NBA Player News

Jones (hamstring) remains out for Monday's game against Portland.

Jones will miss a third consecutive game Monday because of a strained right hamstring. While the 24-year-old hasn't officially been ruled out beyond that game, there's certainly a chance he'll miss additional time. Jones has been a valuable depth piece for the Nuggets this season, averaging 5.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.5 blocks and 0.8 steals in 64 games, which includes 37 starts. While he is off the floor, Julian Strawther should see more work.

Brown (ankle) is probable to play Monday against the Trail Blazers.

Brown exited Saturday's win over the Spurs after tweaking his left ankle, but it doesn't sound like it will affect his availability for Monday's game. Check back for official confirmation on his status closer to Monday's tipoff.

Payne was diagnosed with a strained right hamstring Sunday and will be re-evaluated in "approximately two weeks," Austin Krell of OnPattison.com reports.

Payne suffered a hamstring strain during Saturday's 116-93 loss to Detroit, and a subsequent MRI confirmed the diagnosis. As a result, the 31-year-old will be sidelined for the remainder of the regular season. He will also miss the Play-In Tournament -- assuming the 76ers can remain above the Raptors, Hornets, Magic and Heat in the standings -- and likely at least a few playoff games Philadelphia advances. While Payne is out of commission, Quentin Grimes is likely to pick up plenty of minutes at point guard off the bench behind Tyrese Maxey.

Embiid (oblique) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Monday's game against the Spurs.

Embiid skipped the second leg of a back-to-back set Saturday for rest purposes, but he'll be back in action Monday evening, which should shift Andre Drummond back to the second unit. There will also be fewer minutes available for Adem Bona with Embiid active.

Slawson will start in Sunday's game against Cleveland, Tony East of Forbes.com reports.

The Pacers won't have their usual starting group Sunday, so Slawson's services will be needed. The 26-year-old has started three times throughout the campaign, averaging 6.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.0 steals across 26.7 minutes in those appearances.

Huff will come off the bench for Sunday's game in Cleveland, Tony East of Forbes.com reports.

Huff may be limited in his reserve role, so he's a risky target in daily fantasy leagues. As a member of the second unit this season, Huff owns averages of 7.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.1 triples and 1.7 swats per contest.

Thompson will start in Sunday's game against Cleveland, Tony East of Forbes.com reports.

The Pacers won't have any of their usual starters Sunday, allowing Thompson to re-enter the starting lineup for the third time in the last four games. In eight starts during the 2025-26 campaign, the 26-year-old has averaged 9.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.5 blocks and 1.0 steals in 27.9 minutes.

Potter is in the starting lineup for Sunday's matchup with the Cavaliers, Tony East of Forbes.com reports.

Potter will replace Jay Huff in the first unit for Sunday's game. Through three starts this season, Potter has posted averages of 12.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.0. assists and 2.3 triples per contest.

Bryant will start in Sunday's game against Indiana, Serena Winters of FanDuel Sports Network Ohio reports.

With Jarrett Allen (knee) and Evan Mobley (calf) getting the night off, Bryant will make his first start of the 2025-26 campaign. In eight starts with the Pacers last season, the 28-year-old averaged 12.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.1 blocks and 0.8 steals across 26.3 minutes per contest.

Ellis will start Sunday against the Pacers, Serena Winters of FanDuel Sports Network Ohio reports.

Ellis is getting a spot start due to Evan Mobley (calf) taking a maintenance day, and he'll be joined in the first unit by James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Max Strus and Thomas Bryant. As a starter this season, Ellis has averaged 9.3 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.4 triples and 1.2 steals per game.