NBA News

Keegan Murray • PF • Kings

Keegan Murray Expected to Make Season Debut Thursday

Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (thumb) is expected to make his season debut Thursday, per Jason Anderson. The third-year forward averaged 12.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists last season while shooting 44.4 percent from the field. His return brings needed stability to the frontcourt but also forces fantasy managers to monitor Sacramento's rotations closely, as coach Doug Christie has been shuffling lineups early in the year. Reduced minutes and touches are likely for Russell Westbrook, Dennis Schroder, Keon Ellis, Precious Achiuwa, and rookie Nique Clifford once Murray is fully reintegrated. Murray belongs in all lineups, with his scoring, rebounding, and defensive contributions projected to ramp up quickly. Fringe Kings options may lose streaming value as the rotation tightens.

Nov 19

Alexandre Sarr • PF • Wizards

Alexandre Sarr Uncertain for Wednesday's Game in Minnesota

Washington Wizards center Alexandre Sarr (toe) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to left big toe soreness. The second-year big has been outstanding, averaging 18.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists over his last five contests. He is shooting 51.9 percent from the field and 40.6 percent from deep during that stretch. If he is unable to go, Washington will need to piece together frontcourt minutes, with Marvin Bagley III and Tristan Vukcevic likely absorbing most of the workload. Bagley is the preferred streamer for rebounds and points, while Vukcevic fits as a deeper-league option for threes and blocks. Kyshawn George and Bilal Coulibaly may also see small usage bumps.

Nov 18

Ausar Thompson • SG • Pistons

Ausar Thompson Returning Versus Atlanta

Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson (ankle) will play on Tuesday against Atlanta. The 22-year-old has averaged 13.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.8 steals this season, so it was unfortunate when an ankle injury kept him off the floor for Detroit's last four games. Even with the chance of fewer minutes than usual, Thompson should find a spot in most fantasy lineups. His return should mean less work for Ron Holland II.

Nov 18

Cade Cunningham • PG • Pistons

Cade Cunningham Active on Tuesday Night

Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (hip) will suit up on Tuesday versus the Hawks. The 24-year-old has played exceptionally well during the 2025 campaign, averaging a career-high 27.5 points with 5.4 rebounds, 9.9 assists, and 1.4 steals. That trend should continue against Atlanta, especially if he doesn't have a minutes cap. With Cunningham back on the floor, Daniss Jenkins will presumably head back to the bench after an impressive stretch as a starter.

Nov 18

Jabari Smith Jr. • PF • Rockets

Jabari Smith Jr. Questionable with Knee Issue Ahead of Meeting Versus Cleveland

Houston Rockets forward/center Jabari Smith Jr. (knee) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers due to right knee tendinopathy. The fourth-year forward is averaging 14.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists on 45.7 percent shooting, and he logged 43 minutes in his last outing. With Tari Eason (oblique) already out, his absence would push Houston further into its depth. Josh Okogie is positioned to pick up extra wing minutes, while Steven Adams and Clint Capela offer short-term streaming appeal for rebounds and defensive stats if Houston shifts bigger. Jeff Green may also see a small bump as a deeper-league option.

Nov 18

Domantas Sabonis • C • Kings

Domantas Sabonis to Miss Wednesday's Game

Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis (knee) will sit out the first leg of a back-to-back on Wednesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. After playing through a ribcage contusion lately, Sabonis has been listed on the injury report with left knee soreness. Drew Eubanks looks set to fill in for Sabonis in the first unit and will have some fantasy appeal. Meanwhile, Precious Achiuwa also figures to be more involved in the rotation without Sabonis. However, it's going to be a tricky contest for Sacramento's backup bigs, as the Thunder give up the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing centers.

Nov 18

Paul George • SF • 76ers

Paul George Won't Play Wednesday Night

Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (knee) has been ruled out for Wednesday's encounter with the Toronto Raptors. The injury-prone star made his season debut on Monday against the Los Angeles Clippers, but he will be held out of action on Wednesday night as the team begins a back-to-back. George finished his season debut against the Clippers with nine points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two blocks in 21 minutes. With Joel Embiid (knee) likely also unavailable on Wednesday, Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, and Quentin Grimes will do most of the work on the offensive end.

