NBA Player News

Slawson will start Thursday's game against the Nets.

With Kobe Brown (back) sidelined, Slawson will return to the first unit. As a starter this season (four games), he has averaged 9.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks across 28.3 minutes per game.

Potter is in the starting lineup for Thursday's game against the Nets.

Potter will make his second start in three games as the Pacers are electing to move Jay Huff to a bench role. Potter performed well in his last start Sunday, ending the game with 21 points, 12 rebounds and four assists in 30 minutes.

Bailey (knee) is available for Friday's game against the Grizzlies.

Bailey took a seat for Tuesday's game against the Pelicans due to a knee issue, but he'll be back on the court Friday. The rookie forward is averaging 16.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.2 blocks over his last five matchups.

Etienne is starting Thursday's game against the Pacers, Brian Lewis of the New York Post reports.

The Nets are electing to shake up the starting five Thursday, and it'll be Etienne who benefits from the change. He's seen an uptick in minutes down the stretch of the regular season, as he's averaging 8.0 points, 1.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.3 steals in 21.0 minutes over his last four outings.

Powell won't start Thursday's game against the Pacers, Brian Lewis of the New York Post reports.

Tyson Etienne will step into the starting five in the front end of this back-to-back, pushing Powell to the second unit. The rookie first-rounder has averaged 3.8 points and 1.6 rebounds in 18.4 minutes per contest over his last five appearances off the bench.

Walker (back) is available for Thursday's game against the Nets.

Walker has been cleared to play Thursday despite battling a sacral contusion. Over his last 10 appearances, the forward has averaged 14.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.3 three-pointers in 28.8 minutes per contest while shooting 43.4 percent from three-point land.

Jokic (wrist) is listed as questionable for Friday's game against Oklahoma City.

Jokic hasn't missed a game in over two months. However, with the Nuggets getting ready for the playoffs, the three-time MVP might not suit up Friday. If Jokic doesn't get on the floor, Jonas Valanciunas will presumably return to the starting lineup for the first time since the 128-125 win over Utah on March 2.

Santos (pelvis) is out for Thursday's game against the Lakers.

Santos will sit out Thursday due to a right pelvic contusion. He'll have another chance to take the court in the second half of the Warriors' back-to-back against Sacramento on Friday.

Murray (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Thunder.

Along with Nikola Jokic (wrist) and Aaron Gordon (hamstring), Murray is in jeopardy of missing Denver's penultimate regular-season game. If the star point guard is ruled out, Bruce Brown, Jalen Pickett and Tyus Jones would be candidates for increased run.

Gordon is questionable for Friday's game versus Oklahoma City due to right hamstring injury management.

The Nuggets are deciding whether to hold Gordon out Friday for maintenance reasons. Depending upon who's available for Denver, Tim Hardaway and Bruce Brown could be thrust into very significant roles against the Thunder.