RADIO
Jalen Smith Exits with Left-Hand Injury
Chicago Bulls forward/center Jalen Smith (hand) was ruled out for the rest of Wednesday's game against the New York Knicks after hurting his left hand while contesting a shot in the second quarter. Smith entered the night already dealing with a left finger sprain and was cleared to play before suffering the new setback. The 26-year-old came in averaging 12.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists while starting in place of Nic Claxton (hamstring). If Smith misses additional time, Zach Collins should be first in line for more center minutes until Claxton is ready to return.
Source: Chicago Bulls
Source: Chicago Bulls
Jakob Poeltl Back in Action Wednesday
Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (shoulder) is available for Wednesday's game against the Denver Nuggets, according to Sportsnet's Blake Murphy. Poeltl missed the previous two contests with left shoulder bursitis but returns with Toronto set to face Nikola Jokic and Nate Bittle (foot) still sidelined. The 31-year-old is averaging 4.6 points and 5.8 rebounds in 20.2 minutes through five appearances, though he posted 12 points and 11 boards against Orlando last Friday. Collin Murray-Boyles started at center Monday and should move back to the bench with Poeltl available.
Source: Blake Murphy
Source: Blake Murphy
Ivica Zubac Available for Wednesday
Indiana Pacers center Ivica Zubac (ankle) is available for Wednesday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies after missing five straight contests. Zubac sprained his left ankle in the first quarter of the Oct. 25 win over Brooklyn and has been sidelined since. He opened the season with 16 points and 15 rebounds against New Orleans and should give Indiana a much-needed boost on the glass. Jay Huff has been starting in his absence and will likely head back to the bench, while Larry Nance Jr. could also see his minutes trimmed with Zubac back in the mix.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Jaylin Williams Iffy for Wednesday Against Cleveland
Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center Jaylin Williams (back) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers due to lower back spasms. Williams made his first start of the season in Monday's 117-112 win at Cleveland, finishing with three points in 20 minutes while shooting 1-for-6 from the field. He is averaging 2.9 points and 4.0 rebounds this season, but Oklahoma City remains thin up front with Chet Holmgren (knee) sidelined for 8-to-10 weeks. If Williams sits, Aday Mara, Kenrich Williams, and Micah Peavy could all pick up additional minutes.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Jakob Poeltl Could Miss Third Straight Game
Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (shoulder) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Denver Nuggets with left shoulder bursitis. The issue has kept Poeltl out of the last two games, including a late scratch before Sunday's loss to the Lakers. He has had a quiet start when available, averaging 4.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 20.2 minutes across five appearances. If Poeltl misses a third straight game, Collin Murray-Boyles should remain the main beneficiary after starting at center Monday and posting 18 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks in 28 minutes.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Giannis Antetokounmpo Likely to Play Wednesday Versus Clippers
Miami Heat forward/center Giannis Antetokounmpo (wrist) is probable for Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers with a sprain. The two-time MVP is coming off 30 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists in Monday's loss to the Lakers, though he also committed seven turnovers. Antetokounmpo is averaging 28.4 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists while shooting 58.6 percent from the field through seven games. He appears on track to play Wednesday, but Miami also visits Golden State on Thursday, making his status worth monitoring on the second night of the back-to-back.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Ivica Zubac Tagged as Questionable Against Memphis
Indiana Pacers center Ivica Zubac (ankle) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies after missing five straight contests. The 29-year-old sprained his ankle against Brooklyn on Oct. 25 and is averaging 9.0 points and 9.0 rebounds through three appearances, including a 16-point, 15-rebound double-double on Opening Night. Jay Huff has started in his absence and is coming off 22 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks in 40 minutes against Atlanta. That workload came with Indiana down to six available players, so Huff's minutes could come down if Zubac is cleared to return.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Yves Missi Set to Miss Sixth Straight Game
