NBA Player News

Hinson will start Saturday's game against the Pelicans.

The two-way player will get the starting nod for the first time in his young NBA career, pushing John Konchar to the bench. Over three appearances so far this season, Hinson has averaged 8.7 points and 1.7 rebounds in 19.7 minutes per contest.

Konchar won't start against the Pelicans on Saturday.

With Lauri Markkanen (hip) unavailable, Konchar will retreat to the second unit in favor of Blake Hinson on Saturday. Over five appearances off the bench for Utah so far this season, Konchar has averaged 3.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.6 steals in 20.4 minutes per tilt.

Collier won't start Saturday's game against the Pelicans.

With Keyonte George (ankle) back in action, Collier will slide to the second unit. The second-year point guard has averaged 9.3 points, 6.7 assists, 2.4 rebounds and 0.9 steals in 23.3 minutes per game across 36 outings off the bench so far this season.

McGowens will start against the Jazz on Saturday.

With Dejounte Murray (reconditioning) sidelined, McGowens will get the starting nod Saturday. As a starter this season (12 games), he has averaged 9.3 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 27.3 minutes per contest.

Garland (toe), who has already been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Pelicans, is expected to make his Clippers debut Monday at Golden State, Chris Haynes of NBA TV reports.

Before he was traded to the Clippers on Feb. 3, Garland hadn't played for the Cavaliers since Jan. 14. His absence was initially attributed to a right big toe sprain, though Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank has since relayed that Garland has healed from that injury and is receiving continued maintenance for the left big toe that he had surgically repaired in the offseason. After taking part in multiple scrimmages and practices over the past couple of weeks, however, Garland finally looks poised to make his Clippers debut in the second leg of a back-to-back set. Garland could slot into the starting five Monday, but expect the Clippers to manage his minutes to some degree.

The Timberwolves waived Bernard on Saturday.

Bernard's tenure with the parent club ends just days after he agreed to a two-way contract Wednesday. The 26-year-old guard has been a standout performer for the G League's Iowa Wolves this season, averaging 22.8 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game. Despite his prolific scoring and recent triple-double performance in the G League, the Timberwolves have decided to move in a different direction. Bernard will now look to catch on with another organization or potentially return to the G League.

Leonard (ankle/illness) isn't listed on the injury report for Sunday's game against the Pelicans.

Leonard was held out of Thursday's loss to Minnesota because of left ankle soreness and didn't practice Saturday due to an illness. However, the star forward is set to return to action Sunday. He averaged 29.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.8 steals in 10 February appearances.

Richard won't start against the Lakers on Saturday, Kenzo Fukuda of ClutchPoints.com reports.

The rookie second-rounder got the starting nod in Wednesday's win over Memphis, though he'll retreat to the second unit Saturday with De'Anthony Melton (knee) back in action. As a reserve this month (seven games), Richard has averaged 5.9 points and 2.6 rebounds in 19.4 minutes per contest.

Horford won't start Saturday's game against the Lakers, Kenzo Fukuda of ClutchPoints.com reports.

Horford started Wednesday's win over the Grizzlies in place of Draymond Green (back), but the former will head back to the bench now that Green has been cleared to return. Horford has been productive when called upon and exploded for a season-high 22 points and six three-pointers in a start against the Nuggets last Sunday.

George (ankle) is available for Saturday's game against the Pelicans, Sarah Todd of The Deseret News reports.

George has appeared in just one game so far this month -- a Feb. 7 loss to Orlando -- during which he logged 13 minutes before sustaining a right ankle sprain that caused him to miss six consecutive contests. Before picking up the right ankle injury, he missed three straight games with a left ankle sprain. It wouldn't be surprising to see the third-year point guard operate under a minutes restriction during his return to action.