NBA Player News

Back in action after sitting out Wednesday’s loss to the Magic, George was impactful as a playmaker on Friday. The nine assists matched his season-high, and PG only committed two turnovers. George should receive a boost in the form of Philadelphia’s upcoming schedule. The 76ers visit the Bulls, one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA, on Sunday and won’t play again until next Friday against the Pacers. Given the knee issues he’s been dealing with, the lightly-populated schedule should serve George well.

Adebayo fell hard on his back in Saturday’s game against the Trail Blazers. Despite a report that Bam would warm up with the intent to play Monday, he’s been ruled out against the Clippers. Rookie big man Kel’el Ware could end up starting with Adebayo out Monday.

Sochan will miss a second straight game with this back issue, which should result in another start for Stephon Castle. He was disappointing in his most recent start, but he has had some solid performances as a starter this season.

Leonard stepped away from the team ahead of their matchup with Denver last week to be with family after the fires in Los Angeles. The league postponed their last two games, so it’ll only end up being a one-game absence for Kawhi. His return will push Derrick Jones Jr. back to the bench.

Redick told reporters there are still some hurdles for Vanderbilt to clear before being able to play in a game. While Redick described the 25-year-old power forward as “close” to returning, that won’t happen this week. The Lakers are in no rush to bring Vanderbilt, who had surgery on both feet during the offseason, back it seems.

Banton is in danger of missing this game, but his role over the past month has been minimal. His status for this game won’t make much of an impact on their rotation.

Williams missed practice on Monday and has been sidelined for their last two games. If he is back, Donovan Clingan will lose out on some minutes, but with Deandre Ayton available, neither backup center will play enough to make much of a fantasy impact.

Avdija has been playing starters’ minutes with Jerami Grant (face) out over the last few weeks. Grant is set to miss Tuesday’s game and Avdija should continue to see a decent workload if he plays against the Nets. If the 24-year-old small forward is out, Portland could see its wing depth tested having to rely on Toumani Camara.

Ayton practiced fully on Monday after missing Saturday’s game, but he’ll be back in the lineup against the Nets. Donovan Clingan got the start in place of Ayton, but he’ll return to playing a reserve role with Ayton back.

Grant is set to miss his eighth straight game against the Nets Tuesday. With Deni Avdija (ankle) questionable, the Trail Blazers could be severely shorthanded on the wing. Portland could end up relying on Toumani Camara for serious minutes.

Claxton hasn’t missed a game since November, but if he is sidelined for this one. Noah Clowney would likely get the start at center, but he has already been part of the starting unit recently. Tyrese Martin or Jalen Wilson should fill the void in the starting unit, if Cam Johnson isn’t back.