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Caitlin Clark to join NBC studio team for ‘Sunday Night Basketball’ launch

Tue Jan 27 8:42pm ET
Field Level Media

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark will join NBC's pregame studio show ahead of the first night of its new "Sunday Night Basketball" property.

Clark signed on for two nights as a "special contributor," NBC Sports said in a release Tuesday.

She will appear on Sunday's debut of "Basketball Night in America" prior to NBC's doubleheader of Los Angeles Lakers-New York Knicks and Oklahoma City Thunder-Denver Nuggets. Clark will return in the same capacity March 29 before the Thunder host the Knicks on "Sunday Night Basketball."

"I'm really excited to be part of the Basketball Night in America crew this season," Clark said in a statement. "Carmelo (Anthony), Vince (Carter) and Tracy (McGrady) are legends of the game and Maria (Taylor) is a true professional. It will be really fun to join them a few times this season."


"Caitlin is one of the most captivating players and dynamic scorers in basketball," NBC Sports executive producer Sam Flood said in a statement. "We're excited to have Caitlin join Hall of Famers Melo, Vince, Tracy and Reggie (Miller) in New York for the launch of Sunday Night Basketball."

NBC regained NBA media rights for the first time in 23 years when the rights were renegotiated last year. The 2025-26 season is the network's first year back, and it recently acquired a Major League Baseball package to complete a year-round cycle of "Sunday Night Football," "Sunday Night Basketball" and "Sunday Night Baseball."

Clark, who turned 24 last week, was the first overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft and an All-Star in each of her first two seasons in the league.

There is uncertainty whether the WNBA season will start on time due to ongoing collective bargaining negotiations that have been contentious, but both of Clark's scheduled appearances come well before the Fever's scheduled season opener May 9.

Player Notes
Darius Garland Tue Jan 27 9:40pm

Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland (toe) will miss a seventh consecutive game on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Lakers. He was back at practice on Monday, but Wednesday's game comes too soon for Garland to be ready to play. However, he could be available later in the week as the team plans to re-evaluate Garland soon. During Garland's absence, both Donovan Mitchell and Jaylon Tyson have stepped up as playmakers, while Lonzo Ball's workload has increased.

Draymond Green Tue Jan 27 9:20pm

Golden State Warriors forward/center Draymond Green (back) is listed as probable for Wednesday's clash against the Utah Jazz. The veteran, who is dealing with a minor back issue, sat out Monday's loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves as Golden State wrapped up a back-to-back set. Al Horford (toe) is also on track to return, meaning Gui Santos and Quinten Post will likely head to the bench. The Warriors have an excellent fantasy matchup on Tuesday, facing an opponent that pushes the pace but struggles defensively. Green has posted 8.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game in January.

Franz Wagner Tue Jan 27 9:20pm

Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (ankle) has been ruled out for Wednesday's Battle of Florida against the Miami Heat. In mid-January, Wagner returned from an ankle injury, but he made only two appearances before landing back on the shelf. Wednesday's game will mark his fourth consecutive absence. Due to Wagner's ongoing injury woes, Anthony Black has enjoyed increased playing time throughout the season. While Black's recent performances have been inconsistent, he remains an attractive fantasy option.

Kawhi Leonard Tue Jan 27 9:10pm

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (knee) has shaken off a questionable tag and will play on Tuesday against the Utah Jazz, Law Murray of The Athletic reports. He's ready to make his third consecutive appearance despite nursing a left knee contusion. The Clippers have been on a roll recently, and largely thanks to Leonard's outstanding play. Leonard has averaged 31.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.4 steals over his last 15 appearances, during which the Clippers have gone 13-2. This run includes a 45-point effort from Leonard against Utah on Jan. 1.

