NBA Player News

Smart (ankle) isn't in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Suns, Ryan Ward of SI.com reports.

Smart missed the last nine games because of an ankle injury. It remains to be seen when Smart will return to the first unit, and Rui Hachimura will remain in the starting lineup against the Suns.

Daniels totaled 13 points (6-10 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 1-2 FT), 10 rebounds, 12 assists and two steals in 29 minutes during Friday's 124-102 win over the Cavaliers.

Daniels recorded his second triple-double of the season, helping Atlanta to an important victory. The win ensures the Hawks will enter the playoffs as either the fifth or sixth seed. As for Daniels, this performance continued what has been a strong campaign, during which he has been a top-50 player while averaging 11.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 2.0 steals.

Buzelis won't return to Friday's game against the Magic due to a sprained right ankle. He'll finish with 14 points (6-17 FG, 0-9 3Pt, 2-3 FT), eight rebounds, three assists, three blocks and one steal in 27 minutes.

Buzelis was cleared to return from a three-game absence due to an illness but picked up an ankle injury and exited to the locker room with 10:10 remaining in the fourth quarter. The second-year forward should be considered questionable for Sunday's regular-season finale in Dallas until the Bulls offer an update on his status.

Maluach is not in the Suns' starting lineup against the Lakers on Friday.

The rookie first-rounder made his first NBA start against the Mavericks on Wednesday, when he played 30 minutes and finished with four points, 14 rebounds and three blocks in a 112-107 win. Maluach will revert to a bench role Friday due to the return of Mark Williams, and the former will be competing with Oso Ighodaro for playing time.

Minix ended Friday's 124-102 loss to the Hawks with four points (1-2 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT) over eight minutes.

Minix appeared for just the eighth time this season, all of which have come during garbage time. Cleveland has very little to play for at this stage, seemingly content with the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. Based on the norm throughout the season, Minix is unlikely to feature, outside of blowouts.

Gillespie will start in Friday's game against the Lakers.

Gillespie is back in the starting lineup after operating from off the bench in the Suns' last three contests. In 57 starts throughout the 2025-26 campaign, the 26-year-old has averaged 13.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 0.1 blocks and 1.3 steals across 29.9 minutes.

Dunn is in the Suns' starting lineup against the Lakers on Friday.

Dunn has seen his playing time fluctuate as of late, but he'll make his 15th start of the season due to the absence of Haywood Highsmith (knee). Dunn's last start took place Feb. 26 against the Lakers, when he played 26 minutes and finished with 10 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal in a 113-110 win.

Tyson amassed 15 points (7-15 FG, 0-5 3Pt, 1-2 FT), four rebounds, three assists, two blocks and three steals in 24 minutes during Friday's 124-102 loss to the Hawks.

Tyson returned to action after missing 10 games due to a toe injury, sliding straight into the starting lineup. With Cleveland opting to rest a number of players, Tyson was afforded a larger role than usual. Although he will play a consistent role for the Cavaliers during the upcoming playoffs, his playing time will likely be limited to minutes in the teens.

Allen is in the Suns' starting lineup against the Lakers on Friday.

Allen will make his 27th start of the season Friday, but it'll be his first appearance in Phoenix's lineup since Feb. 5 against the Warriors. Over his last six outings, Allen has averaged 12.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 2.3 threes and 1.2 steals over 23.8 minutes per game. He should operate in an expanded role against the Lakers due to the absences of Devin Booker (ankle), Jalen Green (knee) and Jordan Goodwin (ankle).

Liddell was ejected from Friday's game against the Bucks after being assessed a Flagrant 2 foul, Erik Slater of ClutchPoints.com reports.

Liddell was tagged with the Flagrant 2 foul early in the fourth quarter for smacking Jericho Sims in the face with the forearm. Liddell will end his night with 13 points (5-12 FG, 1-3 3PT, 2-2 FT), six rebounds, four assists and one steal over 32 minutes. Chaney Johnson could see some additional run time the rest of the way due to Liddell's absence.