NBA Player News

Nance (illness) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Hawks.

Including Nance, the Pacers have ruled out 10 players ahead of Monday's contest. Kobe Brown and Jarace Walker should see heavy workloads with the club shorthanded.

Toppin (back) will dress for Monday's game against Hawks but will only play in an emergency, Tony East of Forbes.com reports.

Toppin has missed the last two games while dealing with a lumbar strain, and the only reason he's dressing Monday is in the event of an emergency, as the Pacers are down to eight active players (including Toppin). Jay Huff, Kelly Oubre, Kobe Brown, Jarace Walker and Jalen Slawson will be tasked with eating up minutes in the frontcourt with Toppin, Ivica Zubac (ankle) and Larry Nance (illness) sidelined.

Barlow (back) has been on the court "a little bit" and will be re-evaluated Tuesday, Austin Krell of OnPattison.com reports.

The Sixers are hoping for positive news so they can progress Barlow's workouts. The big man has yet to make his season debut due to a lumbar spine bone stress response.

Smith will start Monday's game against the Hawks, Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star reports.

The Pacers will be extremely shorthanded in the second half of this back-to-back set, opening the door for Smith to make his first career start. The two-way player has logged double-digit minutes just once this season, but the Pacers will need him to take on a heavy workload Monday.

Alvarado (ankle) is available for Monday's game against the Nets, Ian Begley of SportsNet New York reports.

Alvarado will shed his questionable tag and suit up for the first time since Oct. 23. His return from a four-game absence will likely mean fewer opportunities for Tyler Kolek and Jordan Clarkson off the Knicks' bench.

Johnson (ankle) has been ruled out for Monday's game versus Indiana.

Johnson exited Saturday's loss to the Pelicans with a left ankle sprain and will sit out Monday's contest. The star forward's next chance to suit up will come Wednesday against the Wizards. In the meantime, Aaron Wiggins, Luguentz Dort and Asa Newell are candidates for increased playing time.

White will come off the bench and have his minutes monitored during Monday's game against Detroit, Owen O'Connor of SI.com reports.

White has been cleared to make his season debut after missing time with a calf injury, but the Hornets will take a cautious approach as he gets back up to speed. Expect Dennis Schroder to remain in the starting five Monday as a result.

Cardwell (calf) has been downgraded to doubtful for Monday's game against Dallas.

Cardwell's status has changed multiple times, though it now appears likely he won't be making his season debut Monday. His absence would leave additional minutes open for Jonathan Mogbo.

Smith (finger) is active for Monday's game against Philadelphia.

As expected, Smith will suit up versus the 76ers. He's averaging 12.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.0 blocks in 24.2 minutes across six outings so far this season. With Nic Claxton (hamstring) still sidelined, Smith is likely to continue starting for the Bulls.

Awaka (ankle) is active for Monday's game against the 76ers.

Awaka was probable to suit up versus Philadelphia with a sprained left ankle, but he's going to play through it for the second straight contest. He'll provide center depth on the bench behind starter Jalen Smith (finger), although Awaka isn't expected to see much playing time.