NBA Player News

Saturday, April 27

• 04/27/13 - 6:38PM ETJ.R. Smith : Suspended One Game

  Smith has been suspended one game for throwing an elbow at Jason Terry in Game 3 against the Celtics, ESPN.com reports.

  Smith will miss a potential closeout Game 4 at Boston on Sunday. Look for Jason Kidd, Steve Novak, or Chris Copeland to possibly take some of his minutes while he serves his suspension.

• 04/27/13 - 6:12PM ETJeremy Lin : (Chest) Active Saturday

  Lin (chest) will be active to play Saturday in Game 3 against the Thunder.

  Lin appeared to be hurt but will try to play Saturday. He is likely to have limited minutes, however.

• 04/27/13 - 3:14PM ETNate Robinson : Scores 34 Sensational Points

  Robinson had 34 points (14-23 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 3-3 FT), including 24 points in the fourth quarter, to help the Bulls win in triple-overtime Saturday against the Nets. Robinson fouled out in the second overtime.

  Robinson completely took over the Chicago offense and helped the Bulls overcome a 12-point deficit with four minutes remaining in regulation. He hit a variety of very difficult shots. The 5-9 guard scored one fewer point in Game 4 than he did in his first three games in the series.

• 04/27/13 - 1:23PM ETSteve Nash : (Back) Out Sunday

  Nash (back) is out Sunday against the Spurs, TWC SportsNet reports.

  This does not come as a surprise considering he sat out for Game 3. He has averaged 12.5 points, 4.5 assists and 2.5 rebounds so far during the playoffs. This is another massive hit to an injury plagued Lakers' team.

• 04/27/13 - 1:18PM ETMetta World Peace : (Knee) Out For Sunday's Game 4

  World Peace (knee) is out Sunday against the Spurs, TWC SportsNet reports.

  World Peace was held to zero points over 17 minutes Friday so this does not come as a surprise. Up to this point, has averaged 6.0 points, 1.7 assists and 3.7 rebounds during the 2012-13 postseason. Earl Clark will start in his place.

• 04/27/13 - 11:51AM ETRussell Westbrook : (Knee) Ruled Out For Playoffs

  Westbrook (knee) underwent surgery on his torn meniscus Saturday and is ruled out for the rest of the playoffs, CBS Sports reports.

  Although the Lakers' Metta World Peace was luckily and surprisingly able to return to the court after two weeks following the same injury, Westbrook will not be able to participate in the rest of the playoffs. Doctors decided to repair his meniscus instead of removing it. Although this requires longer recovery time, it is usually a better long-term solution. The Thunder will have to rely on the offensive prowess of Kevin Durant to carry them in the playoffs.

• 04/27/13 - 8:27AM ETJeremy Lin : (Chest) Game-Time Decision Saturday

  Lin (chest) participated in morning shootaround but remains a game-time call for Saturday's game against Oklahoma City, the Houston Chronicle reports.

  Lin sustained a chest contusion during Wednesday's Game 2, which may result in Patrick Beverley earning ample minutes, or even the start, at point guard Saturday. After logging just 20 minutes Wednesday, it's difficult to project a massive workload, even if Lin is cleared to take the court.

Friday, April 26

• 04/26/13 - 7:18PM ETStephen Curry : (Ankle) Will Start Game 3

  Curry (ankle) is starting Game 3 against the Nuggets on Friday, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

  Curry has been excellent to start this series, and if his ankle holds up it could be another big game for him.

• 04/26/13 - 6:25PM ETKenneth Faried : (Ankle) Starting Friday

  Faried (ankle) will start Game 3 against the Warriors on Friday.

  Faried missed Game 1 and played 21 minutes off the bench in Game 2. Expect him to get closer to his usual impact in this game.

• 04/26/13 - 6:06PM ETSteve Nash : (Hamstring) Out For Game 3

  Nash (hamstring) will miss Game 3 against the Spurs on Friday, the San Antonio Express-News reports.

  Andrew Goudelock and Darius Morris are starting in the backcourt for the Lakers. This does not bode well for anybody.

• 04/26/13 - 9:50AM ETRussell Westbrook : Torn Meniscus

  Westbrook will undergo surgery for a meniscus tear in his right knee, CBSSports.com reports.

  Westbrook hurt his knee during Wednesday's game against the Rockets, but he was able to play through the injury, so it's surprising that it is requiring surgery. Typical recovery time for a torn meniscus can extend to 6-8 weeks, but the Lakers Metta World Peace was able to return to action less than two weeks after his surgery for the same injury earlier this season. In any case, consider Westbrook out indefinitely with a return during the playoffs up in the air.

Thursday, April 25

• 04/25/13 - 1:56PM ETJeremy Lin : MRI Reveals Bruised Chest

  Lin received an MRI on Thursday, which revealed a bruised chest.

  Lin is improving, as he is no longer experiencing spasms, but he is unable to shoot. Lin is hopeful he will be able to play Saturday against Oklahoma City, but no official word has been given on his status. He is considered day-to-day.

• 04/25/13 - 1:42PM ETStephen Curry : (Ankle) Misses Practice

  Curry (ankle) did not practice Thursday, the Mercury News reports.

  This is not a surprise, as Curry said he would not be able to play if there was a game Thursday after tweaking his left ankle Tuesday. Due to his history of ankle injuries, this is definitely something to take seriously. At this point, his status for Friday's game is up in the air.

• 04/25/13 - 1:09PM ETSteve Blake : (Hamstring) Out Indefinitely

  Blake will be out indefinitely with a strained hamstring that he suffered in Wednesday's Game 2 in San Antonio, ESPN LA reports.

  Blake had a strong game going into the fourth quarter before leaving with the injury. With Jodie Meeks (ankle) also listed as doubtful for Friday's playoff matchup, Andrew Goudelock and Darius Morris will likely work out of Blake's guard position.

• 04/25/13 - 8:24AM ETJoe Johnson : (Foot) Unsure of Game 3 Status

  Johnson (foot) changed his tune Thursday, saying that he is unsure if he will play in Thursday's Game 3 against the Bulls, Newsday reports.

  Johnson, who is dealing with plantar fasciitis in his left foot, said he feels better, but it sounds like he is less confident about his status for Game 3 after missing Wednesday's practice. He remains a game-time decision for Thursday.