NBA Player News

Cissé was initially listed as questionable but was upgraded to probable earlier in the day. He has now officially been cleared, and with Daniel Gafford (ankle) sidelined, he should play an important role off the bench, where he has averaged 11.3 points, 10.7 rebounds and 2.3 blocks in 21.6 minutes per game over his last three outings.

Payne was pushed back to the bench with VJ Edgecombe (back) available, but he still played an important role off the bench. He had a monster first half, scoring 16 points with four three-pointers without missing a shot while also adding three stocks. Though he didn’t remain perfect from the floor, he did remain perfect from deep and the free throw line in what ended up being an incredible performance from Payne. This was the first time in franchise history that a player made at least eight triples without missing, and he became the first 76ers reserve to finish with at least 30 points and 10 assists while coming off the bench. The 31-year-old who signed a standard deal to return to the NBA during the All-Star break ended up setting new career highs for both points and three-pointers. With Tyrese Maxey (pinky) set to be re-evaluated in three weeks, Payne will be an important piece for the 76ers for the rest of this month and should be considered a must-roster player after this performance.

Jackson was pushed to the bench with Cedric Coward back, but he was still able to make an impact as a scorer. Of the five reserves that played, Jackson was one of four to score in double figures. Eight of the 10 players that checked into this game for Memphis scored at least 10 points. This was only the second time he has come off the bench since Feb. 4, and he should start more often than not moving forward.

Jerome sat out the first leg of this back-to-back but was available and starting for this one. He played a season-high 23 minutes in his last appearance and surpassed that with 25 minutes in this one. They’ll continue to manage his minutes and games, but he has been fantastic when he’s been on the floor. Despite the restrictions, Jerome has been productive enough to be worth keeping around in standard leagues, though his upside will be capped.

After sitting out Monday’s loss to Brooklyn, Coward returned to take on Philadelphia. Despite playing just 23 minutes, Coward was able to record a double-double, which included him matching his career high for boards in a game. Coward has had a strong rookie season, but his availability has been spotty, and his minutes have been limited when he has played. Don’t expect that to change with the Grizzlies tanking.

The Bulls won’t have Isaac Okoro for Tuesday’s game, which prompted one of the changes to the starting lineup. The other change is Tre Jones heading to the bench, with Miller and Smith moving into the starting lineup.

The Pacers won’t have Andrew Nembhard or Pascal Siakam for the final game of their road trip, resulting in two openings in the starting lineup. Jones and Toppin will start, with the latter’s playing time still being restricted.

Richard and Horford are available after sitting out Monday’s loss to the Jazz, and they’re in the starting lineup. De’Anthony Melton and Quinten Post are not available, hence the two openings.

Okoro was a late addition to the Bulls’ injury report, and now he is officially out. Jalen Smith could return to the starting lineup, but Leonard Miller is another option since Smith is still under a minutes restriction.

This will be a third straight absence for James, who is nursing multiple injuries. The Lakers have won the last two games with LeBron sidelined and will look to make it three straight in this one, with Rui Hachimura likely to start again.

Brown picked up two quick technical fouls for arguing a no-call that resulted in him turning the ball over. Baylor Scheierman and Hugo Gonzalez should take on extra minutes in the second half in place of Brown.