Jordan Goodwin Tue Jan 27 9:00pm

Phoenix Suns guard Jordan Goodwin will make his third start of the season on Tuesday against the Brooklyn Nets. With Devin Booker (ankle), Jalen Green (hamstring), and Collin Gillespie (hand) all sidelined, the Suns are left shorthanded in the backcourt, and Goodwin will get a chance to make his first start since Nov. 24. In his previous two starts this season, Goodwin has averaged 11.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.0 steals. Given Phoenix's injury situation and the lack of offensive threats, it's reasonable to expect even bigger numbers from Goodwin on Tuesday.

Jonas Valanciunas Tue Jan 27 8:50pm

Denver Nuggets center Jonas Valanciunas (calf) has been upgraded from probable to available for Tuesday's game against the Detroit Pistons. Last week, Valanciunas returned from a calf injury, but he was held out of Friday's loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite missing three weeks, Valanciunas didn't show any rust against the Washington Wizards last Thursday, notching 16 points and nine rebounds in 22 minutes. He has a much trickier matchup on Tuesday against Jalen Duren and the Pistons.

Peyton Watson Tue Jan 27 8:50pm

Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson (ankle) will return from a one-game absence on Tuesday night against the Detroit Pistons. Watson was sidelined for the second leg of a back-to-back on Friday against the Milwaukee Bucks as he dealt with sprains in both ankles. In his last outing, Watson dropped 35 points on the Washington Wizards. He has elevated his game this month, averaging 23.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 1.3 steals in 36.2 minutes per game. Watson will start Tuesday's contest alongside Jamal Murray, Jalen Pickett, Spencer Jones, and Jonas Valanciunas. Julian Strawther and Zeke Nnaji will drop to the bench, while Aaron Gordon (hamstring) has been ruled out for the game.

Jamal Murray Tue Jan 27 8:40pm

Denver Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray (hamstring, hip) will play on Tuesday against Cade Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons. The Canadian star has dealt with several health issues recently and sat out Friday's loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. He was initially listed as probable for Tuesday's tilt. With Nikola Jokic (knee) on the shelf, Murray has taken on a much larger offensive load, averaging 29.0 points and 8.7 assists in January. His form will get a stern test on Tuesday against the NBA's second-best defense.

Bobby Portis Tue Jan 27 8:00pm

Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis will take Giannis Antetokounmpo's (calf) spot in the starting lineup on Tuesday against the Philadelphia 76ers. This will likely be the first of several consecutive starts for Portis, as Antetokounmpo is set to miss multiple weeks with a calf strain. Across his previous six starts this season, Portis has produced 16.0 points and 9.0 rebounds per game. Ryan Rollins, AJ Green, Kyle Kuzma, and Myles Turner will join Portis in the first unit on Tuesday.

Aaron Wiggins Tue Jan 27 8:00pm

Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Aaron Wiggins will join the starting lineup on Tuesday against the New Orleans Pelicans, replacing Cason Wallace (hip). Across 11 previous starts this season, Wiggins has contributed 13.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game. He has a favorable fantasy matchup on Tuesday, as the Pelicans own the fourth-worst defensive rating in the league. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, Jaylin Williams, and Chet Holmgren will also start for the Thunder.

Joel Embiid Tue Jan 27 7:50pm

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) has shed a questionable tag and will play on Tuesday against the Milwaukee Bucks. He exited the lineup on Monday versus the Charlotte Hornets, opening the door for Andre Drummond to start. On Tuesday, Drummond will return to a bench role. Embiid has feasted in his most recent appearances, finishing four consecutive games with 30-plus points. This stretch includes his 10th career triple-double.

Stephen Curry Tue Jan 27 7:40pm

Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (knee) is considered probable for Wednesday's encounter with the Utah Jazz. The veteran star is dealing with a knee issue and skipped the second leg of a back-to-back on Monday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. After receiving a probable tag on the injury report, it's safe to assume Curry will be back in action on Wednesday night. His return will send Pat Spencer back to the bench, and he could completely fall out of the rotation, as Spencer had seen very little action in previous games prior to Monday. Curry's offensive production has dipped to 24.5 points per game in January, and Golden State needs more from him with Jimmy Butler III (knee) done for the season.