Nov 18

Onyeka Okongwu • C • Hawks

Onyeka Okongwu Available on Tuesday

According to Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network, Atlanta Hawks forward/center Onyeka Okongwu (knee) is set to suit up for Tuesday's contest against the Detroit Pistons. With big man Kristaps Porzingis (knee) sidelined, Okongwu provides the Hawks' frontcourt an excellent option, as he's posted averages of 15.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.1 blocks and 0.9 steals in 29.4 minutes per contest through 14 games so far this season. Fantasy managers should expect plenty of production from Okongwu with extra minutes on the floor this evening.

Nov 18

Joel Embiid • C • 76ers

Joel Embiid Listed as Doubtful for Wednesday

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) has been listed as doubtful for Wednesday's game against the Toronto Raptors. This is a sign that the former MVP is expected to miss a fifth consecutive game. Philadelphia has also lost Adem Bona (ankle) from the center rotation, leaving Andre Drummond to shoulder a heavy load. The former All-Star has had a good four-game stretch, averaging 14.3 points and 13.5 rebounds in 35.4 minutes. The Raptors are a mediocre rebounding team, giving Drummond a chance to feast on Wednesday night.

Nov 18

Jalen Suggs • SG • Magic

Jalen Suggs Available Tuesday

Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (groin) will play in Tuesday's contest against the Golden State Warriors. A sore groin kept Suggs sidelined on Sunday against the Houston Rockets, but his absence will be limited to one game. Anthony Black started against Houston and will head back to the second unit for Tuesday's game. As a reserve, Black does not have much fantasy appeal. Suggs is averaging 12.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.6 steals this season. On Tuesday, he faces a team that allows the seventh-most fantasy points in the league to point guards.

Nov 18

Zaccharie Risacher • SF • Hawks

Zaccharie Risacher Ruled Out With Hip Contusion vs. Pistons

Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (hip) will miss Tuesday's matchup against the Detroit Pistons after taking a hard fall during a dunk attempt against Phoenix. The second-year wing has been productive in his role, averaging 12.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. He's hitting 47.7 percent from the field and 34.5 percent from deep. His absence opens rotation room for Vit Krejci, Luke Kennard, and Mouhamed Gueye. Krejci carries the most stable floor through ball movement and defense, Kennard fits as a deep-league three-point streamer, and Gueye becomes a deeper-league watch for rebounds and energy stats if his minutes climb.

Nov 18

Kristaps Porzingis • C • Hawks

Kristaps Porzingis Ruled Out on Tuesday Night

Atlanta Hawks center Kristaps Porzingis (knee) won't play on Tuesday against the Detroit Pistons. He's dealing with right knee soreness, so he'll miss a third-straight game. Luckily, Onyeka Okongwu (knee) is available and will likely remain in the middle to begin the contest. Okongwu has played extremely well in his five appearances in the starting lineup, averaging 19.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, and 1.8 steals. Porzingis' next chance to return will be on Thursday versus a San Antonio Spurs team that will be without Victor Wembanyama (calf) and Stephon Castle (hip).

Nov 18

Buddy Hield • SF • Warriors

Buddy Hield Available for Tuesday's Matchup With Orlando

Golden State Warriors guard/forward Buddy Hield (illness) is available for Tuesday's matchup with the Orlando Magic. Hield entered the day listed as probable due to an illness, but the 32-year-old will suit up despite feeling under the weather. He's appeared in every game this season, averaging 6.9 points, 1.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 0.9 steals across 16.8 minutes per contest in 15 outings. Given that he's playing sick, Hield will likely see limited minutes, making him a low-impact fantasy option for tonight's slate.

