NBA Player News

Trent (adductor) isn't listed on the injury report for Saturday's game against the Suns.

Trent exited Thursday's loss to the Jazz due to left adductor soreness, though he's set to return to action Saturday. However, the 27-year-old swingman isn't likely to see meaningful playing time unless Kevin Porter (knee) remains sidelined.

Small will start Friday's game against the Celtics.

The rookie second-rounder will step into the starting five due to the absence of Cedric Coward (personal). As a starter this season (five games), Small has averaged 14.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.4 steals in 29.4 minutes per contest.

Hendricks will start Friday versus the Celtics.

GG Jackson (knee) and Taj Gibson (foot) are out, so Hendricks should see heavy minutes against the Celtics. Javon Small, Ty Jerome, Jaylen Wells and Olivier-Maxence Prosper will round out the first unit for Friday's game.

Murray-Boyles (thumb) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Nuggets, though head coach Darko Rajakovic said he's "very close" to returning, Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Murray-Boyles will miss a 10th straight game due to a left thumb sprain. However, the rookie first-rounder has been participating in live scrimmages and is ramping up toward a return, so he can be considered questionable for Sunday's game in Phoenix until Toronto provides an update on his status. With Murray-Boyles out, Sandro Mamukelashvili and Jamison Battle are candidates for increased minutes.

Jackson (knee) won't play Friday against the Celtics.

Taylor Hendricks will likely return to the starting lineup for Friday's game, and he should get all the run he can handle as one of the only true bigs available for Memphis. Jackson's next chance to play will come Saturday in Charlotte, and for now, he should be considered questionable for that one.

Konchar (quadriceps) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against Philadelphia.

Konchar is in danger of missing a second consecutive contest due to a right quadriceps contusion. His absence would open up more minutes for guys like Blake Hinson, Cody Williams and Bez Mbeng.

Gibson (foot) is out for Friday's game against the Celtics.

Gibson will hit the sidelines for the first game of this back-to-back set, but he could return for Saturday's game in Charlotte. GG Jackson (knee) will also miss Friday's game, so Taylor Hendricks could be headed for major minutes as one of the last men standing in Memphis' frontcourt.

Eason will come off the bench for Friday's game against the Hawks, Vanessa Richardson of Space City Home Network reports.

Eason has been mired in an awful shooting slump of late, so head coach Ime Udoka will bring Reed Sheppard back into the first unit to give the team some more firepower. As a reserve this season, Eason owns averages of 10.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.2 triples per contest.

Sheppard will start Friday's game against the Hawks, Vanessa Richardson of Space City Home Network reports.

The second-year guard will get the starting nod in favor of Tari Eason on Friday. As a starter this season (10 games), Sheppard has averaged 16.1 points, 5.0 assists, 4.1 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 1.1 blocks in 32.1 minutes per tilt.

Alvarado will come off the bench for Friday's game in Brooklyn, James L. Edwards III of The Athletic reports.

Jalen Brunson (ankle/neck) is back and starting, so Alvarado will shift back to a reserve role. Through 18 games with the Knicks this season, Alvarado has averaged 6.2 points, 4.0 assists, 1.1 triples and 1.1 steals per contest.