NBA News

Stephon Castle • SG • Spurs

Stephon Castle Questionable for Saturday

San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (illness) is in danger of missing Saturday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, as the team listed him as questionable on the injury report. The 2025 NBA Rookie of the Year is battling an illness, which could force him out of the lineup for the first time since Dec. 8. Castle just notched his seventh double-double of the season, building on his impressive rookie year with a strong sophomore campaign. If Castle is unavailable against Minnesota, Dylan Harper and Lindy Waters III are likely to see increased playing time.

Jan 17

Keon Ellis • SG • Kings

Keon Ellis Out Friday Night

Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (knee) won't be in action on Friday night against the Washington Wizards. Ellis was a late addition to the injury report due to a knee problem, and the team has downgraded his status from questionable to out. It has been a frustrating season for Ellis, who has had an inconsistent role with the Kings. After logging 20-plus minutes regularly at the start of the month, Ellis was limited to only five minutes in Wednesday's win over the New York Knicks. Dennis Schroder is set to return from his suspension on Friday and will take Ellis's spot in the rotation.

Jan 17

Tari Eason • SF • Rockets

Tari Eason Still Out Friday

Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (ankle) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Initially, there was hope Eason could return from a three-game absence when the team listed him as questionable on the injury report. Unfortunately, he will miss at least one more game with a right ankle sprain, as Houston has now officially ruled him out. Josh Okogie has a larger role without Eason, but he hasn't been a productive fantasy contributor. Eason's next chance to return will be on Sunday against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Jan 17

Deni Avdija • SF • Trail Blazers

Deni Avdija Unlikely to Play Against Lakers

Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward Deni Avdija (back) is listed as doubtful for a meeting with the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night. Avdija is having a big season, but unfortunately, he injured his back in a recent game against the New York Knicks. He is now likely to sit out a third consecutive game. Sidy Cissoko has been starting during Avdija's absence, but he faces extra competition for playing time after Jerami Grant returned to the lineup on Thursday against the Atlanta Hawks. While Grant made his comeback in a bench role, he could be an option to start sooner rather than later. Players like Grant, Jrue Holiday, and Shaedon Sharpe have more offensive usage with Avdija out.

Jan 17

Deandre Ayton • C • Lakers

Deandre Ayton Questionable for Saturday's Tilt

Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (knee) has landed on the injury report with a questionable designation ahead of Saturday's favorable fantasy matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers. Only five teams have allowed more fantasy points to centers than the Trail Blazers, but Ayton may have to sit this one out due to a sore left knee. Jaxson Hayes (hamstring) is also questionable for the game, meaning Maxi Kleber and Drew Timme could be the Lakers' lone natural options at center. The team may also turn to Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt to fill out some of the minutes at the five position.

Jan 17

Luka Dončić • PG • Lakers

Luka Doncic Won't Play Saturday

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Luka Doncic (groin) has been ruled out for Saturday's tilt against the Portland Trail Blazers. The NBA's leading scorer is dealing with soreness in his left groin and will sit out at least one game. This is the front end of a back-to-back for the Lakers, so it's possible Doncic is simply getting some time off to rest. LeBron James' offensive usage will increase on Saturday, and Deandre Ayton (knee) may also get more scoring opportunities if he shakes off a questionable tag. Kobe Bufkin and Gabe Vincent are the prime candidates to fill in for Doncic in the starting unit.

Jan 17

Domantas Sabonis • C • Kings

Domantas Sabonis Officially Active Friday

Sacramento Kings forward/center Domantas Sabonis (knee) has been officially listed as available for Friday's game against the Washington Wizards. Reports of Sabonis' return began circulating earlier this week, and the team listed him as questionable on the initial injury report. Sabonis hasn't played since Nov. 16, so he could have a limited workload against Washington. Even so, the Lithuanian star could be in for a big night, as Washington has given up more fantasy points to centers than any other team this season. Sabonis' return will be a blow to Maxime Raynaud's fantasy value.

Jan 17

Cade Cunningham • PG • Pistons

Cade Cunningham Considered Probable for Saturday

Detroit Pistons point guard Cade Cunningham (wrist) is on the injury report with a probable tag ahead of Saturday's game against the Indiana Pacers. Cunningham returned from a right wrist injury in Thursday's win over the Phoenix Suns and is expected to make a second consecutive appearance. It's possible Cunningham was still bothered by the injury to his shooting hand against Phoenix, as he managed only 10 points with a very poor 3-for-16 efficiency. Detroit's star man salvaged his fantasy line a bit with 11 assists. If Cunningham suits up on Saturday, he'll be expected to bounce back in a much more favorable matchup.

Jan 17

Jaime Jaquez Jr. • SF • Heat

Jaime Jaquez Jr. to Sit Out Second Consecutive Game

Miami Heat guard/forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. (knee) won't be available on Saturday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He will be forced to miss a second straight game due to a left knee sprain. Miami has also lost Davion Mitchell (shoulder) from the rotation, increasing the fantasy value of Pelle Larsson, Kasparas Jakucionis, and Simone Fontecchio. On Saturday, the team could also be without Tyler Herro (toe, ribs), who is listed as questionable. However, this will be a tough matchup for the Heat against the NBA's top-ranked defense.

