NBA Player News

The Hornets have made three changes to their starting lineup, two of which were due to injury. Micic and Richards will start with LaMelo Ball and Mark Williams sidelined, while Martin moves into the starting lineup and pushes Seth Curry to the bench. All three spot starters are worth streaming since only three games are on Friday’s schedule.

After starting on Sunday, Williams Jr. missed the second leg of the Grizzlies’ back-to-back on Monday. That allowed GG Jackson to start and for Cam Spencer to play a larger role off the bench. Williams Jr. may replace Jackson in the starting lineup and limit Spencer’s minutes.

With both Edey and Clarke sidelined on Monday, Jay Huff started at center, with Marvin Bagley filling out the backup minutes. Huff was more productive in the box score, though neither was a great option. Still, they’ll get another opportunity if Edey and Clarke miss another game.

After missing Memphis’ last two games, Kennard will be available to play against Utah. His role has been inconsistent, but he should see plenty of minutes, which will likely take some time away from Scotty Pippen Jr.

Springer was able to play on Monday, but he didn’t see the floor. His status for Wednesday’s game won’t impact Utah’s rotation.

Clarkson has missed Utah’s last seven games and could remain sidelined against Memphis. If that happens, Collin Sexton will remain in the starting unit as the guard next to Isaiah Collier. Brice Sensabaugh contributed 22 points off the bench on Monday and would likely get the chance to supply more buckets if Clarkson remains out.

Markkanen has missed Utah’s last nine games with a back issue, and there is a chance that he misses a 10th-straight on Wednesday. Johnny Juzang should remain in the starting lineup as long as Markkanen is sidelined.

George missed Monday’s game against Boston, which was the second night of a back-to-back. Now, he’s expected to remain out against Memphis. Isaiah Collier and Collin Sexton played most of the guard minutes on Monday, with Sexton dishing out 13 assists. Brice Sensabaugh filled the role of offensive sparkplug off the bench for George and scored 22 points on Monday.

Bilal Coulibaly (hamstring) is out, but Middleton is back. Still, Champagnie will replace rookie Bub Carrington in the starting lineup. Carrington should still play a significant role, but his production has been limited when he comes off the bench.

Nance was ruled out on the initial injury report but was changed to questionable on Tuesday. Now, he has been cleared to play. He has yet to suit up for the Bucks since signing a two-way contract with them in February.

After initially being listed as questionable, Connaughton will be available to play following a lengthy absence. However, he hasn’t played a significant role since November, and even when he has played big minutes, he hasn’t contributed much in the box score.