NBA News

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

Caris LeVert • SF • Pistons

Caris LeVert Liston as Out on Tuesday

Detroit Pistons guard/forward Caris LeVert (ankle) will not play on Tuesday when his team finishes a back-to-back on the road in Atlanta. He played just 17 minutes on Monday and had eight points and eight assists. His next chance to return will be Saturday against the Bucks. While he's out, Cade Cunningham (hip), Ausar Thompson (ankle), and Tobias Harris (ankle) are all questionable. Daniss Jenkins has been outstanding lately and should have plenty of playing time in almost any scenario with LeVert out, and Chaz Lanier should get a few minutes as well. If Cunningham and Thompson need more time, Jenkins and Lanier will have even more work to do on the road in this matchup.

Nov 18

Tobias Harris • SF • Pistons

Tobias Harris Could Return Thursday

Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (ankle) is nearing a return, and he was listed as questionable for Tuesday's game against the Hawks in Atlanta, along with Cade Cunningham (hip) and Ausar Thompson (ankle). On Monday, coach J.B. Bickerstaff said that Harris had no timetable for return, but now it looks like that timetable could be any day now. Without Harris for the last five games, Ron Holland II and Javonte Green have been playing very well for Detroit, but they will likely return to reduced roles when Harris and Thompson get back in the rotation. If he does play Tuesday, Harris would likely be on a minutes limitation, so temper expectations. It is great to see him near a return, though, for a Pistons team that is thriving early in the season.

Nov 18

Ausar Thompson • SG • Pistons

Ausar Thompson Questionable Again on Tuesday

Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson (ankle) has been sidelined for four straight games with an ankle sprain, but he seems to be nearing a return after moving well in Monday's shootaround before being ruled out along with Cade Cunningham (hip). Both starters are questionable for Tuesday night in Atlanta as the Pistons look to extend their winning streak to 11 games. If Thompson is ruled out again, Ron Holland II and Javonte Green will continue to get extra minutes and usage at forward and be excellent streaming and DFS options.

Nov 18

Cade Cunningham • PG • Pistons

Cade Cunningham is Questionable Tuesday in Atlanta

Detroit Pistons point guard Cade Cunningham (hip) has missed the last three games for his team, which has stayed hot in his absence, extending their winning streak to 10 games by beating the Pacers on Monday. Cunningham could return for the second game of the back-to-back, and if he does, he'll probably resume his heavy workload. In his 11 games this season, Cunningham is averaging 27.5 points, 9.9 assists, 5.4 rebounds, and 37 minutes per game. He hasn't played since his monster 46-point triple-double last Monday against the Wizards. If Cunningham is out again, Daniss Jenkins will be set up for another big workload after averaging 21.8 points, 7.8 assists, 4.3 rebounds, 2.5 triples, and 2.0 steals per contest in his four games in the starting lineup.

Nov 18

Stephon Castle • SG • Spurs

Stephon Castle Out Against Grizzlies

San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (hip) has been ruled out for Tuesday's contest against the Memphis Grizzlies. He missed the second half of Sunday's win over the Sacramento Kings due to left hip flexor soreness and will now sit out at least one complete game because of the issue. With Castle out of the rotation, Keldon Johnson and Julian Champagnie can pick up extra playing time off the bench. Additionally, his absence creates more scoring opportunities for other players. Castle has joined Victor Wembanyama (calf) on the shelf, meaning the Spurs attack will look very different on Tuesday night.

Nov 18

Jrue Holiday • PG • Trail Blazers

Jrue Holiday Unlikely to Play Tuesday

Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday (calf) will likely sit out a second consecutive game on Tuesday against the Phoenix Suns, as the team has given him a doubtful tag on the injury report. The veteran guard missed his first game of the season on Sunday against the Dallas Mavericks, landing on the sidelines with a sore right calf. Jerami Grant started in his absence and delivered one of his best performances of the season, scoring 26 points. Meanwhile, Caleb Love and Sidy Cissoko shared most of the backup guard minutes, but their impact was minimal.

