NBA Player News

The Hornets exercised the third-year team option on Liam McNeeley on Sunday.

McNeeley was the 29th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Since then, the 21-year-old has appeared in 34 regular-season games, averaging 4.0 points, 2.4 rebounds and 0.7 assists in 11.4 minutes. He has not been a factor early in the 2026-27 campaign, playing just 6.3 mpg across his three outings so far.

Tatum (head) returned to Sunday's game against Orlando, Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe reports.

Tatum bumped heads with Jamal Cain in the first quarter and went to the locker room to address bleeding from his head. He's back on the floor, though his condition is certainly worth monitoring the rest of the way.

Awaka (ankle) is probable for Monday's game against Philadelphia.

Awaka played 12 minutes during Friday's 125-111 loss to the Celtics after missing one game with the ankle issue. The rookie big man will continue to provide depth off the bench for the Bulls behind Jalen Smith.

Tatum (head) exited Sunday's game against the Magic, Bobby Krivitsky of Forbes.com reports.

Tatum bumped heads with Jamal Cain late in the first quarter and exited for further medical treatment. For now, he should be considered questionable to return. If Tatum can't get back on the floor Sunday, Sam Hauser could see more minutes the rest of the way.

The Hornets exercised Knueppel's (hamstring) third-year team option on Sunday.

Knueppel has yet to play in 2026-27 while dealing with a left hamstring injury, but it's clear he's one of Charlotte's foundational pieces going forward. Across 81 games (80 starts) as a rookie, Knueppel averaged 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 3.4 three-pointers in 31.5 minutes, helping him finish second in Rookie of the Year voting.

Claxton (hamstring) is listed as doubtful for Monday's game against Philadelphia.

Claxton hasn't played this season. The former Net recently logged a full practice Sunday, and while he's moving in the right direction, he likely won't make his debut with Chicago on Monday. Assuming Claxton doesn't play against the 76ers, Jalen Smith (finger), who is probable, will presumably remain in the starting lineup at the five.

Williams (foot) is out for Sunday's game against the Raptors.

Williams will now miss his third consecutive outing as he recovers from a left foot injury. Jake LaRavia is in line for a second straight start, while Quentin Grimes and Sandro Mamukelashvili should continue to see an uptick in minutes off the bench.

Murray (personal) is not listed on the injury report for Monday's game against Memphis.

Murray has missed the last two games due to the birth of his son. However, he will be back in action Monday night versus the Grizzlies. As a result, Herbert Jones will presumably return to the bench.

Capela (ankle) is questionable to play in Monday's game against the Celtics.

Capela is dealing with a sprained right ankle that has him questionable to suit up versus Boston. With Steven Adams (calf) already ruled out, Oscar Tshiebwe would likely absorb backup minutes behind Alperen Sengun if Capela is sidelined.

Sheppard (back) is questionable for Monday's game against the Celtics.

Sheppard is in danger of missing his fourth game of the 2026-27 campaign. With Fred VanVleet (knee) not listed on the injury report, Marcus Smart could continue to be more involved than usual if Sheppard can't suit up Monday.