NBA Player News

Jones won't start Wednesday's game against the Clippers, Tony East of Forbes.com reports.

With Andrew Nembhard (back/neck) returning to the lineup, Jones will slide to the second unit. Over his last five outings off the bench, the rookie second-rounder has averaged 4.0 points and 1.2 assists in 18.4 minutes per tilt.

George finished Wednesday's 106-102 loss to the 76ers with 30 points (10-24 FG, 5-11 3Pt, 5-6 FT), four rebounds, two assists and one steal over 30 minutes.

George propelled the Jazz's offense during Wednesday's loss, with 15 of his game-high 30 points coming in the third quarter. It was the eighth time this season that the third-year pro connected on at least five three-pointers. George has scored 30-plus points in back-to-back games and appears to be fully recovered from the right ankle sprain that cost him six straight games in February. That said, his playing time could be restricted for the second leg of the Jazz's back-to-back set against the Wizards on Thursday.

Walker logged 22 points (7-12 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 4-6 FT), 10 rebounds, two assists and one block over 28 minutes during the 76res' 106-102 win over the Jazz on Wednesday.

Walker posted his second double-double of the season in Wednesday's win, finishing with a season high in points and as the 76ers' second-leading scorer behind Tyrese Maxey (25 points). Walker was averaging 12.0 minutes per game prior to the All-Star break, but the 2022 second-rounder has seen more play off the bench as of late and has posted back-to-back games of 20-plus points. Unlike Tuesday's blowout loss to the Hawks, Wednesday's contest was a close contest for most of the night, and it's worth noting that Walker played the entire fourth quarter. That extra time has come due to the recent absences of VJ Edgecombe (back) and Kelly Oubre (illness), but perhaps Walker's play during the Sixers' back-to-back set will earn him more consistent minutes down the stretch as Philadelphia looks to improve its seeding ahead of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Brown supplied 20 points (7-19 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 5-6 FT), 11 rebounds and seven assists across 34 minutes in Wednesday's 118-89 loss to the Hornets.

Brown missed Monday's win over Milwaukee due to an illness but returned to action Wednesday. The star forward struggled with efficiency but still extended his streak of 20-plus-point performances to 22, albeit in a losing effort. He also led the Celtics in rebounds and assists. He has recorded two double-doubles and a triple-double across six outings since the All-Star break, and he has dished out at least seven dimes in five of those six games.

Hartenstein won't return to Wednesday's game versus the Knicks due to tightness in his left calf, Brandon Rahbar of DailyThunder.com reports.

This is the same calf that caused Hartenstein's most recent lengthy absence, so the Thunder will proceed with caution and hold him out of the remainder of the game. Hartenstein will finish with five rebounds, two assists and one turnover across 17 scoreless minutes, and for now, he should be considered questionable for Saturday's game against the Warriors.

Caruso will not return to Wednesday's game against the Knicks due to a left hip contusion, Brandon Rahbar of DailyThunder.com reports. He'll finish with three points (1-1 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 0-2 FT), four rebounds, two steals and one assist in 12 minutes.

Caruso exited to the locker room in the third quarter and won't return to the hardwood the rest of the way. His next opportunity to play will come Saturday against Golden State. If he's forced to miss time, Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Joe and Jared McCain are candidates for increased playing time.

Toppin (foot) is available for Wednesday's game against the Clippers.

Toppin will suit up for a third consecutive contest following a four-month absence due to a right foot stress fracture. The 28-year-old has logged eight and 11 minutes in his first two outings after the extended absence, and he'll likely continue to operate under a strict minutes restriction.

Nesmith (ankle) is available for Wednesday's meeting with the Clippers, Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star reports.

Nesmith may have his minutes monitored in his first game back from a five-game absence, but his return will likely result in Ben Sheppard or Kam Jones heading back to the bench. Nesmith is averaging 13.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.3 triples per game this season.

Nembhard (back/neck) is available for Wednesday's game against the Clippers, Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star reports.

Nembhard will shed his questionable tag and return from a one-game absence due to neck and back soreness. Over four outings since the All-Star break, the 26-year-old guard has averaged 17.5 points, 6.3 assists and 1.5 rebounds in 27.0 minutes per game.

Siakam (wrist) is available for Wednesday's game against the Clippers, Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star reports.

Siakam is back after a three-game absence, which will likely result in Obi Toppin heading to the second unit, while Kobe Brown should see a sizable reduction in minutes. Siakam is averaging 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.8 triples and 1.1 steals per game this season.