NBA News

Andrew Wiggins • SF • Heat

Andrew Wiggins Unavailable For Friday's Matchup With Chicago

Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins (hip) will be unavailable for Friday's matchup with the Chicago Bulls. Wiggins hasn't missed a game this season, but a left hip injury will keep him out of action Friday evening. The 30-year-old is having a solid campaign so far, averaging 16.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.1 steals across 15 outings. It's unclear whether Wiggins will play in Philadelphia on Sunday, since he didn't travel with the team to the Windy City. Nikola Jovic (hip) is also unavailable, so Jamie Jaquez and Pelle Larsson will be relied upon to produce offensively during tomorrow night's tilt.

Nov 20

Garrison Mathews • SG • Pacers

Garrison Mathews Will Join the Pacers

Free-agent guard/forward Garrison Mathews is signing a 10-day hardship contract with the Pacers, who have been decimated by injuries in the early part of the season. Mathews has played six seasons in the NBA, spending time with the Wizards, Rockets, and Hawks. Last year, he played 47 games for Atlanta and averaged 7.5 points, 1.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.8 three-pointers in 17.7 minutes per game. He will give the Pacers some experience and scoring on the wing and should play minutes right away. The veteran sharpshooter may be a DFS or streaming option if you need three-point production when the 2-13 Pacers take on the Cavaliers on Friday and Mathews makes his debut.

Nov 20

Dante Exum • PG • Mavericks

Dante Exum Will Miss the Rest of the Season

Dallas Mavericks guard Dante Exum (knee) will not be able to play this season for the Mavs, as the team announced that he will need a follow-up surgery after complications with an offseason knee procedure. He played 20 games last season with Dallas and averaged 8.7 points, 2.8 assists, and 1.7 rebounds in 18.6 minutes per game. The 30-year-old was on a one-year, $3 million deal with the Mavericks and will be a free agent after this season if he looks to return to action for the 2025-26 season.

Nov 20

Keegan Murray • PF • Kings

Keegan Murray Is Available For His Season Debut Thursday

Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (thumb) does not have an injury designation for Thursday against the Grizzlies, so he should be set to make his season debut as expected. The Kings have definitely missed Murray's contributions on both ends of the floor, and he'll step right into as large a role as he is ready to handle. On Thursday, Domantas Sabonis (knee) is out, so Precious Achiuwa will be able to play a little bigger, and there will be more work available for Murray if he's ready. Since this will be his first game, though, he may need some time to ramp up. He will be fantasy relevant when he's at 100%, but he's high-risk for DFS contests in his first game of the season and could have a minutes limit.

Nov 20

Tyrese Maxey • PG • 76ers

Tyrese Maxey Listed as Probable for Thursday

Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (quad) is dealing with a quad contusion but is expected to play through the issue on Thursday against the Bucks as the Sixers finish a back-to-back. Maxey played 38 minutes on Tuesday and totaled 24 points, nine assists, three steals, and two rebounds in his team's loss to the Raptors. Maxey has been posting great numbers this season, averaging 31.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 7.8 assists, and 1.5 steals while logging a heavy workload of 40 minutes per game. He is likely to be available for the second night in a row on Thursday, although he may be less than 100%. If he needs extra help, Quentin Grimes, VJ Edgecombe, and Paul George could help pick up more offense on Thursday.

Nov 20

Domantas Sabonis • C • Kings

Domantas Sabonis Will Not Play Thursday Against Memphis

Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis (knee) will miss his second straight game on Thursday night when his team visits the Grizzlies in Memphis. He also sat out on Wednesday, in what was thought to be just a rest day to have him ready for Thursday's contest. Instead, he'll miss both games of the back-to-back, but the team hasn't given any update as to a timeline for his return. He could be back as soon as Saturday against the Nuggets, but there definitely seems to be more going on than initially expected. Sabonis has been very productive when available, but he has been limited to 11 games this season. Without him on Thursday, Drew Eubanks and Precious Achiuwa will get more minutes in the middle in Memphis.

