NBA Player News

The Mavericks exercised their fourth-year team option on Risacher's contract Wednesday, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.com reports.

After being traded from Atlanta to Dallas this past offseason, Risacher is now officially under contract for the 2027-28 campaign. The 2024 No. 1 overall pick is averaging 8.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.0 steals, 2.0 blocks and 1.5 assists while shooting 30.8 percent from the field through four regular-season games (one start) with the Mavericks.

Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle stated McConnell (hamstring) is "doing better" and "getting closer" to a return, Alex Golden of SI.com reports.

McConnell hasn't played this season due to a hamstring injury. While Carlisle didn't give a specific date on when McConnell will be cleared to suit up, it appears his return will come sooner rather than later. With Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) sidelined, McConnell could work his way into the starting lineup at some point, though it may take him at least a few games before he receives a full workload.

Head coach Rick Carlise confirmed Sheppard will miss "months" after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, Tony East of Forbes.com reports.

Sheppard required a full repair and is without a definitive timetable for a return to action. With Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) expected to miss at least two weeks, Quenton Jackson figures to see a significant uptick in playing time. Two-way player Braden Smith could also see increased action with the parent club.

Nembhard (neck) will play in Wednesday's game against the 76ers, Tony East of Forbes.com reports.

Nembhard will return from a one-game absence after dealing with soreness in his neck. With Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) set to miss an extended period of time, Nembhard should step into the role as the primary ballhandler. He'll be comfortable as the lead guard after filling that spot admirably in 2025-26 with Haliburton recovering from his Achilles injury.

Haliburton (hamstring) will miss at least the next two weeks of action, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

Given the tricky nature of hamstring injuries, the Pacers will likely take their time bringing Haliburton back to the court, so don't be surprised if his absence extends beyond this two-week window. Andrew Nembhard (neck) and Pascal Siakam should each get a usage bump as they take over more of the playmaking duties sans Haliburton, and there will be more minutes available for Quenton Jackson.

Wiggins (knee) is active for Wednesday's game against Miami.

Wiggins was listed as probable leading into tonight's contest versus the Heat, but the former Thunder wing will play and handle his typical role off the Hawks' bench. In four outings with Atlanta this season, he's averaging 15.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 3.0 three-pointers in 27.1 minutes.

Carr (oblique) is out for Wednesday's game against the Clippers.

The rookie first-rounder will need more time to recover from the oblique injury that's kept him sidelined for what will be his fifth consecutive contest. Carr's next chance to suit up will come against the Warriors on Friday in the first Emirates NBA Cup matchup.

Thiero (knee) is out for Wednesday's game against the Clippers.

Thiero will miss his fifth consecutive outing to begin the 2026-27 campaign with swelling in his left knee. His next chance to suit up will come against the Warriors on Friday in the first Emirates NBA Cup matchup.

Williams (foot) is out for Wednesday's game against the Clippers.

Williams is sitting out the second part of this back-to-back set. Sandro Mamukelashvili and Jake LaRavia seem to be the most likely options to replace Williams in the starting lineup.

Doncic (back) is out for Wednesday's game against the Clippers.

Doncic is sitting out the second half of this back-to-back set. Quentin Grimes appears to be the most likely candidate to replace Doncic in the starting lineup.