NBA Player News

Bagley will start Sunday's game against the Kings.

With Alex Sarr (calf) unavailable, Bagley will get the starting nod for the first time since Dec. 14 in his return from a five-game absence due to a back injury and an illness. As a starter this season (seven games), the big man has averaged 13.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.1 blocks in 28.0 minutes per tilt.

Fontecchio is in the starting lineup for Sunday's game against the Bulls.

Fontecchio will step into the starting lineup Sunday in place of Norman Powell (personal), drawing the nod over Myron Gardner and Kasparas Jakucionis. Fontecchio's lone start of the season came Dec. 15 against the Raptors, when he totaled three points (1-5 FG, 1-4 3Pt), four rebounds, two assists and one block across 26 minutes.

Champagnie won't start Sunday's game against the Kings.

With Khris Middleton back in the lineup following a one-game absence due to maintenance reasons, Champagnie will slide to the second unit. Over 12 outings off the bench in January, he averaged 10.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.0 steals in 23.4 minutes per game.

Gardner will come off the bench during Sunday's game against the Bulls.

Gardner made his first career start Saturday, but he will return to a bench role Sunday. In his last five appearances off the bench, Gardner is averaging 4.2 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 9.6 minutes per contest.

Cunningham (hip) is available for Sunday's game against the Nets.

Cunningham was previously listed as probable while dealing with right hip soreness but will be available Sunday. The star guard has posted double-doubles in three of the past five games, averaging 23.6 points, 9.6 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 1.6 steals over that stretch.

Green is probable for Monday's game against the Pelicans due to a right thumb sprain.

The thumb injury is new for Green, who has been dealing with a left Achilles injury of late, but he will likely be able to play through the former issue Monday. Over his past five appearances, Green is averaging just 4.0 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 15.6 minutes per contest, and he has failed to score a point in two of his last three games.

The Hornets assigned Salaun to the G League's Greensboro Swarm on Sunday.

Salaun will join Greensboro ahead of its game against the Windy City Bulls on Monday. Over 10 G League outings so far this season, the second-year forward has averaged 16.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 31.9 minutes per game.

Huerter (back) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Heat.

Huerter will be inactive for the first time since Dec. 12 while managing back spasms. The 27-year-old drew the start Saturday for the Bulls but has primarily worked off the bench this season, averaging 8.0 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 20.8 minutes over his past 10 appearances. Huerter's absence could open up additional reserve opportunities for Dalen Terry.

Durant (ankle) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Pacers.

Durant is dealing with a left ankle sprain and will miss just his third game of the season and his first due to an injury. The superstar's next opportunity to play will come Wednesday against Boston. Josh Okogie, Dorian Finney-Smith and Jae'Sean Tate are all candidates for increased playing time due to Durant being sidelined.

Monk (heel) is available to play in Sunday's game against the Wizards.

Monk will shed a questionable tag and suit up Sunday despite dealing with a right heel contusion. Over his past 10 appearances, the Kentucky product is averaging 15.9 points, 3.7 assists and 2.2 rebounds in 25.2 minutes per contest while shooting 47.8 percent from the field and 48.4 percent from beyond the arc. Though Monk has worked exclusively off the bench for the Kings this season, he still sees plenty of action.