NBA Player News

Initially doubtful for Monday’s game, Pippen is now officially out. Cam Spencer, Walter Clayton Jr. and Javon Small take on added importance within the Grizzlies’ rotation, as Ty Jerome is also out.

For the second consecutive game, Smith scored at least 20 points and made five three-pointers. His percentage wasn’t good on Tuesday, with a 1-of-5 night inside the arc being more problematic than Smith shooting 5-of-13 from three. Add in the rebounds, and this was a solid showing from Smith, even with the low field-goal percentage. The Rockets have three games left in their regular-season schedule, starting with the 76ers on Thursday.

Playing in Phoenix for the first time since being traded during the offseason, Durant started slowly on Tuesday. He missed five of his first six shot attempts, and the Rockets were on the wrong end of a 21-0 run during the first quarter. Durant and the Rockets would eventually find their footing, with the veteran forward leading seven double-digit scorers with 24 points. The victory pulled Houston into a tie for fourth in the West, but the Lakers do hold the tiebreaker. And third remains within reach, as the Rockets trail the Nuggets by one game with three to go.

With LeBron James and Jaxson Hayes joining Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and Marcus Smart on the sidelines for Tuesday’s game, Vanderbilt appeared well-positioned to play increased minutes. However, he lasted only one four-minute stint, with Lakers head coach JJ Redick benching the forward for the rest of the night. After the 123-87 defeat, Redick said it was a “confluence of things” that prompted him to pull Vanderbilt during the second quarter and not go back to him. Vanderbilt’s benching and his reaction to it are worth watching heading into the playoffs, but they won’t affect active fantasy leagues.

Flagg was coming off scoring 45 and 51 points in his last two games, respectively. The 19-year-old small forward was highly efficient in those games, unlike Tuesday when he had 25 points on 25 attempts from the field. Flagg has provided fourth-round per game value in his potentially Rookie of the Year campaign and he’s only going to get better from here.

Garland had 22 points on 18 field goal attempts in Tuesday’s win over the Mavericks. The 26-year-old point guard wasn’t as efficient as he had been recently and only had four assists. He’s provided eighth-round per game value over the last two weeks. Garland should thrive in his first full season with the Clippers next year as long as they keep Kawhi Leonard.