NBA Player News

Ellis won't start Wednesday's game against Atlanta, Serena Winters of FanDuel Sports Network Ohio reports.

Ellis started Cleveland's last two games, most recently recording 19 points, three rebounds, eight assists and one steal across 27 minutes in Monday's 142-126 win over Memphis. However, with Dean Wade (ankle), Donovan Mitchell (ankle) and James Harden (personal) available, Ellis will return to the bench.

Merrill won't start Wednesday's game against the Hawks, Serena Winters of FanDuel Sports Network Ohio reports.

Merrill has started 15 of his last 16 outings but will retreat to the second unit against Atlanta. Over 13 appearances off the bench this season, the sharpshooter has averaged 9.5 points, 2.4 assists and 1.7 rebounds in 24.7 minutes per contest.

Schroder is not in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Hawks, Serena Winters of FanDuel Sports Network Ohio reports.

Schroder produced 22 points (8-12 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 5-6 FT), five rebounds and 11 assists across 29 minutes during Monday's 142-126 win over the Grizzlies, but he'll return to the bench role now that both Donovan Mitchell (ankle) and James Harden (personal) are available. Schroder is averaging 7.6 points, 2.2 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game in his last five outings off the bench, so his fantasy appeal drops considerably if he doesn't start.

Strus won't start Wednesday's game against the Hawks, Serena Winters of FanDuel Sports Network Ohio reports.

Strus is set to return from a one-game absence for maintenance purposes, though Dean Wade will get the starting nod. Strus has averaged 12.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 24.0 minutes per game over six appearances off the bench this season.

Mitchell (ankle) is available and starting against the Hawks on Wednesday, Serena Winters of FanDuel Sports Network Ohio reports.

Mitchell, who was initially considered questionable due to a right ankle sprain, will return after a one-game absence. Expect the star guard to handle his regular workload in the backcourt alongside James Harden. Mitchell is averaging 25.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.2 steals per game over his last 10 appearances.

Wade (ankle) is available and starting in Wednesday's game against Atlanta, Serena Winters of FanDuel Sports Network Ohio reports.

Wade will suit up after missing the Cavaliers' last seven games because of an ankle injury. He will also start over Max Strus. In 36 starts this season, Wade has averaged 6.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.3 blocks and 0.8 steals across 23.0 minutes.

Broome (knee) is listed as out for Thursday's game against Houston.

Broome underwent surgery in February to repair a meniscus tear in his right knee. However, he remains without a clear timetable for a return. The 23-year-old has averaged 0.9 points, 1.5 rebounds, 0.4 assists, 0.2 blocks and 0.3 steals across 5.0 minutes in 11 appearances for Philadelphia this season, so his continued absence won't have much of an impact on the rotation.

Smith (foot) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Raptors.

Smith is in danger of missing the front end of this back-to-back set due to right foot soreness. His absence wouldn't significantly impact the rotation, though Kasparas Jakucionis could pick up a few extra minutes if Smith is ruled out.

Brown (back) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Nets.

Brown didn't play in the second half of Tuesday's loss to Minnesota due to lower-back soreness, and he's now questionable for Thursday's contest due to a lumbar sprain. If the 26-year-old forward is unable to suit up in the first leg of this back-to-back, Jalen Slawson, Micah Potter and Obi Toppin would be candidates to see increased playing time.

Powell (groin) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against Toronto.

Powell missed four consecutive contests due to an illness before returning for Tuesday's 121-95 loss to the Raptors. However, he's back on the injury report for Thursday's rematch because of right groin soreness, an issue he has dealt with throughout the campaign. If Powell can't suit up, Jaime Jaquez, Kasparas Jakucionis and Pelle Larsson might see even more work.