NBA Player News

Nurkic will come off the bench Tuesday against the Pacers.

Nurkic was initially ruled out due to rest purposes, but the team later thought better of this decision after a trade depleted the Utah frontcourt. It remains to be seen how much playing time he'll shoulder Tuesday, as it's obvious the club wanted to give him a night off.

Portis (hip) is out for Tuesday's game against the Bulls.

Portis is up against a quick turnaround if he wants to return to action Wednesday versus the Pelicans. Pete Nance should be thrust into a more sizable role in the frontcourt Tuesday, with Gary Trent also being an option for increased playing time.

Jones will start against the Jazz on Tuesday, Scott Agness of FieldhouseFiles.com reports.

The Pacers will be extremely shorthanded in the second leg of this back-to-back set, allowing Jones to step into the starting five for the first time in his young career. The rookie second-rounder has logged double-digit minutes just three times so far this season, during which he has averaged 2.7 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.0 steals in 19.0 minutes per contest.

Sheppard is starting Tuesday's game against Utah, per Scott Agness of FieldhouseFiles.com.

Aaron Nesmith is resting Tuesday, clearing up a spot in the first unit for Sheppard to claim. Sheppard has averaged 7.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 0.8 steals in 25.6 minutes per contest in 12 starts this year.

Jones (coach's decision) will be inactive for Tuesday's game against the Pistons, Katy Winge of Altitude Sports reports.

The second-year forward had started each of Denver's last five games, but he'll cede his spot in the lineup to Christian Braun (ankle), who will be making his return from a 12-game absence. Jones won't be available off the bench, either; he's been active for 49 regular-season games on the campaign and can suit up just once more until the Nuggets convert him from a two-way deal to a standard NBA contract.

Reaves (calf) will play Tuesday against the Nets, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.

Reaves will be deployed off the bench in his first game since suffering a calf injury Dec. 25, per Price. The team has also stated that he'll be on a minutes restriction. Expect LA to play it safe with Reaves in his first few games back considering his lengthy absence from game action.

Walker is starting Tuesday's game against Utah, per Scott Agness of FieldhouseFiles.com.

With Pascal Siakam catching a breather, Walker is joining the first unit and should see considerable usage. Walker has averaged 15.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.6 steals in 26.9 minutes per tilt over his last five games as a starter.

Bagley won't start against the Knicks on Tuesday.

Alex Sarr is back in the lineup following a one-game absence due to calf soreness, pushing Bagley to the second unit. The 26-year-old big man has averaged 9.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists across 17.3 minutes per game over 29 appearances off the bench so far this season.

Smith (calf) is available for Tuesday's game against the Bucks.

Smith's availability was in question due to cramping in his right calf, but he's been given the green light to take the court Tuesday. He's expected to be held around the 20-minute mark, but that could change depending on how he feels at halftime, per K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network. Smith is averaging 13.6 points and 7.2 rebounds in his previous five appearances.

Jones is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Bucks with a left hamstring strain.

It sounds like Jones is ahead of schedule in his recovery and has a chance to end a six-game absence Tuesday. That said, the guard could have a minutes restriction if he's ultimately cleared to play.