Nembhard isn’t starting Monday’s game against the Celtics, Sean Grande of NBC Sports Boston reports. Nembhard entered the starting five Saturday with Tyrese Haliburton missing time due to an illness, but the Gonzaga product will return to the bench in his usual role with Haliburton cleared to return. Nembhard is averaging 5.8 points, 1.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists in his last five contests as a reserve (17.6 minutes).
Toppin (ankle) is available for Monday’s matchup against the Celtics. As expected, Toppin has been upgraded from questionable to available and will play in the In-Season Tournament quarterfinal matchup versus Boston. Over his last eight appearances, Toppin has averaged 17.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.0 blocks in 29.3 minutes per game.
Haliburton (illness) is available Monday against Boston. Overcoming an upper respiratory illness was Haliburton's final step before taking the court Monday, and he'll officially suit up for a quarterfinal duel of the In-Season Tournament. The 23-year-old has averaged 24.6 points and 12.2 assists across his last five games, although he did not suit up when Indiana played Boston in early November.
Coach Frank Vogel said Monday that Beal (back) is making progress, but there’s still no timetable for his return, Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic reports. Beal will miss Tuesday's In-Season Tournament matchup versus the Lakers, marking his 11th straight absence. He's due for another evaluation at the end of the week, but until he returns to practice, Beal can be considered doubtful, at best. In Beal's absence, Eric Gordon and Grayson Allen remain candidates for increased roles.
Coach Rick Carlisle said he expects Toppin (ankle) to play in Monday’s game against the Celtics, Scott Agness of FieldhouseFiles.com reports. Toppin tweaked his ankle during Saturday's win over Miami and was initially listed as questionable for Monday's matchup. He's trending more toward probable at this point, but he likely won't be officially cleared until closer to the 7:30 p.m. ET tipoff.
Coach Rick Carlisle said he expects Haliburton (illness) to play Monday against the Celtics, Scott Agness of FieldhouseFiles.com reports. Haliburton missed Saturday's win over Miami due to a right knee injury but appears to have moved past that issue, as he was initially listed as questionable for Monday due to an illness. Either way, the superstar point guard is now trending more toward probable and will likely suit up for the quarterfinal matchup of the In-Season Tournament. However, Haliburton presumably won't be officially cleared until closer to the 7:30 p.m. ET tipoff.
Jeffries is questionable for Tuesday’s game against the Bucks due to a non-COVID illness. Jeffries has appeared in seven NBA games this season but has yet to play more than four minutes. His potential absence shouldn't have fantasy implications.
Fournier is questionable for Tuesday’s game against the Bucks due to a non-COVID illness. Fournier hasn't been a part of coach Tom Thibodeau's rotation since the beginning of last season, so his potential absence shouldn't have fantasy implications.
Brown (illness) is available for Tuesday’s matchup against the Bucks. Brown was sidelined by an illness while in the G League, but it appears he's cleared the aliment and will suit up Tuesday. However, he's yet to appear in an NBA contest this season, and that likely won't change Tuesday.
Jones managed 20 points (9-16 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 1-1 FT), seven assists, six rebounds and three steals in 37 minutes during Friday’s 110-103 win over the G League Ignite. Jones has scored at least 20 points in three straight G League contests. He's averaging 21.2 points on a 53.8 percent mark from the field, but he's shooting just 44.4 percent from the free-throw line. He was recalled to the NBA club following Friday's game.
Slawson registered 23 points (9-13 FG, 5-6 3Pt, 0-2 FT), four assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block in 35 minutes during Friday’s 110-103 win over the G League Ignite. Slawson barely missed from the field en route to a season-high 23 points. Across four G League appearances, he's averaging 12.8 points while shooting 43.2 percent from the field and 38.1 percent from deep.
Ford recorded 28 points (11-19 FG, 3-4 3PT, 1-1 FT), six assists, two rebounds and one steal in 39 minutes during Friday’s 110-103 win over the G League Ignite. Ford was efficient from the field en route to a team- and season-high 28 points. It was his third outing of the G League campaign with at least 25 points.
