NBA Player News

James logged 36 minutes on Tuesday and was by far the most productive Laker to take the floor. He only missed five total shots on the night, showcasing his touch both inside and outside the arc, while also making his usual contributions as a facilitator. The accomplished veteran didn’t get much help from his teammates on the offensive end, something that would greatly benefit the Lakers on Thursday. Whether the others get going offensively or not, James will more than likely need to put forth another strong performance in Game 2.

Morey is out after six seasons in Philadelphia, two days after the 76ers were swept out of the playoffs by the New York Knicks. While the 76ers reached the postseason in five of the six seasons that Morey was calling the shots, they never advanced past the conference semifinals. This season’s run was doomed by a lack of depth, especially in the aftermath of Jared McCain being traded to the Thunder at the February deadline. According to Charania, head coach Nick Nurse will return for the 2026-27 season.

Added to the Spurs’ injury report early Tuesday afternoon, Harper is good to go for Game 5. He’ll take on his usual role as the first option off the bench for the Spurs, who are looking to take a 3-2 series lead.

Fox was a game-time decision due to a sore right ankle. He’ll take on his usual role as the starting point guard, with Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie and Victor Wembanyama completing the quintet.

Collins, the 18th overall pick in the 2001 NBA Draft, passed away due to stage 4 glioblastoma, one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer. He played 13 seasons for eight teams, including eight as a member of the Nets. Collins, who entered the league the same year as his twin Jarron, was the first active, openly gay player to play in the NBA and remains the only one. One of Collins’ roles in his post-NBA career was serving as an NBA Cares Ambassador.

A strained left adductor sidelined Huerter for Detroit’s last seven games, leaving the team with one less option to provide spacing on the offensive end of the floor. Given the Pistons’ struggles in Games 3 and 4, they can certainly use Red Velvet’s shooting if he plays.

LeVert was also questionable ahead of Monday’s Game 4, a contest in which he scored 24 points off the bench. The heel issue did not keep him from playing 31 minutes the last time out, and he’s likely to take on a similar role in Wednesday’s pivotal Game 5. LeVert will have added importance to the Pistons if Duncan Robinson (back) can’t play. a

Robinson, who attempted just two shots in Monday’s Game 4 defeat, is dealing with lower back soreness. Given the Pistons’ spacing issues with him in the lineup, they can’t afford to play Game 5 without one of their best shooters. If Robinson is limited or can’t play, Caris LeVert’s role takes on added importance.

Clarke’s agency Priority Sports released the information regarding his passing, though no other details have been reported at this time. Clarke spent seven seasons with the Grizzlies after being a first-round pick in 2019. He was named to the All-Rookie first team that year, though injuries limited his availability over the past few seasons. Clarke was only 29 years old at the time of his passing.

Harper wasn’t initially on the injury report for this game, but he will now join De’Aaron Fox (ankle) as questionable. Both players have played large roles in the backcourt throughout the postseason, with Harper likely to replace Fox in the starting unit if Fox is out and Harper plays. If both are sidelined, Stephon Castle will likely play the majority of the point guard minutes, with Jordan McLaughlin potentially entering the rotation to provide some ball-handling relief for Castle.

This was during the portion of shootaround that was open to media, so the extent of his participation during shootaround is unclear. Fox injured his ankle during the third quarter of Game 4 but was able to return to finish the game. Fox finished with 24 points in the loss, which was the first time he reached 20 points this series. If he is available, they’ll need him to be far more productive than he has been through the first four games of this series. If Fox is unable to suit up, the Spurs will turn to Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper even more than they have to this point.