NBA Player News

Maxey has been diagnosed with a tendon injury in his right pinkie finger and will be re-evaluated in three weeks, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

This is a tough blow for the 76ers, who will also be without Paul George (suspension) until late March. Maxey sustained the finger injury with just 16 seconds remaining in Saturday's loss to Atlanta after colliding with Adem Bona. With Maxey sidelined for at least the next three weeks, VJ Edgecombe should see increased ball-handling duties, while Cameron Payne and Tyrese Martin are candidates for increased minutes.

Waters is out for Tuesday's game against the Celtics with an illness.

Waters' next chance to play comes Thursday versus the Nuggets. He's seen double-digit minutes just one time over his last six appearances, so Waters' absence shouldn't have a major impact on the rotation Tuesday.

Payne is not in the Sixers' starting lineup against the Grizzlies on Tuesday, Ky Carlin of USA Today reports.

Payne made his first start for the 76ers in Monday's 115-101 loss to the Cavaliers, when he finished with 12 points, six rebounds, four assists and two three-pointers over 28 minutes. Even though Tyrese Maxey (finger) is not playing Tuesday, Payne will still revert to a bench role due to the return of VJ Edgecombe (back).

Head coach Doc Rivers said Prince (neck) will be available for Tuesday's game against the Suns, Eric Nehm of The Athletic reports.

Prince underwent surgery Nov. 13 to address a herniated disc in his neck and hasn't played since Nov. 4. He's set to return Tuesday, though it wouldn't be surprising to see him operate on a strict minutes restriction following the extended absence. He'll likely compete with Kyle Kuzma and Gary Trent for playing time as he is eased back into action.

Watson (hamstring) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Rockets.

Watson hasn't played since Feb. 4 due to a right hamstring strain and is without a clear timetable for a return. He's expected to be re-evaluated soon, though the 23-year-old forward should be considered doubtful for Thursday's game in San Antonio until Denver offers an update on his status.

Murray (ankle) is listed as probable for Wednesday's game against the Rockets.

Murray continues to pop up on the injury report after spraining his left ankle in Friday's loss to New York, though he played in Monday's loss to the Thunder and is likely to suit up Wednesday. Over his last six appearances, the star point guard has averaged 28.3 points, 5.7 assists and 4.7 rebounds across 36.2 minutes per contest.

Clayton (ankle) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the 76ers.

Clayton is dealing with a right ankle sprain that he likely picked up during Monday's loss to the Nets, when he played 29 minutes and finished with 13 points, four assists, one steal and one three-pointer. In his absence, more minutes will be available for Cam Spencer, Javon Small and Jahmai Mashack. Clayton's next chance to play is Thursday against Dallas.

Johnson is probable for Wednesday's game against the Rockets due to back spasms.

Johnson came away with the issue in Monday's loss to the Thunder, but he remains likely to play Wednesday. The 30-year-old forward has averaged 9.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.3 three-pointers in 30.3minutes per contest in his last eight games, shooting a woeful 33.3 percent from the field during this stretch.

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

Thiero will give the Lakers some depth at forward for Tuesday's game against the Timberwolves, though the rookie second-rounder is unlikely to see action outside of garbage time.

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

Knecht is now available off the bench for the Lakers' game against the Timberwolves. He hasn't seen double-digit minutes since the Feb. 10 loss to the Spurs, and Knecht may not see the court at all versus Minnesota.