NBA Player News

Jackson (trade pending) won't play Friday in Sacramento, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.

The trade sending Jackson to Los Angeles won't be finalized in time for Friday's game, so he won't be available. Jackson will likely make his Clippers' debut Sunday versus the Timberwolves.

Mathurin (recently traded) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Kings, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.

Mathurin was part of the Pacers' trade package to the Clippers on Thursday that saw Ivica Zubac (personal) being shipped to Indiana. The trade is still pending, so Mathurin's next chance to make his Clippers debut will be Sunday against the Timberwolves. Mathurin and Darius Garland (toe) figure to serve as the Clippers' starting backcourt when both are available to play.

Sabonis is questionable for Friday's game against the Clippers due to lower back soreness.

Sabonis returned from a two-game absence in Wednesday's loss to the Grizzlies, but with Friday's game being the first of a back-to-back set, it wouldn't be shocking to see Sabonis hit the sidelines. If he's out, that would open up minutes for Maxime Raynaud, Precious Achiuwa and Dylan Cardwell.

Garland (toe/recently traded) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Kings, Joey Linn of SI.com reports.

Garland was acquired by the Clippers on Tuesday in exchange for James Harden. The former has been also been recovering from a Grade 1 big right toe sprain, so it remains to be seen whether he'll be available to make his Clippers debut against the Timberwolves on Sunday.

Avdija (back) is listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Grizzlies.

Portland has officially added Avdija to the injury report as questionable, though it's hard to ignore the fact that the team noted earlier in the day he's unlikely to play Friday after going through Thursday's practice. The Blazers should have more clarity on Avdija's availability closer to tipoff.

Aldama is out for Friday's game against the Trail Blazers due to right knee injury management.

Aldama will get a rest day Friday after logging 24 minutes Wednesday against the Kings. It's not clear whether Kyle Anderson or Taylor Hendricks will be available after being acquired from the Jazz on Tuesday, but there will be plenty of minutes in the frontcourt to go around if the newcomers are cleared to suit up.

Barnes will start Thursday against the Mavericks.

Joining Barnes in the first unit for Thursday's game will be De'Aaron Fox, Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie and Victor Wembanyama. As a starter this season, Barnes is averaging 10.5 points, 2.1 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 1.8 triples per contest.

Murray (back) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Grizzlies.

Murray will miss a 15th consecutive game due to a lumbar strain. His next opportunity to play is Saturday in a rematch against Memphis, though the third-year pro doesn't appear to have a clear timeline for a return.

Castle is not in the Spurs' starting lineup against the Mavericks on Thursday.

Castle has started in each of his 40 games prior to Thursday's contest, but he has seen his production dip as of late. The Spurs will change things up by shifting Castle to a bench role while moving veteran Harrison Barnes back into the starting lineup.

Pippen (toe) is questionable for Friday's game in Portland.

This is the first time that Pippen has received the questionable tag this season, so it's possible he could be making his regular-season debut Friday night. He'll likely have some minutes restrictions in his first game back, but if Pippen is cleared, he'd be worth a look in deep leagues. Through 15 games in March last season, Pippen registered averages of 12.1 points, 5.3 assists, 1.5 triples and 2.1 steals per contest on 51/46/86 shooting splits.