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NBA News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Sunday, February 22

Justin Champagnie Ruled Out Sunday with Knee Injury

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Justin Champagnie (knee) has been officially ruled out for Sunday's game against the Hornets. This marks his unavailability for the upcoming matchup. With Champagnie sidelined, the Washington Wizards may look to Alondes Williams and Jamir Watkins to potentially see an increased workload and uptick in minutes. Looking ahead, Champagnie's status for Tuesday's game in Atlanta is currently questionable, indicating uncertainty regarding his return to the lineup.

Sam Merrill Returns to Bench, Scores 20 Points with 6 Threes for Cavs

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Sam Merrill returned to a reserve role for the Cleveland Cavaliers against Oklahoma City, as Evan Mobley re-entered the starting lineup. Despite the Cavs' 121-113 loss, Merrill was a standout, scoring 20 points on 6-of-10 shooting from three-point range and adding three rebounds. He carried Cleveland's offense for stretches, leading the team with a +6 plus/minus, and demonstrated an ability to attack closeouts and make plays inside the perimeter.

Daniel Gafford Available for Sunday's Game Despite Ankle Ailment

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Daniel Gafford (ankle) is available for Sunday's game in Indiana after successfully getting through his pregame routine without issue. The Dallas Mavericks center will power through his ankle ailment, and his presence could make it difficult for Dwight Powell to secure a spot in the rotation.

Max Christie Cleared to Play Sunday, Returns from Ankle Sprain

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Max Christie (ankle) has been cleared to play in Sunday's game against Indiana, returning from a one-game absence due to a right ankle sprain. Initially probable, he's now officially available and expected to replace Naji Marshall or Khris Middleton in the starting lineup. Over his last 12 outings, Christie averaged 16.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.8 threes, and 0.8 steals across 31.8 minutes per game.

Micah Potter Available to Play Sunday Despite Ankle Issue

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Micah Potter (ankle) will play Sunday against the Mavericks, Tony East of Forbes.com reports. The fifth-year big man will continue to play through his ankle issue and has scored in double figures in four straight games. However, his minutes could see a dip on Sunday with the return of Pascal Siakam (hamstring) to the Indiana Pacers' lineup.

Draymond Green Ruled Out for Sunday's Game Due to Back Soreness

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Draymond Green (back) has been officially ruled out for Sunday's game against the Nuggets due to lower-back soreness. The Golden State Warriors forward was a late scratch after initially being slated to start. Al Horford and Quinten Post are considered the top candidates to fill his starting spot in the lineup. Green's next opportunity to play will be Tuesday when the Warriors face the Pelicans.

Andrew Nembhard Returns to Action for Pacers on Sunday

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Andrew Nembhard (back) will play Sunday against the Mavericks, Tony East of Forbes.com reports. Nembhard skipped Friday's loss to the Wizards, which was the second game of a back-to-back set, but he'll be back in action Sunday evening for the Indiana Pacers and should see his usual workload. With Nembhard back in the mix, Kam Jones' minutes could potentially dip.

Aaron Nesmith Sidelined for at Least One Week with Ankle Sprain

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Head coach Rick Carlisle relayed Sunday that Aaron Nesmith (ankle) will be sidelined for at least one week, Tony East of Forbes.com reports. Nesmith was already ruled out for Sunday's game against the Mavericks due to a right ankle sprain, and his next opportunity to play for the Indiana Pacers is not expected until Sunday, March 1, against the Grizzlies. Kam Jones, Ben Sheppard, Quenton Jackson, and Kobe Brown are all candidates for expanded roles in his absence.

Pascal Siakam Cleared to Return for Pacers on Sunday

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Pascal Siakam (hamstring) is good to go for Sunday's meeting with the Mavericks, Tony East of Forbes.com reports. Siakam is back after a three-game stint on the sidelines, which will likely result in Ben Sheppard or Kam Jones returning to the second unit and fewer minutes for Kobe Brown. Siakam has been a key contributor for the Indiana Pacers this season, averaging 23.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.8 triples, and 1.1 steals per game.

