NBA Player News

Smith had 23 points in the win over the Raptors after scoring 17 in the loss to the Spurs on Sunday, which was his first game back after missing three of four games with an ankle injury. Reed Sheppard had just seven points in 24 minutes off the bench with Smith back in the lineup.

Thompson is back after a five-game absence, but an immediate return to the starting lineup is not guaranteed. Back in mid-November, the Pistons’ wing was brought off the bench for a game after missing the previous four with a sprained right ankle. Marcus Sasser has been Thompson’s replacement in the starting lineup and may retain that role for another game.

Portis has been dealing with a back strain for a bit, but he has only missed one game. The veteran forward most recently logged 27 minutes in Saturday’s loss to the Hawks. With Myles Turner (knee) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) also on the injury report, the Bucks could be severely shorthanded on Sunday, with no great streaming options in the frontcourt.

Turner, who logged 24 minutes in Saturday’s loss to the Hawks, is on the injury report due to right patellar tendinitis. Jericho Sims, who offered little value in a spot start on Saturday, could once again take on a more prominent role within the rotation if Turner sits. Also, Pete Nance’s playing time could increase out of necessity.

Due to an illness that forced an early exit from Thursday’s loss to the Heat, Dieng was held out of Saturday’s loss to the Hawks. Jericho Sims was inserted into the starting lineup but offered minimal value, finishing with more turnovers (four) than rebounds (two). While Sims could get another start if Dieng remains out, there’s no need to stream him.

Giannis did not play in Saturday’s loss to the Hawks, with his absence factoring into Ryan Rollins’ move into the starting lineup. With Kevin Porter Jr. (knee) ruled out, the former league MVP can fill that void if allowed to play, which leaves Rollins in the starting five.

Porter, who recently missed time with a right knee injury, is out after playing 30 minutes in Saturday’s loss to the Hawks. Ryan Rollins, who also started on Saturday since Giannis Antetokounmpo was out, will once again take on a prominent role offensively.

Washington is on track to play after sitting out Friday’s loss to the Cavaliers. His return would likely push Ryan Nembhard to the bench, eliminating most of the rookie’s streaming value.

Having missed six of the Clippers’ last seven games with a neck injury, Collins’ playing time was limited on Saturday. For that reason, he was used in a reserve role, with Derrick Jones Jr. (2/3/1/1/1) starting and playing 32 minutes. The Clippers play four games in Week 21, including a back-to-back, and it’s unknown if (or when) Collins will return to the starting five. If Kawhi Leonard (ankle) has to miss time, that could open the door for Collins to start as soon as Monday against the Spurs.

Garland played 30 minutes on Saturday, matching his high since joining the Clippers. However, he appeared to tweak something in his right foot during the second half, which is concerning given the Clippers’ guard’s injury history. Garland did play through the issue, and the Clippers will need similar performances from him moving forward, especially if Kawhi Leonard (ankle) has to miss time.

Mathurin extended his streak of 20-point games to five on Saturday, and he may be thrust into a more prominent role to begin Week 21. Kawhi Leonard left Saturday’s game early in the fourth quarter after spraining his left ankle, which could rob the Clippers of their best player. Mathurin may not be a lock to start if Leonard misses time, but his scoring ability will be needed. The Clippers play four games in Week 21, starting with the Spurs on Monday.