Charlotte transferred Black to the G League’s Greensboro Swarm on Monday. Despite being healthy, Black hasn't played in either of Greensboro's past two games. He has averaged 10.0 points, 9.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists across three G League appearances this season.
Toppin recorded 18 points (6-18 FG, 3-10 3Pt, 3-3 FT), 11 rebounds, three assists and a steal while playing 40 minutes in Westchester’s 92-90 loss to the Skyhawks on Sunday. Toppin saw the most playing time of anyone on the Knicks, and he managed to lead the team in both points and rebounds. The rookie undrafted free agent also logged his third double-double of the season despite shooting just 33.3 percent from the field.
Golden State assigned Jackson-Davis to the G League’s Santa Cruz Warriors on Monday. Despite being healthy, Jackson-Davis didn't play in any of Golden State's past three contests. He'll presumably see extended playing time if he features in any games for Santa Cruz.
Chicago assigned Phillips to the G League’s Windy City Bulls on Monday. Phillips and Dalen Terry were both sent to the G League and will presumably see extended playing time if they feature in any contests for Windy City. Phillips has appeared in 10 NBA contests this season, averaging 4.8 minutes per game.
Chicago assigned Terry to the G League’s Windy City Bulls on Monday. Terry and Julian Phillips have both been sent to the G League and will presumably see extended action if they feature in any contests for Windy City. Terry has made just six NBA appearances this season, averaging 1.2 points and 1.7 rebounds in 3.8 minutes per game.
Coach Frank Vogel said Monday that Booker (ankle) dealt with “minimal soreness” following Saturday’s win over the Grizzlies, and the superstar shooting guard should be good to go for Tuesday’s matchup against the Lakers, Gerald Bourguet of GoPHNX.com reports. Booker was sidelined for Friday's loss to Denver due to a right ankle sprain but returned to action Saturday, posting 34 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and one steal in 37 minutes. Despite being in and out of the lineup, Booker has produced stellar numbers when available, averaging 27.9 points, 8.4 assists and 5.8 rebounds in 34.0 minutes per game.
Connaughton (ankle) has been ruled out for Tuesday’s game against the Knicks, Eric Nehm of The Athletic reports. Coach Adrian Griffin said Monday he doesn't expect Connaughton to play at all this week, so the backup guard could end up missing the team's next three games, though they might play only two contests this week if they don't advance to the In-Season Tournament Championship. Connaughton has missed Milwaukee's past two contests, which has allowed Malik Beasley, Cameron Payne and MarJon Beauchamp to see slightly increased roles.
Simons (thumb) practiced Monday and is considered day-to-day, Sean Highkin of RoseGardenReport.com reports. Simons recorded 18 points (6-14 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 4-4 FT), four assists, two rebounds and two steals in 27 minutes during Portland's regular-season opener. He was then labeled as probable for the team's ensuing game due to a right thumb sprain. However, the injury wound up being more serious than initially anticipated, and he ultimately underwent surgery Oct. 31 to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb. He was expected to miss 4-to-6 weeks, but it appears he could return closer to the front end of that timeline. Simons' official status for Wednesday's matchup versus the Warriors remains to be determined, but his return to game action appears imminent, barring setbacks.
Huff logged two points (2-2 FT), seven rebounds, an assist, two blocks and two steals over 21 minutes of Sunday’s 102-92 G League loss to Windy City. Although Huff was partially limited by foul trouble, he struggled to make an impact offensively and failed to attempt a single field goal. However, he was excellent defensively, racking up seven defensive rebounds, a pair of blocks and a a pair of steals. Through seven games, Huff is averaging 17.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 3.3 blocks over 29.0 minutes.
Hachimura is expected to get some minutes in Tuesday’s game against the Suns, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports. Hachimura was available for Saturday's game against the Rockets, but he did not see the floor with the Lakers opting to give him one more game off. Hachimura is expected to wear a face mask to protect his nasal fracture and will likely see limited minutes in his return.
