NBA Player News

McConnell is in the Pacers' starting lineup against the Wizards on Friday, Scott Agness of FieldhouseFiles.com reports.

McConnell was cleared to play Friday after missing the Pacers' last two games due to a right hamstring injury, and he'll make his first start of the season due to the absence of Andrew Nembhard (back). McConnell's last start took place April 11, 2025, against the Magic, when he registered 12 points, three assists, one rebound, one steal and one block over 21 minutes.

James will start Friday's game against the Cavaliers.

The Hornets will deploy a smaller starting lineup against Cleveland due to Grant Williams (knee) joining Miles Bridges (suspension) and Moussa Diabate (suspension) on the sidelines. As a starter this season (18 games), James has averaged 6.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 29.0 minutes per contest.

Champagnie is in the Wizards' starting lineup against the Pacers on Friday.

Champagnie was a healthy DNP for Thursday's win over the Pacers, but he'll be back in action for the Wizards on Friday due to the absence of Kyshawn George (toe). Champagnie has averaged 15.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.8 threes and 1.0 steals over 21.5 minutes per game over his last four outings.

Merrill will start Friday's game against the Hornets.

With Evan Mobley (calf) sitting out the second half of this back-to-back set, Merrill will step into the starting five. As a starter this season (22 games), the sharpshooter has averaged 14.7 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 25.6 minutes per contest.

Martin (ankle) is available for Friday's game against the Timberwolves.

Martin was initially listed as questionable for Friday's game due to a left ankle sprain, but the veteran wing has been given the green light to suit up against Minnesota. He has started 10 of his last 12 outings, and over that span he has averaged 7.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.9 threes and 1.2 steals over 24.2 minutes per game.

Gafford (ankle) is available for Friday's game in Minnesota.

Gafford will push through the pain and make himself available for Friday's game, so make sure you've got him active. Through five February outings, Gafford has recorded averages of 8.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.0 steals and 2.0 blocks per game.

Christie (ankle) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Timberwolves.

Christie sprained his left ankle in Thursday's practice and won't suit up Friday. His next opportunity to play will come Sunday against Indiana. With the 23-year-old swingman sidelined, Naji Marshall, Brandon Williams and Klay Thompson are candidates for increased playing time, while AJ Johnson could enter the Dallas rotation.

Clayton (calf) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Jazz.

The rookie first-rounder will miss a third consecutive game while nursing a right calf contusion, and his next chance to play is in the second leg of the Grizzlies' back-to-back set against the Heat on Saturday. The Grizzlies are dealing with multiple injuries, so Javon Small and Jahmai Mashack should see significant roles Friday due to the absences of Clayton, Ty Jerome (calf), Scotty Pippen (toe) and Cedric Coward (knee).

Thompson (two-way) is listed out for Friday's game against the Wizards.

Thompson received 27 minutes in both of the Pacers' past two games, but because he's eligible to suit up for just 10 more contests at the NBA level over the rest of the season while he's signed to a two-way deal, Indiana will hold him out Friday in an afford to preserve some of his availability down the stretch. Fellow two-way player Quenton Jackson was inactive for Thursday's loss to Washington, but he'll suit up Friday and will likely end up absorbing most of Thompson's vacated minutes.

Yabusele is listed as probable for Saturday's game against the Pistons due to a left calf contusion.

Yabusele may have tweaked his calf during the Bulls' 110-101 loss to the Raptors on Thursday, when he logged eight points (2-5 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 3-4 FT), five rebounds and one assist over 17 minutes, though the veteran big man is on track to play in Saturday's contest. Since being acquired by the Bulls from the Knicks in early February, Yabusele is averaging 10.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 2.2 threes and 0.8 steals over 24.8 minutes per game.