NBA News
LaMelo Ball Will Play Against Detroit
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (ankle) won't play on Wednesday versus the Detroit Pistons. The 23-year-old is battling ankle soreness. However, after testing things during pre-game warmups, he'll suit up against a Detroit team that has won two-straight games. Ball, averaging a career-high 28.6 points with 5.7 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.4 steals, remains a must-start despite the chance of re-injury.
Nov 6
Shaedon Sharpe Questionable For Thursday Night
Portland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe (shoulder) is questionable for Thursday's matchup with the San Antonio Spurs. The 21-year-old has been sidelined with a labral tear and was expected to be out for 4-6 weeks. While it appears he could be nearing a return, there's still a chance that won't happen on Thursday night. But even if Sharpe is in uniform, he'll likely see reduced minutes while he works his way back. With that in mind, his potential absence should mean more minutes for guys like Scoot Henderson, Toumani Camara, and Rayan Rupert.
Nov 6
David Roddy Good To Go Versus New York
Atlanta Hawks forward David Roddy (illness) will play on Wednesday versus the Knicks. He was dealing with an illness, resulting in a questionable designation. However, the 23-year-old will be out there. With De'Andre Hunter (knee) still out, Roddy, who had 11 points, six boards, and three assists in Monday's loss to the Boston Celtics, should warrant streaming consideration.
Nov 6
De'Andre Hunter Still Out On Wednesday
Atlanta Hawks forward De'Andre Hunter (knee) won't play on Wednesday against the Knicks. The 26-year-old will now miss a seventh consecutive contest because of a knee injury, so his next chance to get back on the floor will be on Friday in Detroit. Without Hunter, Zaccharie Risacher, averaging 10.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.2 steals, has streaming potential in deep redraft setups. On the other hand, his 20.0% shooting from deep hasn't been welcomed by category managers. David Roddy (illness), who had 11 points, six boards, and three assists in Monday's meeting with the Celtics, also has a place in most fantasy lineups.
Nov 6
Jaylen Brown "Day-To-Day"
According to Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, forward Jaylen Brown (hip) is considered "day-to-day." He's dealing with a hip flexor strain and will miss his third consecutive contest when the C's play the Warriors on Wednesday. Without question, Brown has been a top fantasy producer this season, averaging 25.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.5 steals. Although he's shot a rough 26.7% from behind the arc, category managers hope to get him back on the floor, possibly as early as Friday's matchup with the Brooklyn Nets. In the meantime, Neemias Queta, coming off a 10-point, seven-rebound, one-block outing versus the Hawks on Monday night, has streaming potential.
Nov 6
Trae Young Cleared To Suit Up On Wednesday
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (rib) will play on Wednesday versus the Knicks. The 26-year-old was limited to only 23 minutes because of a rib injury in Monday's loss to the Boston Celtics. But he's good to go for the meeting with New York. Young has averaged 23.9 points, 11.0 assists, and 1.3 steals this season. Yet, he's logged 4.9 turnovers and shot 30.7% from behind the arc. Still, Young remains a top fantasy option, especially since his shooting woes should come to an end at some point.
Nov 6
Tari Eason Listed As Questionable With Illness On Wednesday
Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (illness) is listed as questionable for Wednesday night's matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. Eason is dealing with an illness but has yet to miss any game action this season. Fellow forward Dillon Brooks is also listed as questionable with an illness, potentially forcing a depth issue for the Rockets if both were to miss tonight's game. Eason has been solid but volatile for the Rockets off the bench, averaging 10.9 PPG and 4.6 RPG. His offensive volume has ranged from three FGA to 19 FGA, making him harder to rely on. In his two matchups against the Spurs this season he's scored six points twice and recorded two assists twice with the only variation happening with his rebounds, going from two to five. Fantasy managers looking for rebounding help may want to consider the 23-year-old but otherwise he may be a risky option off the bench. If Brooks is out and Eason is healthy and gets the start then he becomes much more viable. If both Brooks and Eason are out, consider Amen Thompson who is averaging 10.0 PPG and 5.9 RPG.
