NBA Player News

After coming off the bench in his first two games back from the knee injury that sidelined him for nearly one month, Hachimura returned to the starting lineup on Wednesday. Still under a minutes restriction, Rui played 28 minutes and only attempted five shots from the field. However, he made two critical fourth-quarter three-pointers and was 4-of-4 from beyond the arc. Due to Hachimura’s minutes restriction, Dorian Finney-Smith (11/3/1/2/1 with three three-pointers) logged 31 minutes despite coming off the bench. The Lakers visit the Bulls on Thursday, which could result in a return to the starting lineup for Finney-Smith. Hachimura should be considered questionable.

Filipowski got another start with Walker Kessler and Lauri Markkanen out against the Hornets Monday. The 21-year-old power forward was hardly efficient on offense with 14 points on 16 shots including going 2-of-8 from behind the three-point line. Filipowski pulled down 13 rebounds to earn a double-double. He should continue to hold value in deeper formats as long as he’s in the starting lineup.

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.