NBA Player News
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Pelle Larsson SF | MIA
Heat's Pelle Larsson: Puts up 12 points in return
Larsson (finger) tallied 12 points (6-9 FG), six rebounds, two steals and one assist in 32 minutes Friday in the Heat's 128-97 win over the Hawks.
Miami welcomed back two key rotation pieces for its first contest out of the All-Star break, as Larsson was back in action following a three-game absence and Tyler Herro (ribs) returned following a 15-game absence. Herro led the scoring charge for Miami with 24 points in his 23 minutes, but it was Larsson who moved back into the starting five and ended up seeing the heavier workload. Expect Herro to eventually take back a spot in the first unit, but Larsson should be in line for at least one more start Saturday versus the Grizzlies. Larsson should have a path to another 30-minute workload, as Miami will have some extra playing time to go around with Davion Mitchell (illness) listed as doubtful for the second leg of the back-to-back set.
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Devin Booker SG | PHO
Suns' Devin Booker: Sidelined for at least one week
Booker will have his right hip strain re-evaluated by medical staff in one week, Shane Young of the Suns' official site reports.
Booker sustained the injury during the Suns' loss to the Spurs on Thursday, and he'll be out of action until at least early March, at which point the team's medical staff will provide an updated timeline for the veteran guard's return. Jordan Goodwin, Collin Gillespie and Jalen Green will all take on larger roles for the Suns for as long as Booker is sidelined.
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Scottie Barnes PF | TOR
Raptors' Scottie Barnes: Doesn't practice Saturday
Barnes was excused from Saturday's practice due to personal reasons, and it is uncertain if he will play in Sunday's game against the Bucks, Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca reports.
The Raptors are expected to provide an update on Barnes' status for Sunday by Saturday night. If he's unable to suit up in Milwaukee, Collin Murray-Boyles and Sandro Mamukelashvili would be candidates to see increased minutes, while Jamison Battle could enter the rotation.
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Lindy Waters III SF | SA
Spurs' Lindy Waters: Not playing Saturday
Waters (knee) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Kings.
Waters will miss a seventh consecutive game while recovering from a left knee injury. His next chance to play is Monday against the Pistons, though his return wouldn't impact the Spurs' rotation all that much, seeing as he's averaging just 6.8 minutes per game off the bench this season.
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Tristan Vukcevic PF | WAS
Wizards' Tristan Vukcevic: Upgraded to standard deal
Vukcevic (hand) agreed to a three-year, $9 million contract with the Wizards on Saturday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
Vukcevic began the season on a one-year, two-way pact but will receive added security with this new contract. The deal includes a team option for the third season. Over 35 regular-season appearances (five starts) in 2025-26, the big man has averaged 7.9 points and 2.7 rebounds in 12.3 minutes per contest. He's currently dealing with a right hand contusion and should be considered questionable for Sunday's game against the Hornets until Washington provides an update on his status.
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Leonard Miller SF | CHI
Bulls' Leonard Miller: Probable Saturday
Miller (wrist) is listed as probable for Saturday's game against the Pistons.
Miller was recalled from the G League's Windy City Bulls on Saturday and is likely to suit up for the parent club. He appeared in Windy City's 141-135 loss to Raptors 905 on Friday, during which he tallied 16 points (7-9 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 1-2 FT), four rebounds, two steals, one assist and one block in 30 minutes. Even if he's cleared to play for Chicago on Saturday, he isn't guaranteed to see meaningful playing time.
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Tolu Smith PF | DET
Pistons' Tolu Smith: Available Saturday
Smith (knee) is available for Saturday's game against the Bulls.
Smith will shed his questionable tag due to a right knee contusion and suit up Saturday. However, he isn't guaranteed to see meaningful minutes with Jalen Duren (suspension) back in the lineup.
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Cedric Coward SG | MEM
Grizzlies' Cedric Coward: Remains out Saturday
Coward (knee) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Heat.
Coward will miss a third consecutive game as he continues to recover from a hyperextended right knee. The rookie's absence further thins a Memphis backcourt that is already missing Ja Morant (elbow) and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (finger). With Coward out again, Ty Jerome, Scotty Pippen and Cam Spencer should pick up most of the backcourt usage Saturday. Coward's next opportunity to play will arrive Monday against the Kings.
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Kyle Anderson SF | MIN
Grizzlies' Kyle Anderson: Questionable Saturday
Anderson is questionable for Saturday's game against the Heat due to right knee soreness.
After posting 10 points (3-4 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 3-3 FT), one rebound and one steal across 18 minutes in Friday's win over Utah, Anderson is in danger of missing the second leg of this back-to-back set. If the veteran forward is ultimately ruled out, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Taylor Hendricks and GG Jackson would be candidates to see an uptick in minutes.
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Walter Clayton Jr. PG | MEM
Grizzlies' Walter Clayton: Could return Saturday
Clayton (calf) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Heat.
Clayton has missed the Grizzlies' last three games due to a right calf contusion, but the rookie first-rounder has a chance to return for Saturday's road contest. He has averaged 18.3 minutes per game off the bench this season, but even if he's available to play Saturday, he could operate in a reduced role due to the returns of Ty Jerome and Scotty Pippen.