New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi (knee) will miss a sixth straight game Wednesday against the Utah Jazz with a bone bruise. Missi has been sidelined since suffering the injury against Utah on Oct. 23, and New Orleans has yet to set a firm timetable for his return. Karlo Matkovic has settled into the starting role and is coming off a career-high 25 points with five threes in Monday's overtime win over Memphis. Derik Queen added 20 points off the bench, giving the Pelicans two productive options in the middle while Missi remains out.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Alexandre Sarr Could Miss Second Straight Game
Washington Wizards center Alexandre Sarr (knee) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Atlanta Hawks after missing Monday's win over Orlando. The 21-year-old is averaging 9.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in 25.3 minutes through six appearances, down from 16.3 points and 2.0 blocks last season. Deandre Ayton started in Sarr's place Monday and would be a strong candidate to do so again if Sarr remains sidelined. With Anthony Gill (back) questionable and Tristan Vukcevic (hip) out, Ayton could continue seeing added frontcourt minutes.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Jalen Smith Probable Against Knicks On Wednesday
Chicago Bulls forward/center Jalen Smith (finger) is probable with a left-finger sprain against the New York Knicks on Wednesday. Smith looks like he will play through the injury to his finger, but he could see his playing time restricted if Nic Claxton (questionable, hamstring) returns to the lineup. Claxton returning would likely push Smith to a bench role. Smith is averaging 12.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists so far this season.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Draymond Green Tossed in Third Quarter Against Phoenix
Golden State Warriors forward/center Draymond Green was ejected early in the third quarter of Monday's 116-113 win over the Phoenix Suns, according to ESPN's Anthony Slater. Green received his first technical after throwing Khaman Maluach to the floor following the whistle, then picked up a second when he and Dillon Brooks were assessed a double technical. He finished with four points, four rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 17 minutes. It was Green's first ejection of the season, and he now has three technicals through six games. Golden State is also managing his lower back on back-to-backs, which could create occasional extra minutes for Charles Bassey.
Source: Anthony Slater
Source: Anthony Slater
Collin Murray-Boyles Joins Starting Lineup Monday
Toronto Raptors forward/center Collin Murray-Boyles will make his first start of the season Monday against the Los Angeles Clippers, according to Zulfi Sheikh. With Jakob Poeltl (shoulder) out for a second straight game, Murray-Boyles moves into the starting lineup after Trayce Jackson-Davis started Sunday. The 21-year-old is averaging 7.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.2 steals in 19.0 minutes off the bench. In 16 starts from Jan. 3 onward last season, he posted 9.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 1.3 steals in 28.8 minutes. The move gives him a better chance to contribute across the defensive categories while Poeltl remains out.
Source: Zulfi Sheikh
Source: Zulfi Sheikh
Jakob Poeltl Sidelined for Second Straight Game
Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (shoulder) will miss a second straight game Monday against the Los Angeles Clippers with bursitis. Poeltl was a late scratch Sunday against the Lakers after the issue limited his range of motion during warmups. The 31-year-old is averaging 4.6 points and 5.8 rebounds through five appearances after playing only 46 games last season because of recurring back problems. Trayce Jackson-Davis started in his place Sunday and could get the nod again, while Collin Murray-Boyles should also be in line for additional frontcourt minutes.
Source: Zulfi Sheikh
Source: Zulfi Sheikh
Scottie Barnes Good to Go Monday
Toronto Raptors forward/center Scottie Barnes (hip) is available for Monday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers after dealing with soreness and tightness. Barnes played 36 minutes in Sunday's loss to the Lakers, finishing with 29 points, six rebounds, and five assists. The 25-year-old has been carrying a heavy offensive load with Kawhi Leonard (knee) sidelined, scoring 41 points Friday and averaging 24.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists through six games. RJ Barrett should remain heavily involved after adding 22 points and 10 rebounds Sunday.
Source: Zulfi Sheikh
Source: Zulfi Sheikh
Clint Capela Downgraded to Out Monday
Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (ankle) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Boston Celtics, head coach Ime Udoka told Varun Shankar. Capela rolled his ankle in Saturday's win over Oklahoma City and played just 10 minutes. With Steven Adams (calf) also sidelined, Houston is short on traditional centers behind Alperen Sengun. Oscar Tshiebwe is the leading candidate for backup minutes, while the Rockets could also use smaller frontcourt combinations with Jabari Smith Jr. and Kevin Durant. Tshiebwe could have some short-term value if Houston keeps him in the regular rotation while Capela and Adams are out.
Source: Varun Shankar
Source: Varun Shankar