Paul George Tue Jan 27 7:40pm

Philadelphia 76ers guard/forward Paul George (knee) has been officially cleared for Tuesday's matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. He will make his return to the lineup after missing the first leg of a back-to-back on Monday versus the Charlotte Hornets. George has averaged 14.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.5 steals in 32.4 minutes per game across January. As a result of George's return, Dominick Barlow must settle for a place on the bench against Milwaukee.

Collin Gillespie Tue Jan 27 7:30pm

Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (hand) has been ruled out for Tuesday's contest against the Brooklyn Nets. He was added late to the injury report due to a hand injury, and the Suns have downgraded Gillespie's status from questionable to out. The Villanova product joins Jalen Green (hamstring) and Devin Booker (ankle) on the sidelines, leaving Phoenix with very few offensive options. Grayson Allen, Dillon Brooks, and Jordan Goodwin are all set for larger roles in the attack, and Jamaree Bouyea could see a significant bump in playing time with the backcourt absentees.

Quentin Grimes Tue Jan 27 7:20pm

Philadelphia 76ers guard/forward Quentin Grimes (ankle) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. This isn't unexpected, as Grimes was a late addition to the injury report due to a right ankle sprain. He presumably suffered the injury during Monday's matchup against the Charlotte Hornets. Grimes' departure from the lineup may keep Jared McCain in the rotation on Tuesday night. After logging just one minute of action across the previous five games, McCain took advantage of garbage time minutes on Monday, notching 16 points, three rebounds, three assists, and one block.

Cason Wallace Tue Jan 27 7:20pm

Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Cason Wallace (hip) will miss Tuesday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. The team has downgraded him from questionable to out, depriving the Thunder of another regular rotation player. Wallace has started six of eight games since his most recent absence on Jan. 9. With Wallace out, Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe could see extended minutes in Tuesday's favorable fantasy matchup against a team that allows the third-most points in the Association.

Cooper Flagg Tue Jan 27 7:10pm

Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Cooper Flagg (ankle) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The rookie sensation is nursing a left ankle injury and may sit out the first leg of a back-to-back. Flagg wasn't expected to play at the back end of a back-to-back set on Sunday against the Milwaukee Bucks before the game was postponed due to bad weather. Flagg's potential absence against Minnesota could mean more minutes for Brandon Williams and Ryan Nembhard, as well as increased offensive opportunities for players like Naji Marshall and P.J. Washington.

Anthony Edwards Tue Jan 27 7:00pm

Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward Anthony Edwards (foot) is questionable for Wednesday's matchup against the Dallas Mavericks. He is managing a right foot injury and could miss a second consecutive game. With Edwards out, Mike Conley started on Monday against the Golden State Warriors, but the veteran had a limited impact in 21 minutes. Both Jaylen Clark and Bones Hyland logged 25 minutes off the bench and will likely get extra burn again on Wednesday if Edwards doesn't play. Hyland had one of his best performances of the season on Monday night, finishing with 17 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals.

Kevin Love Tue Jan 27 6:50pm

Utah Jazz forward/center Kevin Love (knee) will be active on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Clippers. While Love has been rested regularly this season, he was out on Saturday against the Miami Heat due to a left knee contusion. The veteran big man has averaged 7.1 points and 5.6 rebounds across 17.3 minutes per game this season. On Tuesday, we may see a bit more of Love with Jusuf Nurkic (illness) out of the lineup.

Kris Dunn Tue Jan 27 6:40pm

Los Angeles Clippers guard Kris Dunn (ankle) will be in the lineup on Tuesday night against the Utah Jazz. Dunn sprained his right ankle in Sunday's win over the Brooklyn Nets and was listed as questionable on the initial injury report. The veteran guard has been a regular starter for the Clippers throughout the campaign, but he operates mainly as a glue guy in the lineup. Across 27.2 minutes per game, Dunn has contributed 7.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.5 steals. Offensively, he's had a miserable time against the Jazz this season, averaging just 1.0 points per game on 14.3 percent shooting.


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