NBA News

Andrew Wiggins • SF • Heat

Andrew Wiggins Could Miss Second Straight Game

Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins (toe) is considered questionable for Sunday's tilt against the Detroit Pistons. Wiggins sat out Friday's win over Charlotte with a knee issue and is in danger of missing further action due to left big toe inflammation. With Norman Powell (groin) still out, the Heat could really use Wiggins' scoring ability against the Eastern Conference leaders on Sunday. Myron Gardner started in Wiggins' place on Friday, notching six points, five rebounds, and two assists in 16 minutes. Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kel'el Ware also enjoy expanded roles without Wiggins.

Mar 7

Deni Avdija • SF • Trail Blazers

Deni Avdija Uncertain for Sunday Due to Back Issue

Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (back) remains on the injury report ahead of Sunday's game against the Indiana Pacers. This time, he has been listed as questionable, giving fantasy managers hope that Avdija might finally be ready to return from a lingering back problem. He has been out for six games. With Kris Murray (illness) also sidelined, Scott Henderson has made back-to-back starts. He's had a very difficult time, posting 12 points on 4-for-20 shooting. The combination of Jerami Grant and Jrue Holiday will keep leading Portland's offense if Avdija doesn't return on Sunday night.

Mar 7

Brandon Ingram • SF • Raptors

Brandon Ingram Battling Illness, Iffy for Sunday

Toronto Raptors guard/forward Brandon Ingram (illness) is in danger of missing Sunday's meeting with the Dallas Mavericks. After dealing with a thumb injury, Ingram has come down with an illness, which might end his run of consecutive appearances at 22 games. If Ingram isn't available to play, the Raptors will likely turn to Ja'Kobe Walter to fill in for him in the first unit. Walter is an inconsistent performer and hasn't capitalized on previous chances to start this season. averaging 7.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 22.7 minutes.

Mar 7

Deandre Ayton • C • Lakers

Deandre Ayton Removed From Injury Report

Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (knee) is set to play on Sunday against the New York Knicks after the team removed him from the injury report. Ayton hurt his left knee in Thursday's loss to Denver and didn't play on Friday night against Indiana. But luckily for the Lakers, Ayton's absence will be limited to one game. With Ayton back in the lineup, Jaxson Hayes will return to the bench. Drew Timme's playing time also takes a hit, and it wouldn't be surprising if he didn't see any action in Sunday's contest. Having drawn criticism recently, Ayton might be motivated to make a statement against the Knicks, but he'll be up against a team that has limited centers to the fourth-fewest fantasy points this season.

Mar 7

LeBron James • SF • Lakers

LeBron James Listed as Questionable for Matchup With Knicks

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (elbow, foot) has a questionable designation on the injury report for Sunday's clash against the New York Knicks. After sustaining an elbow contusion, James sat out the second game of a back-to-back on Friday against Indiana. Lakers head coach JJ Redick told reporters James will likely return to the lineup on Sunday, but the questionable tag leaves his status uncertain. James' absence from the lineup gave Rui Hachimura an opportunity to start on Friday night. Jarred Vanderbilt and Jake LaRavia are also in line for more work if James doesn't return on Sunday.

Mar 7

Will Richard • SG • Warriors

Will Richard Remains Out Saturday

Golden State Warriors guard/forward Will Richard (ankle) will miss a third straight game on Saturday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Golden State's initial injury report listed Richard as questionable, leaving the possibility of his return open. His next chance for a comeback will be on Monday night against the Utah Jazz. Nate Williams has been part of the rotation during Richard's absence, and LJ Cryer may also get more action on Saturday. That said, the two aren't expected to make a significant fantasy impact.

Mar 7

Darius Garland • PG • Clippers

Darius Garland Starting on Saturday

Los Angeles Clippers point guard Darius Garland will join the starting lineup on Saturday against the Memphis Grizzlies. The two-time All-Star came off the bench in his first two appearances for the team. With him now in the first unit, it's possible Garland has been cleared to play more than the 23.5 minutes he has so far averaged in L.A. Kobe Sanders will make room for him in the starting lineup. Even as a starter, Sanders hasn't been particularly productive, and moving to the bench will only reduce his chances to contribute.

Mar 7

Daniel Gafford • C • Mavericks

Daniel Gafford Ready to Rock Sunday

Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (ankle) has been removed from the injury report and will return to the lineup on Sunday against the Toronto Raptors. Gafford has been nursing a right ankle injury and didn't play on Friday against Boston as Dallas wrapped up a back-to-back set. With Gafford and Marvin Bagley (neck) out, Moussa Cisse entered the rotation on Friday, logging 26 minutes off the bench. He could be out of the lineup again on Sunday. Gafford produced a double-double in his last appearance and has averaged 9.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, and 1.0 steals since the All-Star break.

Mar 7

Cooper Flagg • PF • Mavericks

Cooper Flagg Considered Questionable for Sunday's Game

Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Cooper Flagg (foot) has been tagged as questionable on the injury report ahead of Sunday's contest against the Toronto Raptors. The rookie phenom has just returned from a midfoot sprain and may need to take some time off after logging 56 minutes across a back-to-back set on Thursday and Friday. Dallas has several options to replace Flagg in the starting lineup, with Brandon Williams and Naji Marshall as the most likely candidates. Both have been impactful off the bench but would have additional fantasy value in the first unit.

Mar 7

Kristaps Porzingis • C • Warriors

Kristaps Porzingis to Be Limited to 15-20 Minutes Saturday

Golden State Warriors forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (illness) will be limited to around 15-20 minutes on Saturday against the Oklahoma City Thunder, ESPN's Anthony Slater reports. Golden State will ease the Latvian veteran back into action after he missed six games due to illness. Still, Porzingis could make a significant impact even with limited minutes. He has averaged only a little over 20 minutes per game this season (23.9), posting 16.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.3 blocks.

