NBA Player News

Brown (quadriceps) will play in Sunday's game against the Timberwolves, Jack Simone of BostonSportsJournal.com reports.

As expected, Brown will shake off his probable tag due to a left quadriceps contusion. The star forward has reached the 30-point threshold in four of the last five games, averaging 30.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.2 steals while shooting 46.5 percent from the field in 36.8 minutes per tilt during that stretch.

Black (ankle) has been upgraded to available for Sunday's game versus the Knicks.

Black was listed as out on the initial injury report, but he's now been cleared to suit up. The two-way player has missed the past four games due to an ankle sprain, so he'll likely operate under a minutes restriction during his return.

The Lakers recalled Bufkin from the G League's South Bay Lakers on Sunday, Ryan Ward of SI.com reports.

Bufkin and Adou Thiero were both inactive for Saturday's 105-104 win over the Magic, but the two will rejoin the Lakers ahead of their next game Monday in Detroit. Bufkin hasn't typically been included in the rotation when the Lakers are at full strength, but he could be needed to handle some minutes if Rui Hachimura (calf) and Marcus Smart (ankle) -- both of whom are listed as questionable -- are unable to play Monday.

The Lakers recalled Thiero from the G League's South Bay Lakers on Sunday, Ryan Ward of SI.com reports.

Thiero and Kobe Bufkin were both inactive for Saturday's 105-104 win over the Magic, but the two will rejoin the Lakers ahead of their next game Monday in Detroit. Thiero hasn't typically been included in the rotation when the Lakers are at full strength, but he could be needed to handle some minutes if Rui Hachimura (calf) and Marcus Smart (ankle) -- both of whom are listed as questionable -- are unable to play Monday.

Hart (knee) will play in Sunday's game against the Wizards, Ian Begley of SportsNet New York reports.

Hart will shed his questionable tag and return from a one-game absence due to a right knee issue. With the veteran swingman back in action, Mohamed Diawara will likely see fewer minutes. Hart has averaged 13.8 points, 9.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.0 steals across 28.3 minutes per game in eight March appearances.

Vassell (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Monday's game against Miami.

Vassell was a late scratch ahead of Saturday's win over the Pacers and could miss a second straight game due to right hamstring tightness. If the 25-year-old wing remains sidelined, Keldon Johnson, Carter Bryant and Lindy Waters would be candidates to see increased minutes.

Hayes will start Sunday versus the Nets.

Joining Hayes in the first unit for Sunday's game will be Nique Clifford, DeMar DeRozan, Precious Achiuwa and Maxime Raynaud. Through two starts this season, Hayes has averaged 13.5 points, 6.0 assists, 2.5 triples and 1.0 blocks per game.

Castle (hip) is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Heat.

Castle has a chance to return Monday from a two-game absence due to right hip soreness. Dylan Harper drew the start in Saturday's win over the Pacers, and the rookie first-rounder would likely start Monday if Castle is not cleared to play.

Plowden (foot) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Nets.

Nique Clifford should soak up most of Plowden's minutes Sunday, and Doug McDermott will have the chance for some extended run. Plowden's next chance to play will come Tuesday in Charlotte.

Mann will start Sunday's game against the Kings, Erik Slater of ClutchPoints.com reports.

Mann will return from a one-game absence due to an illness and enter the starting five. As a starter this season (47 games), the 29-year-old has averaged 7.6 points, 3.5 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 0.7 steals in 25.9 minutes per tilt.