NBA Player News

Murphy (shoulder) is available for Sunday's game against the Clippers.

Murphy will suit up in the second leg of this back-to-back set, returning from a five-game absence due to a right shoulder contusion. Over five February appearances, the 25-year-old swingman averaged 27.4 points, 5.6 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.0 steals in 34.0 minutes per contest. His return will leave fewer minutes available for the likes of Bryce McGowens, Jordan Poole and Jeremiah Fears.

Murray (reconditioning) is listed as available for Sunday's game against the Clippers.

As expected, Murray will return to the lineup Sunday after sitting out Saturday's win over the Jazz for injury management. The 29-year-old point guard is being eased back into action after a year-long absence due to a torn Achilles and is not yet cleared for both ends of back-to-back sets. Murray has looked sharp in his first two appearances this season, most recently tallying 17 points, nine assists, and four steals across 26 minutes in Thursday's win over Utah.

Jerome (thigh) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Pacers, Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star reports.

Jerome will miss his second consecutive contest due to a left thigh contusion sustained during his 22-point performance against the Warriors last Wednesday. In his absence, Memphis will likely continue to rely on Scotty Pippen, Walter Clayton, and Javon Small to handle the bulk of the backcourt minutes.

Coward (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Pacers, Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star reports.

Coward will be sidelined for a seventh straight game due to a right knee posterior capsule sprain, but he appears to be closing in on a return. Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal reported Wednesday that the rookie first-round pick has been increasing his on-court practice activity in recent days, which was supported by the Grizzlies' decision to list him as doubtful heading into Sunday's contest. If Coward is able to fit in another practice Monday, he could have a shot at playing Tuesday in Minnesota.

Aldama (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Pacers, Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star reports.

Aldama is still managing a right knee injury and will miss a 10th consecutive contest Sunday, but the Grizzlies' decision to upgrade him to doubtful leading up to the matchup with the Pacers would seem to imply that he's progressing. Until Aldama is deemed ready to play, the Grizzlies will continue to lean on Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Taylor Hendricks and GG Jackson as their primary options in the frontcourt.

Bridges posted 25 points (10-17 FG, 5-9 3Pt), five rebounds, two assists and five steals over 33 minutes during the Knicks' 114-89 win over the Spurs on Sunday.

Bridges helped the Knicks maintain their double-digit lead by scoring 14 of his game-high 25 points in the third quarter and connecting on four of his five triples in the frame. It was his first 20-plus-point game since Feb. 11, and he also showed off his defensive chops with five steals, which were his most in a game since Nov. 14 against the Heat (seven). Bridges has averaged 15.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.6 threes and 1.4 steals over 31.7 minutes per game since Feb. 1.

Toppin (foot) is available for Sunday's game against the Grizzlies.

Toppin spent four months on the shelf while recovering from right foot surgery but was cleared to play in Thursday's loss to the Hornets, when he logged eight minutes and finished with three points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal. The sixth-year pro is available to play Sunday, though he should continue to operate under a minutes restriction while working on his conditioning.

Siakam (wrist) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Grizzlies, Tony East of Forbes.com reports.

Siakam will miss a third consecutive contest due to a left wrist sprain. His next opportunity to play will come Wednesday against the Clippers, which marks the first outing of a four-game road trip. With Siakam sidelined, Jarace Walker, Kobe Brown and Micah Potter are candidates to see an uptick in minutes.

Nembhard (back/neck) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Grizzlies, Alex Golden of the 'Setting the Pace' podcast reports.

Nembhard's injury status for Sunday's game improved from doubtful to questionable Saturday, but the fourth-year guard will not suit up while working through back and neck soreness . In his absence, T.J. McConnell and Kam Jones figure to be the top candidates to enter Indiana's starting lineup. Nembhard's next opportunity to play is Wednesday against the Clippers.

Sharpe will start Sunday's game against the Cavaliers.

Sharpe is set to make his seventh start of the season due to Nic Claxton (thumb) being out. Sharpe remains a double-double threat even in limited action, evidenced by his 14-point, 11-rebound performance in just 19 minutes against the Spurs last Thursday. With Claxton sidelined, Sharpe should be even more productive.