NBA Player News

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.

Johnson (shoulder) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Grizzlies.

Johnson will miss his second consecutive game after being diagnosed with left shoulder inflammation. Mouhamed Gueye drew the start in Johnson's place Saturday and could be in line for another look Monday, though Jonathan Kuminga and Zaccharie Risacher are also candidates to see more playing time until Johnson is cleared to return.

Proctor (quadriceps) is questionable for Tuesday's game against Orlando.

Proctor hasn't seen NBA action since Feb. 27 while dealing with a right quadriceps strain, though a questionable tag ahead of Tuesday's contest gives him a chance to return. In 42 appearances this season, the rookie guard is averaging just 10.4 minutes per game, so even if he's available against Orlando, there's no guarantee he'll be part of Cleveland's rotation or see meaningful minutes.

Tyson (toe) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Magic.

Tyson will miss a second consecutive contest with what the team is now calling a left great toe bone bruise. His next opportunity to play will come Wednesday against Miami. With the second-year forward out, Keon Ellis and Nae'Qwan Tomlin are candidates for increased minutes.

Allen (knee) is out for Tuesday's game against the Magic.

Allen's streak of absences will extend to nine games as he continues to battle right knee tendinitis. He stayed in Cleveland during the Cavs' last road trip to rehab, and he's evidently not all that close to returning yet considering he's already been ruled out for Tuesday.