NBA Player News

Carlson won't return to Wednesday's game against the Pistons due to low back soreness, Nick Crain of Forbes.com reports.

Carlson tweaked his back during the first quarter and will end the game with four points (2-4 FG, 0-2 3Pt), four rebounds, two assists in four minutes. The second-year center previously missed the Thunder's final game before the All-Star break due to a similar injury, but he was available for each of Oklahoma City's first three contests of the second half.

Murray (ankle) has been ruled out for the remainder of Wednesday's game against the Rockets, James Ham of ESPN 1320 Sacramento reports.

Murray injured his left ankle -- the same ankle that cost him 20 games from Jan. 6 to Feb. 11 -- in the first quarter Wednesday and is unable to return. He'll end the contest with three points (0-2 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 3-3 FT), one rebound and one block across nine minutes. Look for Patrick Baldwin and Daeqwon Plowden to see more playing time for the rest of Wednesday's contest. Sacramento closes out a back-to-back set Thursday against Dallas.

Murray sustained a left ankle injury during Wednesday's game against the Rockets and went back to the locker room, Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee reports.

Murray exited the game with 3:23 left in the first quarter after sustaining an apparent ankle injury. Wednesday's contest is Murray's fourth since a 20-game absence because of a sprained left ankle. Given Murray's injury history, expect the Kings to proceed with caution.

Collins (head/neck) is questionable for Thursday's game versus the Timberwolves, Janis Carr of The Orange County Register reports.

Collins was able to get through Wednesday's practice, so the questionable tag is encouraging. If he's cleared to return, Kobe Sanders would likely return to the second unit.

Leonard is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Timberwolves due to left ankle soreness, Janis Carr of The Orange County Register reports.

Leonard has been dealing with a left ankle issue since Friday's game against the Lakers, though it hasn't prevented him from playing since. His absence would likely result in Bennedict Mathurin or Kobe Sanders entering the Clippers' starting lineup for Thursday's game. Leonard has averaged 30.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.3 threes and 1.0 steals over 32.3 minutes per game since the All-Star break.

Smith collected 24 points (11-19 FG, 1-7 3Pt, 1-2 FT), two rebounds, six assists and one steal in 28 minutes during Wednesday's 113-99 G League win over the Valley Suns.

Despite coming off the bench, Smith was still able to lead all scorers Wednesday. The two-way player has made just one appearance at the NBA level since Feb. 3, with Smith averaging 19.5 points, 4.0 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 2.5 three-pointers in 30.4 minutes per game through six G League outings in 2025-26.

Markkanen (ankle/hip) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Pelicans, Ben Anderson of KSL News Salt Lake City reports.

Markkanen sprained his right ankle and sustained a right hip impingement during Wednesday's practice. He underwent an MRi shortly after, and his questionable designation likely means he avoided serious injury. Still, it wouldn't be surprising for Markannen to need a game or two off to recover.

George (ankle) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Pelicans, Ben Anderson of KSL News Salt Lake City reports.

George has missed the past five games for the Jazz, but there's a chance he'll be able to get back out there Thursday evening. If George is cleared to return, Isaiah Collier would likely return to the second unit.

Tyson is in Cleveland's starting lineup against Milwaukee on Wednesday.

The Cavaliers are rolling out a new-look starting five Wednesday due to the absences of Evan Mobley (foot), James Harden (thumb) and Donovan Mitchell (groin). Tyson started in 14 consecutive games between Jan. 14 and Feb. 11, and over that span he averaged 16.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.6 threes over 29.8 minutes per game.

Schroder is part of the Cavs' starting lineup for Wednesday's game against Milwaukee.

Schroder will step into the starting lineup Wednesday night due to the absence of James Harden (thumb). In eight games with the Cavaliers, Schroder is averaging 8.0 points, 4.1 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 1.5 steals across 20.3 minutes. Wednesday's game will be his first start for Cleveland.