Jackson (back) is questionable for Tuesday’s game against the Knicks, Eric Nehm of The Athletic reports. Jackson is dealing with back spasms and was unable to play Saturday against the Hawks. He will be re-evaluated Tuesday morning before his status is updated further.
Connaughton (ankle) is unlikely to play in Tuesday’s game against the Knicks, Eric Nehm of The Athletic reports. While Connaughton hasn't officially been ruled out, Bucks coach Adrian Griffin does not expect the veteran shooting guard to play for the remainder of the week. Malik Beasley has been playing heavy workloads for the Bucks in recent games, while Cam Payne and MarJon Beauchamp have also seen a bump in playing time.
Wembanyama (hip) confirmed that he will play Wednesday against the Timberwolves, Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News reports. Wembanyama missed Friday's matchup with the Pelicans due to his hip issue, though it was mostly considered to be a precaution. The rookie is likely to see his normal workload Wednesday, so we can expect Julian Champagnie to head back to the bench.
Duarte (knee) will not play in Monday’s game against the Pelicans, Sean Cunningham of Fox 40 Sacramento reports. Duarte was available for Sacramento's previous game, though he never saw the floor. His absence Monday won't carry many fantasy implications.
Grant has been placed in the concussion protocol. Grant took a shot to the head during the fourth quarter of Saturday's game versus the Jazz and never returned. While he hasn't officially been ruled out, Grant should be considered doubtful at best for Wednesday's game against the Warriors. Assuming Grant misses time, Portland could give Jabari Walker an extended look.
McLaughlin participated in practice Monday for the first time since his knee injury, although he didn’t take contact, Dane Moore of ‘The Dane Moore NBA Podcast’ reports. McLaughlin has been sidelined since the beginning of November with an MCL sprain in his right knee, but he's ramping up and only has a couple hurdles left to clear for his return. Prior to his injury, McLaughlin averaged 3.8 minutes in five total contests.
Edwards (hip) practiced on Monday, Pierre Noujaim of Fox 9 reports. Despite going through practice, Edwards is day-to-day according to coach Chris Finch and should be considered questionable for Wednesday against the Spurs. Edwards has missed the past two games for Minnesota, but he's trending in the right direction. In his absence, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Troy Brown have been getting extended run.
Wade (ankle) was able to go through a full practice Monday, Chris Fedor of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports. Wade missed the past six games for the Cavaliers, but he's set to return for Wednesday's game against the Magic. With Cleveland mostly healthy outside of Caris LeVert (knee, questionable), Wade will likely play a limited role off the bench.
LeVert (knee) did not practice Monday, Chris Fedor of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports. LeVert was unable to play Saturday against the Pistons after he aggravated a knee issue that first popped up in mid-November. Craig Porter only saw four minutes of action in LeVert's absence Saturday, while Isaac Okoro played 33 minutes and produced nine points, six rebounds, four assists, four steals and one three-pointer. LeVert should be considered questionable at best for Wednesday's game against Orlando.
Porzingis (calf) could return to action as soon as this week, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports. Porzingis will miss his fourth straight game Monday against the Pacers, but there is increasing optimism about his progress. If the Celtics win Monday, Porzingis could potentially return as soon as Thursday in Vegas for the Final Four of the In-Season Tournament.
Batum (finger) practiced in full Monday, Noah Levick of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports. Batum sat out Friday's game against the Celtics, but he'll be good to go for Wednesday's outing against the Wizards. The 76ers will be at full strength Wednesday, so Batum's usage rate will be minimal.
House participated in Monday’s practice, Noah Levick of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports. House has missed the past four games for the 76ers, but he's set to return for Wednesday's game against the Wizards. However, with Kelly Oubre (ribs) cleared to play, House may struggle to find consistent minutes for the 76ers.
Maxey (illness) was a full participant at Monday’s practice, Justin Grasso of SI.com reports. Maxey was unable to play in Friday's game against the Celtics, but he's had the full weekend to recover and is all set to return Wednesday against the Wizards. Joel Embiid (illness) and Kelly Oubre (ribs) are also set to return for the 76ers.
