NBA Player News
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Jalen Smith PF | CHI
Bulls' Jalen Smith: Aggravates calf injury
Smith won't return to Wednesday's game versus the 76ers due to a right calf injury, K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network reports. He finished with zero points (0-1 FG, 0-1 3Pt), one rebound and one block over six minutes.
Smith's right calf has presented persistent concerns for him over the first two months. After he first strained his right calf during a Jan. 29 game against the 76ers, Smith missed the Bulls' subsequent two games after that, then missed the Bulls' final three contests before the All-Star break when he experienced a setback. Smith strained the calf again in late February and missed five straight contests, and he appears to have suffered another setback Wednesday. As a result of the latest recurrence of the injury, Smith seems likely to miss time once again, which should pave the way for Nick Richards and Guerschon Yabusele to handle more minutes in the frontcourt.
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Malevy Leons PF | GS
Warriors' Malevy Leons: Ruled out for Wednesday
Leons (illness) has been downgraded to out for Wednesday's game against the Nets.
Leons was a late addition to the injury report Wednesday, and after initially being listed as questionable to play through the iillness, the two-way forward will ultimately sit out. While he's not a major part of Golden State's rotation, Leons' absence could open up some extra minutes for Omer Yurtseven, who was re-signed to a second 10-day deal. Leons' next chance to play will come Friday against Washington.
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Russell Westbrook PG | SAC
Kings' Russell Westbrook: No timetable for return
Westbrook was diagnosed with irritation in the joint of the first toe in his right foot and does not have an established timeline to return, James Ham of ESPN 1320 Sacramento reports.
Westbrook has been sidelined with what was previously reported as right foot soreness, but an MRI revealed that the injury is in the first toe of his right foot. Without an established timeline to return and the Kings eliminated from postseason contention, it's possible that the 2016-17 MVP could be sidelined for the rest of the regular season. In the meantime, Killian Hayes (foot), Devin Carter and Malik Monk should all continue to operate in elevated roles due to the absences of Westbrook and Nique Clifford (foot).
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Keegan Murray PF | SAC
Kings' Keegan Murray: Approved for contact
Murray (ankle) is making good progress in his recovery and has been approved to participate in contact basketball activities, Marc J. Spears of ESPN.com reports.
Murray has battled a left ankle injury for most of the calendar year, and while he's making progress, each day that goes by lowers his chances of returning in 2025-26. The Kings sit at the bottom of the Western Conference standings, so there's little incentive to rush Murray back.
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Rayan Rupert SG | MEM
Grizzlies' Rayan Rupert: Not playing Wednesday
Rupert (two-way) will be inactive for Wednesday's game versus the Spurs.
After Wednesday, Rupert will be eligible to play in five of the Grizzlies' remaining 10 contests while he remains signed to a two-way contract. Rupert has now suited up for just two of the Grizzlies' last seven games while the team has managed his availability as the season winds down.
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Jahmai Mashack SG | MEM
Grizzlies' Jahmai Mashack: Won't play Wednesday
Mashack (ankle/two-way) is out for Wednesday's game against the Spurs, the Grizzlies announced.
Mashack had been listed as doubtful for Wednesday's contest due to a left ankle sprain, but Memphis is officially listing his absence as due to his two-way status. It'll be Mashack's fifth consecutive absence. His next chance to play will come Friday against Houston.
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Javon Small PG | MEM
Grizzlies' Javon Small: Available to play
Small (back) is available for Wednesday's meeting with the Spurs.
Small is back after a one-game absence, and he will likely start versus San Antonio. Small's return could mean fewer minutes for DeJon Jarreau.
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Anthony Edwards SG | MIN
Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards: Could return as soon as Saturday
Edwards (knee) will be evaluated daily and has a chance to play in Saturday's game against Detroit or Monday's game against the Mavericks, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
Edwards has missed four consecutive games due to inflammation in his right knee, but it looks like he's closing in on a return. The star guard had reportedly been limited to individual work as recently as Tuesday. However, the Timberwolves are optimistic he could retake the floor within the team's next two games.
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Keon Ellis SG | CLE
Cavaliers' Keon Ellis: Starting Wednesday
Ellis will start Wednesday versus the Heat, Spencer Davies of ClutchPoints.com reports.
Ellis is getting a spot-start with Dean Wade (ankle) unavailable, and it'll be Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Sam Merrill and Evan Mobley joining him in the first unit for Wednesday's game. As a starter this season, Ellis has averaged 7.7 points, 1.6 triples, 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks per game.
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Ayo Dosunmu PG | MIN
Timberwolves' Ayo Dosunmu: Ruled out Wednesday
Dosunmu (calf) is out for Wednesday's game against the Rockets.
Dosunmu was initially listed as questionable due to soreness in his right calf, and the issue will prevent him from suiting up. Dosunmu's absence could mean more opportunities for Bones Hyland, Terrence Shannon and Jaylen Clark. Mike Conley could jump into the rotation as well. Dosunmu's next chance to play will come Saturday against Detroit.