NBA Player News

The Kings had something on Sunday that has been difficult for them to achieve on most nights: offensive balance. Four of the five starters attempted between 10 and 13 shots, as did reserves Malik Monk and Dylan Cardwell. LaVine may not have offered much value beyond points, three-pointers and percentages, but the balance helped Sacramento pick up one of its best wins of the season. As the trade deadline draws closer, LaVine will be one of the players to watch as the Kings need to get younger for the future.

Russell is a late scratch, but with Brandon Williams and Ryan Nembhard healthy and available, Russell likely wouldn’t have seen meaningful minutes regardless of his status.

Vukčević will miss a second straight game, but with both Alex Sarr and Marvin Bagley III healthy and available, he likely wouldn’t have seen the floor much regardless.

Middleton sat the first leg of this back-to-back, but he will be back to take on Denver. His return should push Bub Carrington back to the bench after he nearly recorded a double-double as a starter in Friday’s loss.

Ingles only sees a few minutes per game if he sees the floor at all. He won’t be available as an inbounder if they need one in a late-game situation, but his absence won’t impact much else.

Gobert could end up sidelined on the second night of a back-to-back. Naz Reid would likely fill his spot in the starting lineup after scoring 25 points on Friday. Joan Beringer would also see a bump in minutes down low off the bench.

Edwards has missed the Wolves’ last two games, but he will return to take on San Antonio. Mike Conley will be pushed back to a role off the bench, and Bones Hyland will lose the streaming upside that he held.

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said that he expected Jackson to return during this road trip, and with four key rotation pieces sitting out, this would be a good game for him to suit up for. If he does, he’ll split the backup center minutes behind Jay Huff with Tony Bradley.

McConnell will get the night off, and with Andrew Nembhard (back) as well, there will be plenty of point guard minutes open for the shorthanded Pacers. Kam Jones and Taelon Peter should fill the void for this game.

Nesmith is one of the key Pacers that will get the night off after they won the first leg of this back-to-back. Ben Sheppard should replace him in the starting lineup for this game.

Nembhard will get the night off to manage a back injury. T.J. McConnell will as well, so the point guard minutes should be left for Kam Jones and Taelon Peter for the shorthanded Pacers.