Nov 20

Joel Embiid • C • 76ers

Joel Embiid Listed as Out for Thursday

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) will miss another game on Thursday after being listed as out on the injury report before the Sixers finish their back-to-back with a matchup against the Bucks. Embiid practiced on Tuesday but will not be able to return this week as was initially hoped. The team will continue to evaluate him on a day-to-day basis due to his right knee after having his left knee operated on before the season. While he remains out, Andre Drummond will continue to get most of the minutes at center. The veteran has posted a double-double in five straight games after producing 10 points and 12 rebounds in 34 minutes Tuesday against Toronto.

Nov 20

Jaren Jackson Jr. • PF • Grizzlies

Jaren Jackson Jr. Likely Out on Thursday

Memphis Grizzlies forward/center Jaren Jackson Jr. (ankle) is considered doubtful for Thursday's Western Conference tilt against the Sacramento Kings. The former Defensive Player of the Year has sustained a right ankle sprain. So far, Jackson Jr. has played in all 15 Grizzlies games, averaging 17.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks. His absence on Thursday would likely result in Santi Aldama moving to the first unit. Even as a bench player, Aldama has been productive, but a starting job would add a bit more fantasy value to the Spaniard. Thursday's game is a wonderful fantasy matchup for the Grizzlies, as Sacramento has the fourth-worst defense in the Association but plays at the fifth-highest pace.

Nov 20

Zaccharie Risacher • SF • Hawks

Zaccharie Risacher Questionable for Thursday

Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (hip) is questionable to play on Thursday against the San Antonio Spurs. The first-overall pick of the 2024 draft hurt his left hip on a fall on Sunday against the Phoenix Suns and may be forced to sit out a second consecutive game. Vit Krejci was promoted to the starting unit when Risacher was out on Tuesday night against the Detroit Pistons. Although he played 36 minutes, Krejci only recorded nine points, three rebounds, and two assists, meaning his fantasy value remains low even as a starter.

Nov 20

Kristaps Porzingis • C • Hawks

Kristaps Porzingis at Risk of Missing Another Game

Atlanta Hawks forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (knee) is listed as questionable for Thursday's contest against the San Antonio Spurs. He is experiencing right knee soreness and may have to sit out a fourth consecutive game. Porzingis has played in only nine of Atlanta's 15 games, so it's starting to look like another injury-disrupted season for him. When active, Porzingis has made a significant impact despite poor shooting numbers, averaging 17.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.6 blocks in 25.8 minutes. Since Porzingis' exit from the lineup, Onyeka Okongwu has exploded as a starter, posting 26.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.7 steals, and 2.3 blocks per game.

Nov 20

Paolo Banchero • PF • Magic

Paolo Banchero Misses Fourth Straight Game

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (groin) will be absent for a fourth straight game on Thursday against the Los Angeles Clippers. He continues to be sidelined due to a left groin strain. Desmond Bane and Jalen Suggs have larger offensive roles without Banchero, while Tristan da Silva has taken over from him in the first unit. It's been a strong three-game stretch for da Silva, who has averaged 16.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals since joining the starting five. On Thursday, da Silva could be even more productive, as the Clippers are ranked 24th in defensive efficiency.

Nov 20

Kawhi Leonard • SF • Clippers

Kawhi Leonard Remains Out Against Magic

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (ankle) will miss a ninth consecutive game on Thursday against the Orlando Magic. The two-time Finals MVP had a strong start to the season, but unfortunately, he has run into health issues again. Over the first six games of the season, Leonard averaged 24.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.5 steals. Nicolas Batum's workload has increased since Leonard's exit from the lineup, with the French veteran even picking up some starts. However, Batum's fantasy value has remained low due to his underwhelming numbers. Despite averaging over 21 minutes of action over the last eight games, Batum has been limited to 5.5 points and 3.0 rebounds.

Nov 20

Kelly Oubre Jr. • SF • 76ers

Kelly Oubre Jr. Ruled Out for Two Weeks

Philadelphia 76ers guard/forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (knee) is set to miss two weeks of action. The 29-year-old sustained an LCL strain in his left knee last Friday against the Detroit Pistons and has already sat out a pair of games. Oubre Jr. ranks fourth in scoring among the 76ers players, averaging 16.8 points in 34.8 minutes. He has had a large workload due to Paul George's (knee) absence. George made his season debut at the start of this week and could be back in action on Thursday night against the Milwaukee Bucks after sitting out the first leg of a back-to-back on Wednesday versus the Toronto Raptors.

