NBA Player News

Nembhard (back) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Clippers.

Nembhard sat out Sunday's clash due to back soreness, but he's since been upgraded to questionable for Wednesday. He'll presumably be re-evaluated closer to tipoff to determine whether he can take the court in Los Angeles.

Ball (undisclosed) exited to the locker room in the second quarter of Tuesday's game against the Mavericks, Hunter Bailey of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Ball exited to the locker room with the training staff, though it's unclear why. He should be considered questionable to return until more information comes to light.

Collins (neck) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Pacers, Joey Linn of SI.com reports.

Collins will miss his second straight game due to a neck injury that he suffered during Sunday's matchup against the Pelicans. Kobe Sanders drew the start in Collins' stead Monday and will be a candidate to do so again Wednesday.

Mashack (two-way) will be inactive for Tuesday's game against the Timberwolves.

With Cedric Coward (knee) and Ty Jerome (thigh) returning Tuesday following multi-game absences, Memphis will opt to hold out Mashack and fellow two-way player Javon Small in an effort to preserve their availability. Mashack is inactive for the second time in 12 games, after he appeared in each of the other 10 contests while averaging 6.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.0 steals, 1.6 assists, 0.8 blocks and 0.7 three-pointers in 23.8 minutes. After Tuesday's contest, the defensive-minded guard will be eligible to suit up for 16 of the Grizzlies' remaining 22 games.

Coward (knee) won't start against Minnesota on Tuesday.

Coward is available to play following a seven-game absence due to a right knee sprain, though he'll come off the bench and will presumably operate under a minutes restriction. Over his last 10 outings, the rookie first-rounder has averaged 10.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 25.2 minutes per game.

Small (two-way) will be inactive for Tuesday's game against the Timberwolves.

With Cedric Coward (knee) and Ty Jerome (thigh) returning Tuesday following multi-game absences, Memphis will opt to hold out Small and fellow two-way player Jahmai Mashack in an effort to preserve their availability. Small had appeared in each of the Grizzlies' first six games following the All-Star break, averaging 13.2 points, 4.5 assists, 4.2 rebounds, 2.2 three-pointers and 1.5 steals in 25.5 minutes per contest while shooting 51.1 percent from the field. After Tuesday's contest, Small will be eligible to suit up for 21 of the Grizzlies' remaining 22 games, so his availability shouldn't be much of an issue moving forward.

Clayton will come off the bench Tuesday against the Timberwolves.

Clayton drew a spot start Sunday and fared well by dishing out 14 assists, but he'll return to the bench Tuesday due to Ty Jerome being cleared to play. Clayton has scored in double figures in just two of his last 14 appearances as a reserve.

Aldama is out for Tuesday's game against the Timberwolves due to right knee injury management.

Aldama was initially cleared to take the court Tuesday, but Memphis has since downgraded him to out less than 30 minutes before tipoff. Olivier-Maxence Prosper should remain in the starting lineup with Aldama set to miss at least one additional matchup.

Joe will start against the Bulls on Tuesday, Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman reports.

With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) unavailable for the front end of this back-to-back set, Joe will get the starting nod. As a starter this season (six games), the 26-year-old guard has averaged 12.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.5 steals across 28.8 minutes per tilt.

Grimes is starting Tuesday's game against the Spurs, Austin Krell of OnPattison.com reports.

Grimes will step into the starting lineup for Kelly Oubre, who is out Tuesday due to an illness. Grimes has seen substantial work off the bench of late, averaging 26.4 minutes in his last 10 appearances, and he could see an increase in his workload against San Antonio with Philly playing shorthanded.