Nov 18

LeBron James • SF • Lakers

LeBron James Officially Listed as Questionable for Tuesday

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (sciatica) has been upgraded to questionable on the injury report ahead of Tuesday's tilt against the Utah Jazz. He logged a full practice with the team on Monday and could be ready to make his season debut in Tuesday's game. James has recently also logged additional practice sessions with the Lakers' G League team, so he should be in good shape after dealing with sciatica on his right side. However, it would be surprising if the team didn't monitor his minutes when he returns. If James can't make it back on Tuesday night, he will have a lot more time to prep for his 2025-26 debut, as the Lakers would then be off until Sunday, when they have a rematch with the Jazz.

Nov 18

Giannis Antetokounmpo • PF • Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo Exits Monday's Game With Groin Injury

Milwaukee Bucks forward/center Giannis Antetokounmpo won't finish Monday's contest against the Cleveland Cavaliers due to a left groin strain, Eric Nehm of The Athletic reports. The former MVP left the game in the second quarter after racking up 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists in 13 minutes. Jericho Sims joined Milwaukee's starting unit for the second half. Antetokounmpo's exit from the lineup also creates more playing opportunities for Bobby Portis. Muscle strains typically take several weeks to heal, so the Bucks may be without Antetokounmpo for a significant period. However, we won't know for certain until he undergoes evaluation.

Nov 18

Julian Strawther • SF • Nuggets

Julian Strawther Out on Monday

Denver Nuggets guard/forward Julian Strawther (back) won't play in Monday's contest against the Chicago Bulls. The team has downgraded Strawther from questionable to out. He won't be a big miss for Denver, as Strawther has been limited to 7.9 minutes per game across seven contests. The rest of the Nuggets' reserve should share Strawther's minutes on Monday night. The 23-year-old will have his first opportunity to return to the lineup on Wednesday in a matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Nov 18

Cameron Johnson • PF • Nuggets

Cameron Johnson Cleared for Action Monday

Denver Nuggets forward Cameron Johnson (biceps) will play on Monday night against the Chicago Bulls. The 29-year-old sustained a right biceps strain last week and sat out Saturday's win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Initially, he was in danger of missing a second straight game after the team listed him as questionable for Monday's matchup. With Johnson sidelined against Minnesota, Tim Hardaway Jr. had a sparkling performance with 22 points as a starter. On Monday, Hardaway Jr. will head back to the bench. Johnson's time in Denver has been a nightmare so far, as he has averaged only 7.2 points and 2.6 rebounds in 24.5 minutes. Hardaway Jr. has been significantly more productive than him and will remain a better fantasy option even as a reserve.

Nov 18

Nikola Jokić • C • Nuggets

Nikola Jokic Available Against Bulls

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (wrist) will officially be active against the Chicago Bulls on Monday night. The Serbian superstar is dealing with a left wrist sprain, but the team has upgraded his status from probable to available. Jokic is once again having an MVP-caliber season, averaging 28.7 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 10.9 assists. On Monday, Jokic faces a 20th-ranked defense, and it's a significant pace-up spot for the Nuggets. As a result, the three-time MVP could end up with a particularly silly stat line.

Nov 18

Zaccharie Risacher • SF • Hawks

Zaccharie Risacher Considered Questionable for Tuesday's Game

Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (hip) carries a questionable tag on the injury report ahead of Tuesday's matchup against the Detroit Pistons. He is nursing a left hip contusion after taking a hard fall on a dunk attempt in Sunday's win over the Phoenix Suns. Risacher has contributed 12.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in 24.8 minutes as a regular starter for the Hawks this season. Vit Krejci and Luke Kennard will likely share Risacher's minutes on Tuesday night if he can't play. With Kristaps Porzingis (knee) and Onyeka Okongwu (knee) also questionable for the game, there might be a massive chunk of extra minutes available for Atlanta's usual reserves.

Nov 18

Onyeka Okongwu • C • Hawks

Onyeka Okongwu Iffy for Tuesday

Atlanta Hawks forward/center Onyeka Okongwu (knee) is listed as questionable for Tuesday's tilt against the Detroit Pistons. He may have to exit the lineup for the first time this season due to a right knee contusion. In the past two games, Okongwu has produced big performances as Kristaps Porzingis' (knee) replacement in the starting lineup. Porzingis is also on the injury report with a questionable tag for Tuesday's game. If neither player is healthy enough to play, Mouhamed Gueye would get a massive workload against the Pistons.

Nov 18

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