Jan 17

Tyler Herro • SG • Heat

Tyler Herro Questionable to Play Saturday

Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (toe, ribs) is listed as questionable for Saturday's contest against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Recently, Herro returned from a toe injury, and he is now also dealing with a rib contusion. Miami's backcourt is already missing Davion Mitchell (shoulder). As a result, Kasparas Jakucionis could jump into the first unit on Saturday. The Lithuanian rookie contributed 12 points and eight assists in a bench role on Thursday night against the Boston Celtics. There are also additional minutes available for Dru Smith and Pelle Larsson, who moved to the starting lineup on Thursday.

Jan 17

Jalen Brunson • PG • Knicks

Jalen Brunson Iffy for Meeting With Suns

New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson (ankle) is considered questionable for Saturday's matchup against the Phoenix Suns. Brunson suffered a right ankle sprain on Wednesday night against the Sacramento Kings and wasn't available for the second leg of a back-to-back the next day against the Golden State Warriors. Miles McBride filled the gap in the first unit, finishing with 25 points and six assists. Assuming Brunson won't return on Saturday, McBride will continue to have additional fantasy value. That being said, the matchup on Saturday isn't ideal, as Phoenix gives up the sixth-fewest fantasy points to point guards.

Jan 17

Devin Booker • SG • Suns

Devin Booker Uncertain for Saturday

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (ankle) is listed as questionable for Saturday's contest against the New York Knicks. Booker sprained his left ankle earlier this week and has already missed one game. His exit from the lineup on Thursday against the Detroit Pistons allowed Grayson Allen to start. The veteran sniper erupted for a game-high 33 points. If Booker remains out on Saturday, Allen is expected to lead Phoenix's offense again. Meanwhile, there would also be additional scoring touches for Dillon Brooks and Collin Gillespie.

Jan 17

Nicolas Batum • PF • Clippers

Nicolas Batum Starting Against Raptors

Los Angeles Clippers forward Nicolas Batum will replace Kawhi Leonard (ankle) in the starting lineup on Friday against the Toronto Raptors, Sportsnet's Blake Murphy reports. This will be the fourth start of the season for the French veteran. Previously, Batum has averaged 5.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists as a member of the starting unit. Although Batum's fantasy production has been modest, he could make an impact on Friday against a depleted Toronto lineup missing a couple of regular starters.

Jan 17

Julian Phillips • SF • Bulls

Julian Phillips Returns From Two-Game Absence

Chicago Bulls forward Julian Phillips (wrist) has been cleared for Friday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. The 22-year-old has missed a pair of contests due to a sprained wrist, but the team has upgraded him from questionable to available. Phillips will add depth to the Bulls' bench, nothing more. Patrick Williams could lose some minutes now that Phillips is back, though he performed well in Wednesday's victory against Utah, recording 13 points, five rebounds, and three assists.

Jan 17

Kevin Huerter • SG • Bulls

Kevin Huerter Available Against Nets

Chicago Bulls guard/forward Kevin Huerter (hip) will play on Friday against the Brooklyn Nets. He has been upgraded from probable to available ahead of the game. While Huerter has come off the bench in three consecutive games, he has recently improved his scoring numbers, reaching double figures each time. On Friday, Huarter will head out against a team that allows the ninth-most bench points in the league.

Jan 17

Ivica Zubac • C • Clippers

Ivica Zubac Upgraded to Available

Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac (ankle) will play in Friday's contest against the Toronto Raptors. The team has upgraded his status from questionable to available. Zubac will be back in action after sitting out Wednesday's win over the Washington Wizards due to a left ankle sprain. Zubac's return will push Brook Lopez to the bench, and Yanic Konan Niederhauser will likely be out of the rotation. Friday's game is an uncomfortable spot for Zubac, since Toronto has given up the sixth-fewest fantasy points to centers this season.

Jan 16

John Collins • PF • Clippers

John Collins Good to Go Friday

Los Angeles Clippers forward/center John Collins (groin) will play on Friday against the Toronto Raptors. The veteran was a late scratch on Wednesday versus the Washington Wizards and was initially considered questionable for Friday's game due to a sore right groin. With Kawhi Leonard (ankle) out of the lineup, Collins could have a larger offensive role in Friday's game. He has recently had his best stretch of the season, averaging 15.7 points and 6.1 rebounds in January.

Jan 16

Joel Embiid • C • 76ers

Joel Embiid Active Against Cavaliers

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) will play on Friday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The team has upgraded his status on the injury report from probable to available. Embiid faced the Cavaliers only a couple of nights ago, posting 20 points, four rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block in 25 minutes. Embiid's workload was limited because the game turned into a blowout. The Sixers will hope to avoid another embarrassing home loss on Friday.

Jan 16

Sandro Mamukelashvili • PF • Raptors

Sandro Mamukelashvili Ready for Action Friday

Toronto Raptors forward/center Sandro Mamukelashvili (illness) will return from a one-game absence on Friday versus the Los Angeles Clippers. The Georgian big man has been battling an illness this week and didn't play on Wednesday night against the Indiana Pacers. With Jakob Poeltl (back) out, Mamukelashvili will work in tandem with Collin Murray-Boyles at the five position. The two face a mediocre matchup on Friday against the Clippers.

Jan 16

Cooper Flagg • PF • Mavericks

Cooper Flagg Doubtful on Saturday

Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Cooper Flagg (ankle) isn't expected to play on Saturday versus Utah. The rookie sprained his ankle during Wednesday's loss to the Chicago Bulls and didn't suit up for Thursday's meeting with the Jazz. Brandon Williams entered the starting lineup in that one, finishing with 18 points. Of course, others benefited as well, with Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall, and Jaden Hardy combining for 63 points.

Jan 16

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