NBA Player News

Jackson will remain in the starting lineup Sunday against the Timberwolves despite the return of JaMychal Green (jaw).

Jackson is off to a great start to his NBA career and has especially played well in the absence of Green, who has missed all but two games this season while recovering from a broken jaw. While those invested in Jackson should take relief in him remaining in the starting lineup, it's still possible that Green will eat into the 24.9 minutes that he's averaged so far this season.

Coach J.B. Bickerstaff intends to play Green (jaw) 24-27 minutes in Sunday's game against the Timberwolves, David Cobb of the Commercial Appeal reports.

Green will be making his long-awaited return Sunday after breaking his jaw in late October shortly after the regular season began. Rookie power forward Jaren Jackson has performed very well during Green's absence, so Green will likely be a fixture off the bench moving forward this season.

Bayless (knee) won't play Sunday against Memphis.

Bayless has yet to play a game this season while dealing with a left knee sprain and there's currently no timetable for his return.

Abrines (illness) was limited at Sunday's practice, Maddie Lee of The Oklahoman reports.

Abrines sat out Saturday's game with an illness and was still unable to take part in the contact portions of Sunday's practice. As a result, it's unclear if he'll be allowed to play in Monday's game against the Kings.

Ferguson (personal) wasn't at Sunday's practice, Brett Dawson of The Athletic reports.

Ferguson already missed Saturday's game and now his status for Monday's game against the Kings is in question. Alex Abrines (illness), Hamidou Diallo and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot are all candidates to see an enhanced role if Ferguson remains out.

Westbrook (personal) wasn't at Sunday's practice, Brett Dawson of The Athletic reports.

Westbrook is currently away from the team for a personal reason and it's still unknown if he'll be back in time for Monday's game against the Kings. He already sat out Saturday for the same reason, which afforded Dennis Schroder and Raymond Felton more playing time.

McRae was called up by the Wizards on Sunday, Candace Buckner of The Washington Post reports.

Even though McRae will be with the Wizards in time for Sunday's game against the Trail Blazers, there's no guarantee that he'll be called into action. The 27-year-old has been tearing up the G League this season but has only seen action in four NBA games for a total of 22 minutes.

Russell accounted for 23 points (9-16 FG, 5-7 3Pt), three rebounds, 10 assists, two steals, and one block in 35 minutes Saturday as the Nets came up short against the Clippers

Russell posted his first double-double of the 2018-19 season in what amounted to his best fantasy performance of the season. The biggest hurdle for the fourth-year point guard's fantasy value is how balanced the Nets are, even with Caris Levert (foot) out for the foreseeable future. They have six players averaging over nine points per game, and Russell will have to distance himself from the crowd in order to really be a difference maker in fantasy hoops.

Allen recorded 24 points (8-13 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 8-9 FT), 11 rebounds, two assists, and one block in 28 minutes Saturday as the Nets came up short against the Clippers

Allen came through with one of is best fantasy performances of the season Saturday, including a season-high for scoring. It was Allen's first time breaking the 20-point threshold so far this season. The second-year big man has made a leap and is producing enough to garner plenty of fantasy attention.

Kidd-Gilchrist (ankle) will not play Monday against Boston.

Kidd-Gilchrist will sit out for the third straight game as he continues to nurse a sprained right ankle. The former No. 2 pick is a versatile defender and productive rebounder, but his lack of scoring prowess prevents him from being relevant in most fantasy leagues.