NBA Player News

Walker (back) has been downgraded to doubtful for Sunday's game versus the Heat, Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star reports.

With Walker not expected to play Sunday, Kobe Brown could get a spot start and there will be more minutes available for Ben Sheppard and Jalen Slawson. Check back closer to tipoff for official word on Walker's status.

The Lakers recalled James from the G League's South Bay Lakers on Saturday, Ryan Ward of SI.com reports.

The parent club was off Saturday, so James was assigned to South Bay for the club's regular-season finale in order to pick up some meaningful run. The second-year guard finished Saturday's 140-132 win over the Sioux Falls Skyforce with 26 points (9-12 FG, 6-8 3Pt, 1-2 FT), seven rebounds, five assists and one steal in 37 minutes. While he typically hasn't been a rotation player at the NBA level this season, James could end up getting some minutes in Monday's game against the Wizards due to Luka Doncic being suspended for the contest and Marcus Smart (ankle) being uncertain to play.

The Lakers recalled Bufkin from the G League's South Bay Lakers on Saturday, Ryan Ward of SI.com reports.

Though he was assigned to South Bay ahead of Saturday's game against the Sioux Falls Skyforce, Bufkin ended up being inactive for the contest due to a right shoulder injury. The fact that Bufkin has been recalled by the Lakers could suggest that the shoulder issue isn't anything that will affect his availability for Monday's game against the Wizards, though his status won't be known one way or the other until the team posts its next injury report.

Barrett (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game versus Orlando, according to Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca.

Barrett briefly exited Friday's 119-106 win over New Orleans due to the shoulder injury but was able to return to finish the contest. While the 25-year-old wasn't listed on Saturday's edition of the injury report, he is now questionable because of left shoulder stiffness. With Brandon Ingram (heel) and Collin Murray-Boyles (back) also questionable, and Immanuel Quickley (foot) unavailable, the Raptors may need Jamal Shead, Ja'Kobe Walter, Sandro Mamukelashvili or Gradey Dick to move into the starting lineup alongside Scottie Barnes and Jakob Poeltl.

The Lakers recalled Knecht from the G League's South Bay Lakers on Saturday, Ryan Ward of SI.com reports.

The parent club was off Saturday, so Knecht was assigned to South Bay for the club's regular-season finale in order to pick up some meaningful run. The second-year wing finished Saturday's 140-132 win over the Sioux Falls Skyforce with 18 points (4-10 FG, 8-9 FT), eight rebounds and four assists in 33 minutes. Knecht hasn't been a rotation player at the NBA level for most of the season, but he could get some minutes Monday against the Wizards due to Luka Doncic (suspension) being unavailable and Marcus Smart (ankle) being uncertain to play.

Wilson (illness) has been downgraded to questionable ahead of Sunday's game against Sacramento.

Wilson carried a probable tag earlier in the day, although it appears he's moving in the wrong direction. The 25-year-old has averaged 8.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 0.2 steals across 17.6 minutes in March (nine games), one of his best stretches of the campaign. If Wilson doesn't suit up, Ochai Agbaji and Terance Mann could see more action.

Sims is in the starting lineup for Sunday's matchup with the Clippers, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.

Andre Jackson, Gary Trent, Ousmane Dieng and Larry Nance will round out the first unit for Sunday's game. As a starter this season, Sims has averaged 6.2 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game.

Jackson is in the Bucks' starting lineup against the Clippers on Sunday, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.

The Bucks have just eight active players available for Sunday's contest, so Jackson will move into the starting lineup for the first time this season. Over his last three outings, Jackson has averaged 7.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.7 threes and 1.7 steals over 17.0 minutes per game.

Minott (hip) won't play Sunday versus Sacramento.

With Minott out, there will be more minutes available for Ochai Agbaji and Chaney Johnson. For now, Minott should be considered questionable for Tuesday's meeting with the Hornets.

Black (hip) is available for Sunday's game against the Trail Blazers.

Black popped up on Satuday's injury report as questionable due to right adductor soreness, but he has been given the green light to play in Sunday's contest. He has started in each of the Wizards' last two games and played 40-plus minutes in both of those contests.