NBA Player News

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.

Booker is back after missing the final two regular-season games. His return gives Phoenix its leader and clear-cut No. 1 scoring option. The Suns have played well this season and could earn a playoff spot with a win over the Trail Blazers on Tuesday, whom they had a 2-1 record against during the regular season.

Adebayo fell hard on his back during the second quarter of Tuesday’s Play-In Tournament game while trying to save a loose ball. He was subbed out at the ensuing deadball, taken to the locker room, and never returned. He was eventually ruled out for the remainder of the game during the third quarter, leaving Miami without one of its best players. Jaime Jaquez Jr. started in Adebayo’s place to begin the second half and could see more minutes if the team advances, depending on Adebayo’s status.

Post missed the season finale against the Clippers and is now set to miss the Play-In Tournament game. The foot injury has kept the second-year center out of the lineup since March 29 against the Nuggets. Without his services, Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford should see the bulk of the minutes at center.

Tuesday’s absence marks Allen’s second straight missed game due to a hamstring injury. Without him, the Suns won’t have the services of one of their best and most reliable three-point shooters. His scoring and floor spacing off the bench will be missed, but Royce O’Neale could provide similar production in that specific role.

The Trail Blazers will reintegrate the veteran forward on Tuesday as they look to punch their ticket to the playoffs. Grant played in 57 of the 82 regular-season games for Portland, with a calf injury costing him the last seven games. He’s averaging 18.6 points per game thus far and will likely play a big role for the team in his return.

Leonard is off the injury report and should be back in the starting lineup vs. the Warriors. The two-time Finals MVP averaged a career-high 27.9 points per game this regular season. He’ll play a pivotal role for the Clippers as they look to avoid elimination.

Watford lands on the injury report due to an illness, but the good news is that he’s probable to play on Wednesday. With the 76ers healthy aside from Joel Embiid (appendicitis), they should have the bodies needed to account for Watford’s absence if his condition worsens.

Despite being limited to non-contact work during Tuesday’s practice, there’s a chance that Isaac is available for the first time in a month. While having another option to call on in the frontcourt would help the Magic, Isaac’s unlikely to have a major impact, given the time missed.

While Howard did not go through any contact work during Tuesday’s practice, his status has been upgraded to questionable. He’s been out since April 3, and a return to action would have minimal impact on Orlando’s wing rotation, so don’t expect too much from Howard if he’s available.

Jackson has been out since spraining his ankle during a March 27 win over the Pacers, leaving the Clippers without a legitimate backup center. John Collins has filled the void in Jackson’s absence and would continue to do so if he can’t return for Wednesday’s Play-In Tournament game against the Warriors.