Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook (thigh) is off the injury report and expected to play Sunday against the Lakers. He sat out Thursday's win over Dallas due to a thigh contusion but is ready to return. Over his last five appearances, the veteran has averaged 15.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.4 three-pointers. His return likely sends Devin Carter back to the bench after Carter posted 15 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and four steals in 32 minutes in the last game. Westbrook remains a viable source of points and assists, though his shooting efficiency and fluctuating role can make him a bit unpredictable from night to night.

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (ankle) is off the injury report and expected to play Sunday against New Orleans. He sat out Thursday with left ankle soreness and missed practice due to illness, but he is ready to return. Leonard has been rolling, averaging 28.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.6 steals, and 2.0 three-pointers across 32.1 minutes in his last five games. His return pushes Bennedict Mathurin back into a secondary role and trims Kris Dunn's usage. Leonard remains a must-start in all formats, with his recent workload easing concerns about durability.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (groin) has been ruled out for Sunday's matchup with Brooklyn, marking his third straight absence. The team does not anticipate a long-term issue, though he remains day-to-day heading into Tuesday. If James Harden (thumb) is unable to play, Cleveland would have even more offensive workload and minutes to spread around the rotation. Jaylon Tyson started the last game and logged 41 minutes, finishing with 15 points, four rebounds, one assist, two steals, and four three-pointers. Sam Merrill added 20 points in 36 minutes, while Craig Porter Jr. recorded 12 assists in 32 minutes. Tyson profiles as the top short-term add, and Merrill remains a viable scoring streamer.

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (oblique) will sit out the next three games after imaging confirmed a strain. The former MVP experienced right-side discomfort following Thursday's win and is targeting a potential return on March 7. With Embiid sidelined, Andre Drummond is expected to step into the starting role. In his last start on Feb. 22, Drummond logged 22 minutes and produced six points, nine rebounds, two assists, and one steal. Second-year big man Adem Bona added eight points and five rebounds in 20 minutes that night. Drummond profiles as a short-term rebounding streamer, while Tyrese Maxey should shoulder even heavier offensive usage.