NBA Player News

Gilgeous-Alexander is out for Tuesday's game against the Bulls due to abdominal strain injury management, Clemente Almanza of USA Today reports.

Gilgeous-Alexander has looked sharp in his first two games back from an abdominal injury, totaling 30 or more points in each appearance. The Thunder have elected to give him the first half of the team's back-to-back off as a precaution, ensuring that he'll be ready to go for Wednesday's matchup against the Knicks. Expect Jared McCain, Cason Wallace and Isaiah Joe to be much more involved Tuesday with Gilgeous-Alexander unavailable.

Hartenstein (calf) won't play in Tuesday's game against the Bulls, Clemente Almanza of USA Today reports.

MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) is also getting Tuesday night off for injury management, as it appears the Thunder have their sights set toward being close to full strength for Wednesday's showdown versus the Knicks in New York instead. Jaylin Williams is an option for a spot start at center Tuesday, with Alex Caruso and Aaron Wiggins also in the mix to get more involved.

Mitchell (abdomen/ankle) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against Chicago.

Mitchell will miss his 18th consecutive game while tending to both an abdominal strain and a left ankle sprain. His next chance to play will come Wednesday against New York, though given the lack of a clear timetable for his return, suiting up for that contest appears unlikely.

Gibson (reconditioning) is out for Tuesday's game against the Timberwolves.

Gibson inked a deal with Memphis on Thursday, but he'll need more time before being cleared for his first taste of game action. The veteran's next opportunity to take the court will arrive Wednesday against Portland.

Coward (knee) is questionable for Tuesday's game against Minnesota.

Coward has missed seven consecutive games due to a right knee posterior capsule sprain, though the questionable tag offers some optimism for a return in the near future. On the season, the rookie is averaging 13.3 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists on 46.8 percent shooting from the field and 34.0 percent from beyond the arc across 48 appearances (35 starts). Should Coward remain out Tuesday, Walter Clayton, Cam Spencer and Rayan Rupert are candidates to see increased opportunities.

Jerome (thigh) is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Timberwolves.

Jerome is in danger of missing his third straight matchup while dealing with a left thigh bruise. He was added to the injury report as doubtful ahead of Sunday's game, so it appears he's making progress in his recovery. The Grizzlies should have a better idea of Jerome's availability for Tuesday closer to tipoff.

Aldama is questionable for Tuesday's game against Minnesota due to right knee injury management.

The questionable tag is certainly a step in the right direction for Aldama, who is aiming to return from a 10-game absence Tuesday. If the 2021 first-rounder is finally able to suit up, his return would likely put a slight damper on the recent rise streaming in streaming appeal for Taylor Hendricks and Olivier-Maxence Prosper.

Antetokounmpo (calf) has been cleared to play Monday against Boston.

Antetokounmpo is set to take the floor for the first time since suffering a right calf strain Jan. 23 against the Nuggets. Milwaukee has held on admirably since, posting an 8-7 record without the 31-year-old. Antetokounmpo will presumably be on a playing time restriction Monday night in his first action in over a month, though the team hasn't hinted at what his minutes range could be set at.

Vanderbilt (coach's decision) went unused off the bench in Sunday's 128-104 win over the Kings.

Vanderbilt ended up dropping out of the rotation after he had appeared in each of the Lakers' last 35 games and averaged 4.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 0.9 steals in 18.8 minutes per contest during that stretch. The veteran big man had been trending down prior to his absence Sunday, playing no more than 12 minutes in any of his last five appearances while converting on just 36.4 percent of his field-goal attempts. Head coach JJ Redick went with Maxi Kleber (13 minutes) on the second unit in lieu of Vanderbilt in what could prove to be more than a one-time arrangement.

Plumlee (reconditioning) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against Philadelphia.

Plumlee, who signed a rest-of-season contract with San Antonio on Friday, won't make his team debut Tuesday as he continues to ramp up following right groin surgery in late December. The veteran center's next opportunity to suit up will come Thursday against Detroit.