Jordan Goodwin Ruled Out for Sunday's Game with Calf Injury

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Jordan Goodwin (calf) is out for Sunday's game versus the Trail Blazers. With Grayson Allen (knee) and Jalen Green (hamstring) questionable, the Phoenix Suns' backcourt could be very thin Sunday evening. Jamaree Bouyea, Amir Coffey, Isaiah Livers, and Ryan Dunn are all candidates for increased minutes. For now, Goodwin should be considered questionable for Tuesday's meeting with the Celtics.

Jalen Green Questionable for Sunday's Game Due to Hamstring

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Jalen Green (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Trail Blazers. Sunday's game is the second in a back-to-back set, so Green could certainly get hit with a maintenance day after logging 37 minutes in Saturday's win over the Magic. If Green is out, Collin Gillespie would get all the minutes and shots he could handle for the Phoenix Suns, and Amir Coffey could be more involved in the rotation.

Jakob Poeltl Returns to Starting Lineup for Raptors on Sunday

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Jakob Poeltl will start Sunday in Milwaukee for the Toronto Raptors. Poeltl came off the bench in Thursday's win over the Bulls, but he'll return to his starting role Sunday. Over the past two games, Poeltl has logged a total of just 36 minutes and hasn't provided any defensive statistics in either of those outings, making his minutes in this start a point of interest.

Collin Murray-Boyles Moves to Bench for Raptors on Sunday

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Collin Murray-Boyles is not in the Toronto Raptors' starting lineup against the Bucks on Sunday. Murray-Boyles had started in each of his last 16 outings, averaging 9.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 1.3 steals over 28.8 minutes during that span. However, the rookie first-rounder will come off the bench for the first time since Dec. 31, with Jakob Poeltl joining Immanuel Quickley, Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett, and Ja'Kobe Walter in the starting five.

Day'Ron Sharpe Heads to Bench as Claxton Returns for Nets

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Day'Ron Sharpe is not in the starting lineup for Sunday's matchup with the Hawks, C.J. Holmes of the New York Daily News reports. Sharpe will head back to the second unit for the Brooklyn Nets with Nic Claxton (ankle) returning from a three-game absence, which will likely cause Sharpe's value to take a hit. As a reserve this season, Sharpe owns averages of 8.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.0 steals per game.

Zaccharie Risacher Moves to Bench for Hawks on Sunday

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Zaccharie Risacher will come off the bench for Sunday's game versus the Nets, Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network reports. This will be Risacher's first time coming off the bench this season and only his second time operating as a reserve since the second game of his NBA career. CJ McCollum will replace Risacher in the first unit for the Atlanta Hawks, and it'll be interesting to see if that holds for Tuesday's matchup against the Wizards.

Jamal Murray (hamstring) available to play Sunday against Warriors

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Jamal Murray, recovering from a hamstring issue, has been cleared to play in Sunday's game against the Warriors. The Denver Nuggets guard has been on a scoring streak, putting up at least 20 points in his last three outings, and aims to extend that run. Fantasy managers should ensure Murray is active for the matchup.

Patrick Williams probable for Sunday's game with left hand contusion

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Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams is listed as probable for Sunday's game against the Knicks due to a left hand contusion. The injury involves soreness in his non-shooting hand, but he is expected to play through it. Official confirmation on his status will be available closer to tipoff.

Nick Richards questionable for Sunday due to right foot soreness

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Chicago Bulls center Nick Richards is questionable for Sunday's game against the Knicks, citing right foot soreness. There's a possibility he might sit out the second leg of the back-to-back set, which could lead to increased minutes for Guerschon Yabusele and Patrick Williams. An update on his status is expected closer to game time.

Scotty Pippen Jr. ejected after 'cheap shot' incident

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Scotty Pippen Jr. was ejected from Saturday's game against the Heat following an "ugly skirmish" with Myron Gardner, which Pippen Jr. described as a "cheap shot." Both players were tossed from the contest after the altercation.

Myron Gardner ejected after fight with Scotty Pippen Jr.

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Myron Gardner was ejected from Saturday's game following an altercation with Scotty Pippen Jr. The incident, described as an "ugly skirmish," led to both players being tossed from the contest between the Grizzlies and Heat.