Embiid (illness) participated at Monday’s practice, Justin Grasso of SI.com reports. Embiid is healthy again after missing the past two games for the 76ers with an illness. In addition to Embiid, Tyrese Maxey (illness) and Kelly Oubre (ribs) practiced Monday and are set to return against the Wizards on Wednesday.
Oubre (ribs) has been cleared to play in Wednesday’s game against the Wizards, Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. Oubre was a full participant at Monday's practice and walked away without any setbacks. It's likely that Oubre will have restrictions right out of the gate, but his return will provide a big lift to the 76ers on both ends of the court. In eight total appearances this season, Oubre averaged 16.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.8 three-pointers.
Kleber (toe) was unable to practice Monday, Grant Afseth of SI.com reports. Kleber has missed the past 11 games for Dallas, and there's still no reported timetable. Consider him doubtful at best for Wednesday's game versus Utah.
Exum (personal) was back at practice Monday, Grant Afseth of SI.com reports. Exum was away from the Mavericks for the past two games, but he'll be available to return for Wednesday's game against the Jazz. In his most recent game against the Rockets on Nov. 28, Exum played well with 12 points, three assists, one rebound and one steal in 15 minutes.
Green (elbow) failed to practice Monday, Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News reports. Green sat out Saturday's loss to the Thunder due to a sprained right elbow. He appears to be at risk of missing a second consecutive game Wednesday against the Jazz. Dallas is banged up heading into Wednesday, so fantasy managers should keep an eye on the team's injury report.
Hardaway (back) participated in Monday’s practice, Grant Afseth of SI.com reports. Hardaway was one of a number of Mavericks held out for Saturday's game against the Thunder, but he's trending in the right direction for Wednesday's game against the Jazz. The veteran sharpshooter has been cold in recent games, shooting 30.6 percent from the field over his last three appearances.
Williams did not practice Monday due to knee soreness, Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News reports. Williams has yet to miss a game this season, but that could change Wednesday when the Mavericks face the Jazz. More information on Williams' status should arrive when Dallas releases their official injury report.
Irving (foot) participated in Monday’s practice, Grant Afseth of SI.com reports. Irving missed Saturday's game versus the Thunder, but it sounds like he's trending in the right direction for Wednesday's game against the Jazz. Seth Curry started for Irving on Saturday and played well, scoring 12 points with five rebounds, three assists, one steal, one block and four three-pointers.
Castleton logged 14 points (6-13 FG, 1-1 FT), 13 rebounds, three assists and a steal in 33 minutes during South Bay’s 127-118 win over the Stars on Saturday. Castleton continues to be productive off the boards for South Bay as led the team in rebounds while recording his fifth double-double of the season. The 23-year-old did struggle to shoot the ball however, as his 46.2 field goal percentage was well below his season mark of 67.5.
Hodge compiled 21 points (8-18 FG, 4-13 3Pt, 1-1 FT), eight rebounds, three assists and four steals while playing 31 minutes during South Bay’s 127-118 win over the Stars on Saturday. Hodge once again produced for South Bay's second unit as led the team in points scored off the bench. The 24-year-old also logged the most steals on the team and has now scored a combined 56 points in his last two games.
The Hornets assigned Nick Smith to the Greensboro Swarm of the G League on Monday. This is the first G League assignment of the season for Smith. The rookie hasn't been utilized much in Charlotte, appearing in eight games with an average of 7.1 minutes per contest.
Miller finished with 32 points (14-24 FG, 2-9 3Pt, 2-2 FT), seven rebounds, three assists, three steals and three blocks over 41 minutes in Sunday’s 116-106 loss to Indiana. Miller led all players in Sunday's contest in scoring while putting together an all-around performance that included over a handful of rebounds and a trio of assists, steals and blocks to lead Iowa. Miller has averaged 19.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.0 blocks over 30.5 minutes in seven appearances this year.
