NBA Player News

Toppin hasn’t had a monster preseason, but he showed just how fun this team can be this season. His dunking ability is the most notable part of his game, but he was also able to contribute value in other areas against Cleveland. Toppin is being drafted as a late-round swing, and there’s no reason to not take a chance on him. Tyrese Haliburton also had a solid game with a 14/4/9/4/1 line. Buddy Hield chipped in 20 points off the bench with six triples.

As expected, James will be good to go after originally being listed as probable. In a matchup with one of the hottest teams in the league, James should see his typical large workload.

Cameron Johnson and Noah Clowney are sidelined, while Russell and Claxton are back after missing Saturday’s game. Wilson will also return to the starting lineup, which will push Tyrese Martin back to the bench after he started in place of Russell against the Wizards.

Gafford will play for the first time since February 9, and he will immediately return to the starting unit. He’ll replace Kai Jones as the starting center, but Gafford is on a 15-20 minutes restriction. Jones should still play a significant role off the bench.

Lowry hasn’t suited up since February 9, but there is a chance that he returns to the lineup against New York. Lowry wasn’t playing a significant role prior to his injury, but the 76ers’ rotation looks entirely different now. It’s unclear what his role will look when he returns to the lineup.

McCollum suffered a right foot bone contusion on March 23, and he won’t suit up again this season. He has already missed the Pelicans’ last three games, and there is no reason for him to play through any ailments since their trying to improve their lottery odds. Jose Alvarado will continue to start at point guard for the rest of the season.

Williamson has already missed the Pelicans’ last five games, and he will remain sidelined for the final two weeks of the regular season. He suffered a low back bone contusion on March 19, and with New Orleans looking to improve their lottery odds, there is no reason for Williamson to play through any injury. Bruce Brown should continue to start for the rest of the season when available.

Williams will be back after missing Saturday’s game against Indiana. However, with both Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein available, Williams won’t play enough to make a significant contribution in standard leagues.

Both Thunder big men were initially listed as questionable with hip injuries, but ultimately the pair of frontcourt players will be available Monday against the Bulls. Holmgren’s availability is particularly encouraging as he’s managing a hip injury that sidelined for three months earlier this season.