Nov 6
Dillon Brooks Questionable Wednesday With Illness
Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (illness) is listed as questionable for Wednesday night's matchup with the San Antonio Spurs. Brooks is dealing with an illness. If forced to miss tonight's game it would be the first game he's missed all season. The 28-year-old is averaging 11.4 PPG and 4.0 RPG this season. His moderate offensive production won't be what's missed most, though, as Brooks' defensive presence will be the glaring issue for Houston if absent. Houston holds a 104.5 defensive rating with Brooks on the court and a 124.9 defensive rating with him off. If Brooks is unable to suit up, expect Amen Thompson to be inserted into the starting lineup with fellow forward Tari Eason also listed as questionable for tonight. Thompson is averaging 10.0 PPG and 5.9 RPG while the Rockets hold a 110.4 defensive rating with him on the floor, making him a suitable defensive replacement for Brooks.
Nov 6
John Konchar Doubtful For Wednesday Night, Will Miss Fourth Straight Game
Memphis Grizzlies guard John Konchar (quad) is listed as doubtful for Wednesday night's matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers. This will be Konchar's fourth straight game missed thanks to a right quad contusion he's been dealing with. The 28-year-old also missed two other games this season with a heel injury and has only been able to play in three games this season. He's averaged just five points per game this season while taking just six shots total in the three games he's played in. Fantasy managers with Konchar on their roster likely can cut bait until he gets on a hot streak given his lack of playing time so far. Those looking for an option off Memphis' bench should look to Scotty Pippen Jr. as the leader for the second unit. Jake LaRavia may be a sneaky second option also, averaging 7.4 PPG and 5.9 RPG.
Nov 6
Luke Kennard Listed Questionable For Wednesday Night
Memphis Grizzlies guard Luke Kennard (foot) is listed as questionable for Wednesday night's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Kennard has yet to make his 2024-2025 season debut due to a muscle strain in his foot he sustained during preseason action. The questionable tag marks progress for the 28-year-old, though, as it's the first time he's carried the questionable tag this season. Kennard was a full participant in Tuesday's practice as well, pointing to a positive sign that he may be able to give it a go on Wednesday. Kennard averaged 11.0 PPG while shooting 45% from three in his first full season with the Grizzlies and was brought back on a one-year $9.25 million contract this offseason. The sooner he can get on the court for the 4-4 Grizzlies, the better. Fantasy managers should temper their expectations if he's active for Wednesday night given it will be his first regular season game action in 2024. If he's ruled out, expect Scotty Pippen Jr. to continue to be the main threat off the bench for Memphis.
Nov 6
Jordan Hawkins Questionable For Wednesday Night Against Cleveland
New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Hawkins (back) is listed as questionable for Wednesday night's matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Hawkins is dealing with lower-back tightness, an issue that kept him out of Monday night's loss against the Portland Trailblazers. The 22-year-old had found his way into the starting lineup thanks to an injury to CJ McCollum before Monday night's absence. Hawkins has averaged 17.6 points this season while shooting 37.5% from three and will be depended on against a tough Cavaliers team if healthy. If Hawkins is to miss Wednesday's game, then expect Brandon Boston Jr. to get the start. Boston has averaged 9.8 points this season but put up 20 in his start against Portland on Monday night. Both should be considered viable options for all fantasy formats on Wednesday, while Boston would make a sneaky DFS play if Hawkins cannot suit up.
Nov 6
Dean Wade Still Out Wednesday Night With Illness
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (illness) will miss his second consecutive game on Wednesday night when the Cavaliers face off against the New Orleans Pelicans. Wade missed Monday night's win against the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday dealing with the same illness. Wade's averaged 6.9 PPG and 4.4 RPG this season. Wade's absence shouldn't scare Cleveland much given his minimal production and a matchup against a weakened New Orleans Pelicans team. Expect Isaac Okoro to start in his place as was the case on Monday night. Okoro is averaging 5.0 PPG this season. Though shooting 46.7% from three is appealing, his minimal volume in Cleveland's offense means there are better options available to fantasy managers on the waiver wire.
