NBA Player News

Thomas will start Monday's game against Oklahoma City, Serena Winters of FanDuel Sports Network Ohio reports.

Thomas will enter the starting five with Peyton Watson (hamstring) and Jaylon Tyson (ankle) sidelined. Thomas has offered a spark off the bench in three appearances this season, as he's managed to put up 10 or more points in each game.

Shannon (hip) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Bucks, Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic reports.

Shannon will miss his first game of the season due to a left hip contusion, and his next chance to play will come Wednesday against Houston. With the 26-year-old swingman joining Anthony Edwards (knee) on the inactive list, more minutes will be available for guys like Ayo Dosunmu, Isaiah Evans and Jaylen Clark.

Watson (hamstring) is out for Monday's game against the Thunder, Chris Fedor of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Watson was initially listed as questionable due to right hamstring soreness and will be held out of Monday's contest. His next chance to play will come in Wednesday's rematch against Oklahoma City. In the meantime, Meleek Thomas, Mario Hezonja and Sam Merrill are candidates to see increased burn.

Irving (knee) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Kings.

Irving was initially listed as questionable before being downgraded to doubtful Monday afternoon, and he's since been ruled out. With the star floor general sidelined, Marcus Sasser and Walter Clayton are candidates for increased burn, while Cooper Flagg will likely see increased playmaking duties.

Aldama (knee) has been ruled out for Monday's matchup with Sacramento.

Aldama has yet to make his season debut while recovering from the right knee surgery he underwent in March, though he appears to be making progress. His next chance to suit up will come Wednesday against San Antonio.

Nance (illness) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Hawks.

Including Nance, the Pacers have ruled out 10 players ahead of Monday's contest. Kobe Brown and Jarace Walker should see heavy workloads with the club shorthanded.

Toppin (back) will dress for Monday's game against Hawks but will only play in an emergency, Tony East of Forbes.com reports.

Toppin has missed the last two games while dealing with a lumbar strain, and the only reason he's dressing Monday is in the event of an emergency, as the Pacers are down to eight active players (including Toppin). Jay Huff, Kelly Oubre, Kobe Brown, Jarace Walker and Jalen Slawson will be tasked with eating up minutes in the frontcourt with Toppin, Ivica Zubac (ankle) and Larry Nance (illness) sidelined.

Barlow (back) has been on the court "a little bit" and will be re-evaluated Tuesday, Austin Krell of OnPattison.com reports.

The Sixers are hoping for positive news so they can progress Barlow's workouts. The big man has yet to make his season debut due to a lumbar spine bone stress response.

Smith will start Monday's game against the Hawks, Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star reports.

The Pacers will be extremely shorthanded in the second half of this back-to-back set, opening the door for Smith to make his first career start. The two-way player has logged double-digit minutes just once this season, but the Pacers will need him to take on a heavy workload Monday.

Alvarado (ankle) is available for Monday's game against the Nets, Ian Begley of SportsNet New York reports.

Alvarado will shed his questionable tag and suit up for the first time since Oct. 23. His return from a four-game absence will likely mean fewer opportunities for Tyler Kolek and Jordan Clarkson off the Knicks' bench.