Nov 18

Giannis Antetokounmpo • PF • Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo Out 1-2 Weeks With Groin Strain

Milwaukee Bucks forward/center Giannis Antetokounmpo (groin) will miss one to two weeks with a low-grade left groin strain, per Shams Charania. The former MVP has been dominant, averaging 31.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 6.8 assists in 31.8 minutes, so his absence opens short-term usage across Milwaukee's rotation. Bobby Portis and Kyle Kuzma have been inconsistent this season, but both gain an opportunity to stabilize their value with extra touches. The biggest fantasy winner is Ryan Rollins, who has been productive and should see a meaningful bump in playmaking and scoring responsibilities.

Nov 18

Stephon Castle • SG • Spurs

Stephon Castle Sidelined 1-2 Weeks

According to Shams Charania of ESPN, San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (hip) sustained a left hip flexor strain and will be re-evaluated in 1-2 weeks. He missed the second half of Sunday's win over the Sacramento Kings due to the injury. Through 13 outings this season, the 21-year-old is averaging 17.3 points, 7.5 assists, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.7 steals while shooting 49.7 percent from the field during 32.0 minutes per game. With Castle now sidelined, Keldon Johnson and Julian Champagnie will likely be assigned extra minutes off the bench. Castle joins Victor Wembanyama (calf), who is already on the shelf for an extended period.

Nov 18

LeBron James • SF • Lakers

LeBron James Aims to Make Season Debut Tuesday

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (sciatica) is still considered questionable for Tuesday's contest against the Utah Jazz. However, ESPN's Shams Charania reports that James is aiming to make his season debut this evening. He has been dealing with sciatica on his right side. Barring any setbacks, fantasy managers should expect the Lakers to decide on the 40-year-old's status right before tip-off. If he is good to go, his minutes on the floor will likely be restricted.

Nov 18

Grayson Allen • SF • Suns

Grayson Allen Sidelined on Tuesday

Phoenix Suns guard/forward Grayson Allen (quadriceps) is unavailable for Tuesday's clash with the Portland Trail Blazers. Allen will miss his second game in a row due to a right quadriceps contusion. Allen is averaging 18.5 points, 4.3 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.9 threes in 32.1 minutes per contest across 13 games this season. With Allen out of action, Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks will continue to see extra scoring opportunities, while Collin Gillespie and Ryan Dunn will likely have expanded roles during tonight's contest.

Nov 18

Gabe Vincent • PG • Lakers

Gabe Vincent Set to Suit Up Tuesday

Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports that Los Angeles Lakers guard Gabe Vincent (ankle) is available for Tuesday's matchup with the Utah Jazz. Vincent has been out of action since October 26 due to a left ankle sprain. Across three appearances this season, the 29-year-old has averaged 3.7 points, 2.3 assists, 1.0 rebounds and 1.0 steals in 24.0 minutes per contest. In his return, Vincent will be assigned to a reserve role and won't provide enough production to make an impact in fantasy this evening.

Nov 18

Jonathan Kuminga • PF • Warriors

Jonathan Kuminga Remains Out Tuesday

Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (knee) will miss his third straight game this Tuesday while battling bilateral knee tendonitis. Kuminga's absence will allow players like Moses Moody, Will Richard, and Buddy Hield to get more work against the Magic in Orlando. Kuminga got off to a strong start before battling soreness in both his knees, so the Warriors will likely be cautious with the young forward. He was moved out of the lineup just before the injury, so it looks like even when he is healthy, the Warriors will try to reduce his workload if possible. Hield (illness) is probable, so if he's limited, Moody will likely have the highest ceiling of the Warriors' wings on Tuesday.

Nov 18

Keegan Murray • PF • Kings

Keegan Murray Could Make his Season Debut This Week

Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (thumb) has been cleared for five-on-five, contact practices, and he could be ready to join the team's rotation later this week. The Kings assigned him to the G League for practice as he ramps back up after injuring his thumb in the preseason. The team hopes he can return during the team's current road trip, potentially Thursday against the Memphis Grizzlies or Saturday against the Denver Nuggets. Murray's return will be a huge boost for the Kings, who have missed him on both ends of the floor in their woeful 3-11 start.

Nov 18

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