NBA Player News

Nesmith (ankle) is available for Monday's game against the Magic.

The Pacers thought about holding Nesmith out for right ankle injury management, but they've ultimately decided to give him the green light Monday. The swingman has averaged 17.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 2.8 three-pointers in 28.9 minutes per contest in his last six games, shooting 44.4 percent from deep.

Siakam (knee) will play Monday against Orlando.

Siakam carried a questionable tag throughout the day due to a right knee sprain, and the team has since cleared him to take the court Monday evening. He totaled 14 points, two rebounds, five assists and one steal in 29 minutes Saturday in his first action since March 8, and he'll presumably be in line for a similar workload against the Magic.

Carter will start Monday's game against the Pacers.

With Jalen Suggs (illness) joining Anthony Black (abdomen) and Franz Wagner (ankle) on the sidelines, Carter will get the starting nod for the first time this season. Over 12 appearances in March, the 30-year-old guard has averaged 8.4 points, 2.8 assists and 2.4 rebounds in 21.4 minutes per contest, though he'll likely see an uptick in minutes with the first unit.

Nembhard (calf) is available for Monday's game against the Magic.

A right calf bruise won't stop Nembhard from playing Monday. Nembhard has averaged 15.3 points, 6.3 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 26.7 minutes per contest in his last six games.

Toppin (foot) is available for Monday's game against the Magic.

Toppin will shed a questionable tag due to right foot injury management and suit up for Monday's matchup. Over his past 10 appearances (three starts), the forward is averaging 7.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 13.5 minutes per contest.

Bulls head coach Billy Donovan said that Smith (calf) is available for Monday's game against the Rockets and will be limited to 22-to-24 minutes, Will Gottlieb of AllCHGO.com reports.

Smith will shed his questionable tag and return from a one-game absence due to right calf injury management. However, the big man will be limited, which should allow Nick Richards to pick up a few extra minutes. Over his last four appearances, Smith has averaged 12.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 27.0 minutes per contest.

Barlow (ankle) is available for Monday's game against the Thunder.

Barlow exited Saturday's contest early due to a left ankle sprain, and it initially looked unlikely he'd suit up Monday, though the forward has progressed well and has now been cleared to play. The 22-year-old was averaging 10.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.0 steals in 28.2 minutes over his previous five contests prior to Saturday's brief appearance. Barlow has started 53 of the 60 games he's played and hasn't come off the bench when healthy since January, so he figures to slot into the starting five as usual against the Thunder.

Grimes (illness) won't play Monday against Oklahoma City, Adam Aaronson of PhillyVoice.com reports.

Grimes was added to the injury report as questionable earlier in the day due to an illness, and the Sixers have since determined that he won't go Monday evening. His absence will open up more opportunities in the backcourt for MarJon Beauchamp and Cameron Payne.

Vassell (hamstring) is available for Monday's game against Miami, Paul Garcia of ProjectSpurs.com reports.

Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson noted in his pregame presser that he expected Vassell to take the court Monday, and the team officially cleared the forward shortly thereafter. The 25-year-old is averaging 13.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists through 10 March appearances.

Head coach Mitch Johnson said he expects Vassell (hamstring), who is listed as questionable, to play in Monday's game against the Heat, Jared Weiss of The Athletic reports.

Vassell is expected to shed his questionable tag and return from a one-game absence due to right hamstring soreness. If the 25-year-old wing is ultimately cleared to return, there would be fewer minutes available for guys like Keldon Johnson, Carter Bryant and Lindy Waters. Vassell has averaged 14.6 points, 2.8 assists and 2.6 rebounds across 33.2 minutes per contest over his last five outings.