Mar 7

Jarrett Allen • C • Cavaliers

Jarrett Allen Ruled Out for Sunday

Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (knee) will miss Sunday's tilt against the Boston Celtics. He has been ruled out due to right knee tendonitis. Allen hurt his knee on Tuesday against the Detroit Pistons. Thomas Bryant and Dean Wade (ankle) are the candidates to take Allen's spot in the starting lineup. Wade has missed three games with a sprained ankle but is listed as probable on the injury report. Allen's absence will also increase the pressure on Evan Mobley to perform well in the frontcourt.

Mar 7

Donovan Mitchell • SG • Cavaliers

Donovan Mitchell Expected to Return Sunday

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (groin) is listed as probable for Sunday's clash against the Boston Celtics. This suggests Mitchell is ready to return from a right groin strain, which has kept him sidelined for four games. Mitchell logged a full practice on Friday. His return to action will likely end Sam Merrill's time in the first unit. However, since Sunday's game is part of a back-to-back set, Merrill might get another start if Cleveland decides not to overwork Mitchell after his injury and rests him on Monday against Philadelphia.

Mar 7

Gary Payton II • PG • Warriors

Gary Payton II Available Against Thunder

Golden State Warriors guard/forward Gary Payton II (ankle) will be active on Saturday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He is back in the fold after missing two games with an ankle issue. With De'Anthony Melton (knee) joining Stephen Curry (knee) and Moses Moody (wrist) on the sidelines, Payton II could see more time on the floor against the Thunder. He will have an important role to play defensively against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and could also be asked to contribute more on offense. Recently, Payton II has improved his offensive production, averaging 12.8 points since the All-Star break.

Mar 7

Kristaps Porzingis • C • Warriors

Kristaps Porzingis Returns to Warriors Lineup

Golden State Warriors forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (illness) has been cleared to return to action on Saturday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He has sat out six games due to illness. Porzingis was knocked out by the illness just after making his Warriors debut. He managed 12 points, one rebound, one assist, and one block across 17 minutes in a matchup with Boston. Golden State is battling several injuries, so Porzingis could be a central figure in Saturday's game.

Mar 7

Darius Garland • PG • Clippers

Darius Garland Available Saturday

Los Angeles Clippers point guard Darius Garland (toe) will play on Saturday night against the Memphis Grizzlies. He is still recovering from a toe injury, and the team decided to keep him out of the lineup on Friday for the first leg of a back-to-back against San Antonio. Garland has averaged 12.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in 23.0 minutes across his first two appearances as a Clipper. He has come off the bench both times occasions. With Garland returning, Kobe Sanders and Jordan Miller may have their minutes reduced.

Mar 7

Ausar Thompson • SG • Pistons

Ausar Thompson to Miss Multiple Games

Detroit Pistons guard/forward Ausar Thompson (ankle) is set to miss multiple games, Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press reports. Thompson sprained his right ankle on Thursday night against San Antonio and exited the lineup for Saturday's tilt against Brooklyn. He is also expected to sit out Sunday's meeting with Miami. Detroit will then have a couple of days off, giving Thompson some time to recover. However, it's uncertain whether he can return to action next week. With Cade Cunningham (quadriceps) also unavailable on Saturday, Marcus Sasser and Daniss Jenkins moved into the starting lineup.

Mar 7

De'Anthony Melton • SG • Warriors

De'Anthony Melton Won't Play Saturday Night

Golden State Warriors guard De'Anthony Melton (knee) will sit out Saturday's contest against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Melton is managing a left knee injury and won't play on Saturday night after initially carrying a questionable tag on the injury report. The Warriors have recently received great production from Melton, who has averaged 17.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.4 steals as a starter across his last seven appearances. During this stretch, Melton managed three 20-point performances. Melton's absence could see Pat Spencer return to the starting unit, where he's posted averages of 11.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.3 steals per game this year.

Mar 7

Anthony Black • PG • Magic

Anthony Black Sustains Back Injury Saturday

Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black (back) was limited to 2:01 of action in Saturday's win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was forced to leave early due to a lower back strain. Tristan da Silva started the second half in Black's place, and he might also have a bigger role in Sunday's matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks if Black misses additional time. The 24-year-old sophomore had a solid performance against Minnesota, finishing with 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals. As a starter, da Silva has averaged 10.0 points and 3.5 rebounds this season.

Mar 7

Chet Holmgren • C • Thunder

Chet Holmgren Out Saturday Due to Illness

Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center Chet Holmgren (illness) has been ruled out for Saturday's clash against the Golden State Warriors. Holmgren wasn't on the initial injury report, but an illness has now sidelined him for the game. Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) also won't play on Saturday, putting the spotlight once again on Jaylin Williams. The Arkansas product has averaged 27.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in two games without Holmgren and Hartenstein this season.

Mar 7

Nikola Vučević • C • Celtics

Nikola Vucevic to Be Re-Evaluated in 3-4 Weeks After Surgery

Boston Celtics center Nikola Vucevic (finger) underwent successful surgery on Saturday to stabilize a fracture in his right ring finger. The team will re-evaluate him in 3-4 weeks. Vucevic injured his finger in Friday's win over the Dallas Mavericks. Unfortunately, we won't see Vucevic back in action until at least late March, but Boston will be glad to know that the two-time All-Star will be available to help the team in the playoffs. In the meantime, Luka Garza will take on a larger workload behind starting center Neemias Queta. While Garza has been a beast in the G League for years, he hasn't had many opportunities in the NBA. On Friday, he made good use of his minutes, contributing 10 points, three rebounds, one assist, and two blocks off the bench.

Mar 7

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