The Los Angeles Clippers upgraded center Isaiah Jackson from questionable to probable for Wednesday’s play-in matchup against the Golden State Warriors, the club announced.
Jackson, acquired in February in the trade that sent Ivica Zubac to Indiana, moved into the regular rotation in early March after backup Yanic Konan Niederhauser sustained a season-ending foot injury. The 24-year-old then suffered a right high-ankle sprain on March 27 and missed the final eight games of the regular season. If he dresses Wednesday, head coach Tyronn Lue has not indicated whether Jackson will immediately reclaim minutes behind starter Brook Lopez or if the team will continue to lean on John Collins and small-ball lineups when Lopez rests.
Nuggets Hopeful on Watson, Jones
Denver wings Peyton Watson and Spencer Jones, both recovering from right hamstring strains, participated in all non-contact portions of Wednesday’s practice, head coach David Adelman told reporters. Watson has been sidelined since April 1; Jones last played March 29. Adelman said he is optimistic both could be available for Saturday’s Game 1 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, adding, “My hope is they’ll play in Game 1. If not, we’ll play the group that’s fully healthy.”
Spurs Monitor Harper, Expect Wembanyama Back
San Antonio guard Dylan Harper exited Sunday’s regular-season finale with a left thumb injury but is “trending toward” playing in Game 1 versus the Portland Trail Blazers, according to assistant coach Charles Johnson. “We expect him to play Sunday,” Johnson said Wednesday, noting the rookie is working through residual pain.
Rookie center Victor Wembanyama missed two of the Spurs’ last three regular-season games with a rib contusion but indicated after Wednesday’s practice that he anticipates being ready for Sunday. “I’m very close,” Wembanyama said when asked about his health, adding that players rarely feel “100%” during the season.
Source: Hoops Rumors
