NBA Player News

After shooting a combined 4-of-19 from beyond the arc in his previous three games, Knueppel had a better night against the Suns. In addition to making four of his nine three-point attempts, the rookie wing is up to 35 games with at least 20 points. At a minimum, Knueppel is one of the favorites for Rookie of the Year, along with college teammate Cooper Flagg. And given his role in the Hornets’ success, it would be unsurprising if many voters viewed Knueppel as the clear leader going into the final week of the regular season.

Jalen Johnson (ankle) will miss a second straight game, so Dort remains in the starting lineup. The other change is big: Flemings has replaced CJ McCollum. The change boosts the rookie’s fantasy value, especially if head coach Quin Snyder sticks with it moving forward.

Initially listed as questionable for Wednesday’s game, Aldama was downgraded to doubtful early Wednesday afternoon. He’s now out, so the Mavericks will have to wait at least one more game for the 7-footer to make his debut for the team.

No surprise here as White was initially listed as probable for Wednesday night’s matchup with the Nets. White played just 16 minutes in his season debut Monday as the Hornets ease him back in.

Wednesday’s game against the Pacers will be the second that Pippen has missed with a lumbar disk injury. Based on Iisalo’s pregame comments, he doesn’t have a clearly defined return timeline. Cam Spencer will be Ty Jerome’s sole backup until Pippen returns, and the two will share the court at times.

With Jaylin not playing, look for Aday Mara to get a bump in minutes. We could also see some minutes for newly signed Dalen Terry, Micah Peavy, or two-way player Josh Dix to pick up more of power forward minutes.

Given Jeremiah Fears’ play while Murray was away for personal reasons, some questioned whether the veteran point guard would start on Wednesday. Murray will, with Trey Murphy’s knee tendinitis making things easier for Pelicans head coach Jamahl Mosley. This also means that Herb Jones will remain in the starting lineup.

It’s never a great sign when someone gets put as questionable closer to the start of a game. With Trey Murphy out of the lineup, look for more Saddiq Bey, Dejounte Murray, Herbert Jones to pick up the slack.

Pritchard was listed as questionable with a shoulder injury, but has since been ruled in for Wednesday’s game against the Bucks. He’s coming off a rough game where he was 0-of-7 from the field with four points in 30 minutes against the Rockets Monday.

Sarr and Coulibaly are available after being listed as questionable on earlier injury reports. The former will fill his usual role as the starting center, while the latter will provide wing depth off the bench.

Johnson will miss his second game in a row with a left ankle sprain. Luguentz Dort moved into the starting lineup and had 14 points and four three-pointers in 31minutes Monday against the Pacers. Dort could be in line for a similar role with Johnson out again.