NBA Player News

Smith collected 24 points (11-19 FG, 1-7 3Pt, 1-2 FT), two rebounds, six assists and one steal in 28 minutes during Wednesday's 113-99 G League win over the Valley Suns.

Despite coming off the bench, Smith was still able to lead all scorers Wednesday. The two-way player has made just one appearance at the NBA level since Feb. 3, with Smith averaging 19.5 points, 4.0 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 2.5 three-pointers in 30.4 minutes per game through six G League outings in 2025-26.

Markkanen (ankle/hip) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Pelicans, Ben Anderson of KSL News Salt Lake City reports.

Markkanen sprained his right ankle and sustained a right hip impingement during Wednesday's practice. He underwent an MRi shortly after, and his questionable designation likely means he avoided serious injury. Still, it wouldn't be surprising for Markannen to need a game or two off to recover.

George (ankle) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Pelicans, Ben Anderson of KSL News Salt Lake City reports.

George has missed the past five games for the Jazz, but there's a chance he'll be able to get back out there Thursday evening. If George is cleared to return, Isaiah Collier would likely return to the second unit.

Tyson is in Cleveland's starting lineup against Milwaukee on Wednesday.

The Cavaliers are rolling out a new-look starting five Wednesday due to the absences of Evan Mobley (foot), James Harden (thumb) and Donovan Mitchell (groin). Tyson started in 14 consecutive games between Jan. 14 and Feb. 11, and over that span he averaged 16.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.6 threes over 29.8 minutes per game.

Schroder is part of the Cavs' starting lineup for Wednesday's game against Milwaukee.

Schroder will step into the starting lineup Wednesday night due to the absence of James Harden (thumb). In eight games with the Cavaliers, Schroder is averaging 8.0 points, 4.1 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 1.5 steals across 20.3 minutes. Wednesday's game will be his first start for Cleveland.

Merrill is in the Cavaliers' starting lineup against the Bucks on Wednesday.

The Cavaliers are missing Donovan Mitchell (groin), James Harden (thumb) and Evan Mobley (calf) for Wednesday's game, so Merrill will enter the starting lineup alongside Dennis Schroder, Jaylon Tyson, Dean Wade and Jarrett Allen. It'll be Merrill's 24th start of the season and ninth in 12 games for Cleveland. His last start took place Friday in a 118-113 win over the Hornets, when he logged 10 points, two rebounds and two assists over 24 minutes.

Jerome will start Wednesday versus the Warriors.

Jerome is back from a rest day and will replace Scotty Pippen in the first unit for Wednesday's game. Javon Small, Jaylen Wells, GG Jackson and Olivier-Maxence Prosper with join Jerome in the starting lineup Wednesday.

Spencer is not in the Grizzlies' starting lineup against the Warriors on Wednesday.

Spencer started in Monday's loss to the Kings, when he finished with seven points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal over 22 minutes. He'll come off the bench for Wednesday's contest while the Grizzlies go with a starting five of Ty Jerome, Jaylen Wells, Javon Small, GG Jackson and Olivier-Maxence Prosper.

Pippen isn't part of the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against Golden State.

Pippen started Monday night and generated six points, two rebounds, eight assists and five steals over 22 minutes. He'll retreat to a reserve role Wednesday, as Javon Small will replace him in the first unit.

Small is in the Grizzlies' starting lineup against the Warriors on Wednesday.

Small will be in the starting lineup Wednesday for the first time in his career. He's coming off a strong performance against the Kings on Monday, when he logged 21 points, nine assists and six rebounds over 25 minutes. Small has played 20-plus minutes in each of his last eight outings and will have the opportunity to take on an expanded role against Golden State.