NBA Player News

Wallace posted 23 points (10-16 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), four rebounds, four assists and four steals in 34 minutes during Saturday's 112-106 loss to the Rockets.

Wallace started at point guard due to the absences of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) and Ajay Mitchell (abdomen), and Wallace embraced a sizable role on offense. However, his contributions were not enough to lift the Thunder to a win. Wallace has scored 20-plus points in two of his last four starts, and he should continue to see an uptick in usage rate for as long as the team's backcourt is depleted.

Smith (calf) has been downgraded to out for Saturday's game against the Nuggets, K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network reports.

Smith has been dealing with a right calf issue over the past week and a half, and the issue will prevent him from suiting up Saturday. Smith's absence means Guerschon Yabusele and Nick Richards will likely handle most of the center minutes, while Lachlan Olbrich or Leonard Miller could be mixed in. Smith's next chance to play will come Monday at Brooklyn.

Harden (recently traded) is available for Saturday's game against the Kings.

Harden will make his Cavaliers debut Saturday after being traded from the Clippers on Tuesday. The star guard averaged 25.4 points, 8.1 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 35.4 minutes per contest over 44 regular-season appearances for Los Angeles before the trade.

Monk is out for Saturday's game against the Cavaliers due to an illness.

Monk is fresh off an 18-point performance in the loss to the Clippers on Friday, but he won't be able to suit up in the second leg of this back-to-back set. Monk, who has scored in double digits in all but one of his last nine appearances off the bench, will aim to return against the Pelicans on Monday.

Niederhauser (illness) isn't on the injury report for Sunday's game against the Timberwolves, Janis Carr of the OC Register reports.

Niederhauser left Friday's game early due to an illness, but the issue won't prevent him from suiting up Sunday. With Ivica Zubac having been traded to the Pacers, Niederhauser is left to compete with Isaiah Jackson (recently traded) and Brook Lopez for center minutes.

Phillips (wrist) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Clippers.

Phillips was traded from Chicago to Minnesota on Thursday, though he's still dealing with a right wrist sprain and may have to wait to make his Timberwolves debut. The 22-year-old forward isn't guaranteed meaningful playing time for Minnesota but will provide depth in the frontcourt. Over 35 regular-season appearances (two starts) for Chicago before the trade, he averaged 2.8 points in 9.5 minutes per game.

Dosunmu (quadriceps/recently traded) is not listed on the injury report ahead of Sunday's game against the Clippers.

The Timberwolves finally managed to upgrade their bench with the acquisition of Dosunmu before the deadline, and now that he's no longer listed on the injury report, he should be cleared to debut with Minnesota on Sunday. Dosunmu averaged 15.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game with Chicago before the trade.

Shannon (foot) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Clippers.

Shannon hasn't played since Dec. 25 due to a left foot strain and is without a clear timetable for a return. He should be considered doubtful for Monday's game against the Hawks, and he has just two more opportunities to return before the All-Star break.

Castle is in the Spurs' starting lineup against the Mavericks on Saturday.

Castle made his first appearance off San Antonio's bench this season in Thursday's contest against Dallas, but he still made an impact in a reserve role as he finished with 18 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three steals over 22 minutes. The second-year pro will return to the Spurs' starting lineup for Saturday's rematch while Harrison Barnes comes off the bench.

Barnes isn't part of the starting lineup for Saturday's game against Dallas.

Barnes has bounced in and out of the starting lineup recently, but the Spurs will opt for Stephon Castle in the first unit Saturday. Barnes has played 25 and 30 minutes, respectively, in his last two appearances off the bench.