Nov 20

Tyler Herro • SG • Heat

Tyler Herro Targeting Return on Monday

Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (ankle) is planning to return to action on Monday against the Dallas Mavericks, Tim Reynolds of Associated Press reports. The 2025 All-Star has yet to play this season due to offseason ankle surgery. A week ago, Herro said that he would be ready to go in 1-2 weeks. With Herro on the shelf, Norman Powell has led the Heat in scoring, averaging 25.4 points per game. Meanwhile, Pelle Larsson has enjoyed a starting role and will likely be bumped to the bench when Herro returns. His presence could also impact the usage of Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Andrew Wiggins.

Nov 20

Jerami Grant • PF • Trail Blazers

Jerami Grant Available Wednesday Night

Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (illness) will play in Wednesday's contest against the Chicago Bulls. He is available to return after missing Tuesday's loss to the Phoenix Suns because of an illness. On Wednesday, Grant could start the contest as Shaedon Sharpe's (calf) replacement. The Trail Blazers are also without Jrue Holiday (calf), allowing Grant to take on more offensive responsibilities. With Holiday already absent for Sunday's matchup against the Dallas Mavericks, Grant had his second-highest scoring game of the season with 26 points.

Nov 20

Jalen Brunson • PG • Knicks

Jalen Brunson Returns From Two-Game Absence

New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson (ankle) will return to the lineup on Wednesday against the Dallas Mavericks. Per Stefan Bondy of the New York Post, Brunson has been named a starter for the matchup, alongside Landry Shamet, Mikal Bridges, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mitchell Robinson. The team initially listed the star guard as questionable for the game. Brunson ended up missing only two games with a right ankle sprain. Miles McBride will move back to the bench on Wednesday night.

Nov 20

Jalen Smith • PF • Bulls

Jalen Smith Available to Play Wednesday

Chicago Bulls forward/center Jalen Smith (chest) has been upgraded from probable to available ahead of Wednesday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. He is dealing with a right pectoral strain, but the issue isn't serious enough to keep Smith sidelined. Smith fills backup duties for Nikola Vucevic in Chicago, but he has produced some strong performances lately, even getting a couple of double-doubles. Portland allows the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing centers, making it a potential field day for Chicago's big men on Wednesday night.

Nov 20

Tre Jones • PG • Bulls

Tre Jones Downgraded to Out

Chicago Bulls point guard Tre Jones (ankle) has been downgraded to out ahead of Wednesday's tip-off against the Portland Trail Blazers. He carried a doubtful tag on the initial injury report. Wednesday's game will mark a third straight absence for Jones, who is dealing with left ankle impingement. Luckily for the Bulls, Coby White was cleared to make his season debut just as Jones exited the lineup, so the team has coped well with his absence. White will play with a 26-28-minute restriction on Wednesday night.

Nov 20

Shaedon Sharpe • SG • Trail Blazers

Shaedon Sharpe Misses Wednesday's Game

Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward Shaedon Sharpe (calf) will be sidelined for Wednesday's meeting with the Chicago Bulls. He will miss the second leg of a back-to-back with a sore right calf. Jrue Holiday (calf) will also remain out for this one, so Portland's backcourt won't have many healthy bodies left. Caleb Love impressed with a 17-point outing off the bench in Tuesday's loss to the Phoenix Suns and could make an even bigger impact against the Bulls. Sidy Cissoko is also likely to feature a lot more in the rotation.

Nov 20

Dereck Lively II • C • Mavericks

Dereck Lively II Cleared for Action Wednesday

Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (knee) will be active against the New York Knicks on Wednesday, Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News reports. He returns to the lineup after getting a night off on Monday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves. So far this season, Lively II has made only five appearances and hasn't been much of a use for fantasy managers. The 21-year-old is averaging 4.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in 16.0 minutes. On Wednesday, Lively II will share the center minutes with Daniel Gafford (ankle), who has also been cleared to play. It's a difficult matchup for Dallas' bigs against Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson.

Nov 20

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