Nov 6
Cody Martin Probable For Wednesday Night
Charlotte Hornets forward Cody Martin (illness) is listed as probable for Wednesday night's matchup against the Detroit Pistons. Martin had been dealing with a minor illness but hasn't missed any time. Expect the 29-year-old to continue coming off the bench for Charlotte. Martin's averaging 10.0 PPG this season while shooting 37% from three. While the three-point shooting percentage seems encouraging, fantasy managers shouldn't expect consistent production going forward as he's failed to play more than 20 minutes in each of the Hornets' last two games. Better options are likely available on the waiver wire that fantasy managers should prioritize until Martin either catches a hot streak or finds his way back into the starting lineup.
Nov 6
De'Andre Hunter Listed As Questionable For Wednesday
Atlanta Hawks forward De'Andre Hunter (knee) could be back in action against the Knicks on Wednesday. He has been listed as questionable for the game. Hunter has been absent for the last six contests, which has given Zaccharie Risacher an opportunity to roll with the starters. The top pick of this year's draft has struggled for consistency and was largely ineffective coming off the bench at the start of the season. Hunter, on the other hand, was in fine form before getting hurt, averaging 18.0 points and 6.5 rebounds with 40 percent shooting from deep.
Nov 6
Cameron Payne Considered Questionable For Wednesday's Game
New York Knicks guard Cameron Payne (hamstring) is considered questionable for Wednesday's game against Atlanta. Payne missed his first game of the season on Monday versus Houston due to a hamstring strain. The veteran has averaged 15.4 minutes as a backup in New York, posting 5.6 points and 3.2 assists. Tyler Kolek gets more of a look in the rotation without Payne, but he doesn't provide anything for fantasy managers. Miles McBride also has a chance to play more. However, he was a massive disappointment against the Rockets, with a 0-for-9 effort from the field and zero points across 26 minutes.
Nov 6
Brandin Podziemski Good To Go Wednesday
Golden State Warriors shooting guard Brandin Podziemski (illness) will be available for Wednesday's fascinating matchup against Boston. The 21-year-old couldn't complete Monday's meeting with Washington due to an illness but has recovered. Podziemski has been battling shooting woes at the start of the campaign, hitting less than 38 percent of his shots. He's nailed only 18.2 percent of his three-point attempts, averaging 9.3 points with 5.3 rebounds and 4.0 assists. Stephen Curry's return on Monday sent Podziemski back to the bench, where he has been inconsistent with his performances.
Nov 6
De'Anthony Melton Remains Out On Wednesday
Golden State Warriors guard De'Anthony Melton (back) will miss a fifth consecutive game on Wednesday versus Boston. He's battling a lower back problem, leaving the Warriors without a versatile backcourt option. Moses Moody, Buddy Hield, and Brandin Podziemski (illness) are all in a position to benefit. Hield, who has scored 20-plus points in four consecutive games, deserves the most attention from fantasy managers. Melton's next chance to return comes on Friday versus Cleveland.
Nov 6
Andrew Nembhard Questionable For Wednesday
Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (knee) is on the injury report as questionable ahead of Wednesday's contest against Orlando. Nembhard missed one game last week due to a knee issue and continues to nurse soreness in his left knee. Ben Sheppard and T.J. McConnell would see more minutes if Nembhard is unavailable. The latter is definitely the better fantasy option, although Sheppard has also looked good early in the campaign and put up 20 points against New Orleans when Nembhard was out last Friday.
Nov 6
Bradley Beal Likely To Play On Wednesday
Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (elbow) will likely remain in the lineup on Wednesday versus Miami. The veteran has picked up a right elbow injury early in the season, but he's considered probable for Wednesday's game. Beal has provided solid production thus far with 17.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.6 steals. However, he's going to be in a bad spot Wednesday night, as the Heat play with the third-lowest pace in the league. Rookie Ryan Dunn would be in line for an extended role if Beal suffers a setback during the day and can't play.
Nov 6
D'Angelo Russell Likely Good To Go On Wednesday
Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell (foot) is probable heading into Wednesday's game against the Grizzlies. The veteran has appeared on the injury report of late for various reasons. However, he hasn't missed a game so far during the 2024-;25 campaign. Unfortunately, Russell has struggled this season, averaging 12.0 points and 30.8% shooting from behind the arc. While he has an excellent chance of breaking out of his funk, fantasy managers should consider keeping him on the bench, especially category managers who have been negatively impacted by his three-point percentage.
Nov 6
LaMelo Ball
• PG
•
Hornets
