NBA Player News

Johnson (hip) is available for Sunday's game against the Trail Blazers, Kevin Chouinard of the Hawks' official site reports.

Johnson has been given the green light to return from a one-game absence due to a left hip flexor injury. With Johnson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker (foot) both cleared to return, that should result in both Zaccharie Risacher and Jonathan Kuminga reverting to bench roles for Sunday's contest. Johnson averaged 25.0 points, 12.4 rebounds, 9.0 assists, 1.1 threes and 1.4 steals over 37.1 minutes per game in February.

Alexander-Walker (foot) is available for Sunday's game against the Trail Blazers, Kevin Chouinard of the Hawks' official site reports.

The veteran swingman has been cleared to return after a one-game absence due to a left foot sprain. He is expected to reclaim his spot in the starting lineup alongside Jalen Johnson (hip), who has also been upgraded to available.

James (foot) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Kings.

James is in danger of missing the second half of this back-to-back set due to arthritis in his left foot. If the superstar isn't cleared to suit up, Jake LaRavia, Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt would be candidates for increased roles. James played 28 minutes in Saturday's win over Golden State, posting 22 points (7-13 FG, 4-6 3Pt, 4-5 FT), nine assists, seven rebounds and one steal.

Hachimura (illness) is available to play Sunday against the Kings.

Hachimura is officially off the injury report and will return to action after a two-game absence due to an illness. He has been a consistent presence in the Lakers rotation this season, averaging 11.7 points and 3.4 rebounds in 29.5 minutes per game. The 28-year-old forward could see increased playing time Sunday if LeBron James (foot) is downgraded from questionable to out.

Brunson posted 24 points (7-16 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 6-7 FT), seven assists and four rebounds over 32 minutes during the Knicks' 114-89 win over the Spurs on Sunday.

Brunson played a key role in the Knicks' 26-2 run in the first quarter, with the All-Star point guard scoring 11 of his 24 points in the opening frame to finish as the team's second-leading scorer behind Mikal Bridges (25 points). Brunson has scored 20-plus points in five of six games since the All-Star break, and over that span he has averaged 23.8 points, 6.2 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 2.5 threes over 34.8 minutes per game while shooting 44.1 percent from deep.

The Grizzlies announced Sunday that Edey is without a timetable for a return and will undergo surgery to address lingering discomfort and talar bone stress in his left ankle.

Edey underwent surgery on the same ankle last June and hasn't played since Dec. 7 due to the ongoing injury. Memphis is expected to provide a clearer timeline for the big man's return to action following his surgery, though it wouldn't be shocking to see the 22-36 Grizzlies shut him down for the remainder of the season. On a more positive note, the 2024 first-rounder is expected to make a full recovery.

The Grizzlies announced Sunday that Clarke (calf) will be re-evaluated in two weeks.

Clarke has been sidelined since Dec. 20 with a Grade 2 right calf strain, an injury he sustained in just his second game back from offseason knee surgery. While the veteran forward was initially given a 4-to-6-week recovery timeline in mid-January, his return has been delayed as he works through the reconditioning process. This latest update suggests Clarke is unlikely to return before mid-March, potentially leaving him with only a handful of regular-season games to ramp up his workload. With Clarke still out and Zach Edey (ankle) sidelined indefinitely, the Grizzlies will continue to rely on Santi Aldama (knee), Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Taylor Hendricks and GG Jackson to handle the bulk of the frontcourt minutes.

Williamson (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Clippers.

Williamson left in the second quarter of Saturday's win over the Jazz due to a right ankle injury, but he may not need to miss time despite the Pelicans playing the second leg of a back-to-back set Sunday. Rookie first-rounder Derik Queen figures to be the top candidate to enter the Pelicans' starting lineup if Williamson is unable to play.

Murphy (shoulder) is available for Sunday's game against the Clippers.

Murphy will suit up in the second leg of this back-to-back set, returning from a five-game absence due to a right shoulder contusion. Over five February appearances, the 25-year-old swingman averaged 27.4 points, 5.6 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.0 steals in 34.0 minutes per contest. His return will leave fewer minutes available for the likes of Bryce McGowens, Jordan Poole and Jeremiah Fears.

Murray (reconditioning) is listed as available for Sunday's game against the Clippers.

As expected, Murray will return to the lineup Sunday after sitting out Saturday's win over the Jazz for injury management. The 29-year-old point guard is being eased back into action after a year-long absence due to a torn Achilles and is not yet cleared for both ends of back-to-back sets. Murray has looked sharp in his first two appearances this season, most recently tallying 17 points, nine assists, and four steals across 26 minutes in Thursday's win over Utah.