibson is still ramping up to make his Grizzlies debut after signing with Memphis on Feb. 26. His next opportunity to play will come Monday in Brooklyn.

Aldama (knee) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Clippers.

Aldama will miss a 13th straight game while recovering from a right knee injury that he was initially cleared from Tuesday before being downgraded to out. His next chance to play is Monday against the Nets, though an updated recovery timeline for the fifth-year pro has not been provided by the Grizzlies.

Coward (knee) isn't listed on the injury report for Saturday's game against the Clippers.

The rookie first-rounder missed Wednesday's loss to Portland -- the second leg of a back-to-back -- due to right knee injury management. However, he's set to return Saturday. His return to the lineup will leave fewer minutes available for the likes of Jahmai Mashack, Javon Small and Rayan Rupert. Coward has appeared in just one outing since the All-Star break, posting 15 points (4-8 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 5-5 FT), two rebounds, one assist, one block and one steal in 21 minutes off the bench during Tuesday's loss to Minnesota.

Jerome (calf) is not listed on the injury report ahead of Saturday's matchup with the Clippers.

Jerome is set to return from a maintenance day, so he should see his usual minutes in a starting role Saturday, which will likely result in Javon Small heading back to the second unit. There will also be fewer minutes available for Walter Clayton and Cam Spencer.