NBA News

Jabari Smith Jr. • PF • Rockets

Jabari Smith Jr. Still Out on Monday

Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (ankle) remains out on Monday versus Washington. He tweaked his ankle during the 113-108 win over the Orlando Magic on Thursday and didn't suit up on Saturday in Miami. Reed Sheppard took his spot in the starting lineup, amassing 14 points, five assists, and four rebounds. Fantasy managers might see more production out of Sheppard against the Wizards, a team that has struggled defensively all year.

Mar 1

Jalen Johnson • PF • Hawks

Jalen Johnson Back on Sunday Night

Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (hip) will play on Sunday versus Portland. He suffered a left hip injury during Tuesday's 119-98 win over the Washington Wizards, keeping him off the floor for the rematch on Thursday evening. Jonathan Kuminga got the start in that one, ending with 17 points, nine rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block. While Kuminga may head back to the bench, he still offers plenty of upside for fantasy managers due to the favorable matchup on the horizon.

Mar 1

Deni Avdija • SF • Trail Blazers

Deni Avdija Remains Out on Sunday

Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (back) won't suit up on Sunday against Atlanta. He's been dealing with the lower back injury for a while. Although the 25-year-old has played sparingly since the injury was first announced, the latest setback will now cost him a fourth-straight contest. Avdija has had a wonderful campaign, averaging a career-high 24.4 points with 7.0 rebounds, and 6.6 assists. His next chance to get on the floor will be on Wednesday in Memphis. With Shaedon Sharpe (leg) also sidelined, the Blazers should get extra production from Jerami Grant, Jrue Holiday, and Donovan Clingan. Kris Murray, who has amassed 7.8 points, 4.8 boards, and 1.1 steals in 14 starts this season, is expected to stay with the first-five until Avdija is back in the mix.

Mar 1

Zach Edey • C • Grizzlies

Zach Edey to Undergo Another Ankle Surgery

The Memphis Grizzlies announced on Sunday that center Zach Edey (ankle) will undergo another surgery to address "ongoing discomfort" in his left ankle. He is anticipated to recover fully, with "a timeline" regarding his recovery to be provided after the procedure. The 23-year-old appeared in 66 games as a rookie, averaging 9.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks. He underwent surgery on his left ankle back on June 10. Unfortunately, Edey logged only 13 games throughout the 2025-26 campaign before he went back on the shelf. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect to see him on the floor for the remainder of the season. There is also reason to believe he may miss at least the start of training camp, although it's too early to speculate. While Edey is sidelined, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, coming off a 16-point, 10-rebound performance, should see the most minutes at the five, even if he's not starting. That should remain the case until Santi Aldama (knee) is cleared to suit up.

Mar 1

Russell Westbrook • PG • Kings

Russell Westbrook Off Injury Report Sunday

Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook (thigh) is off the injury report and expected to play Sunday against the Lakers. He sat out Thursday's win over Dallas due to a thigh contusion but is ready to return. Over his last five appearances, the veteran has averaged 15.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.4 three-pointers. His return likely sends Devin Carter back to the bench after Carter posted 15 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and four steals in 32 minutes in the last game. Westbrook remains a viable source of points and assists, though his shooting efficiency and fluctuating role can make him a bit unpredictable from night to night.

Mar 1

Kawhi Leonard • SF • Clippers

Kawhi Leonard Set to Play Against Pelicans

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (ankle) is off the injury report and expected to play Sunday against New Orleans. He sat out Thursday with left ankle soreness and missed practice due to illness, but he is ready to return. Leonard has been rolling, averaging 28.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.6 steals, and 2.0 three-pointers across 32.1 minutes in his last five games. His return pushes Bennedict Mathurin back into a secondary role and trims Kris Dunn's usage. Leonard remains a must-start in all formats, with his recent workload easing concerns about durability.

Mar 1

Donovan Mitchell • SG • Cavaliers

Donovan Mitchell to Miss Third Straight Game

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (groin) has been ruled out for Sunday's matchup with Brooklyn, marking his third straight absence. The team does not anticipate a long-term issue, though he remains day-to-day heading into Tuesday. If James Harden (thumb) is unable to play, Cleveland would have even more offensive workload and minutes to spread around the rotation. Jaylon Tyson started the last game and logged 41 minutes, finishing with 15 points, four rebounds, one assist, two steals, and four three-pointers. Sam Merrill added 20 points in 36 minutes, while Craig Porter Jr. recorded 12 assists in 32 minutes. Tyson profiles as the top short-term add, and Merrill remains a viable scoring streamer.

Mar 1

Joel Embiid • C • 76ers

Joel Embiid Sidelined Three Games with Oblique Injury

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (oblique) will sit out the next three games after imaging confirmed a strain. The former MVP experienced right-side discomfort following Thursday's win and is targeting a potential return on March 7. With Embiid sidelined, Andre Drummond is expected to step into the starting role. In his last start on Feb. 22, Drummond logged 22 minutes and produced six points, nine rebounds, two assists, and one steal. Second-year big man Adem Bona added eight points and five rebounds in 20 minutes that night. Drummond profiles as a short-term rebounding streamer, while Tyrese Maxey should shoulder even heavier offensive usage.

Mar 1

Cooper Flagg • PF • Mavericks

Cooper Flagg Remains Sidelined Sunday

Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Cooper Flagg (foot) has been ruled out for Sunday's matchup with Oklahoma City, stretching his absence to seven games because of a midfoot sprain. He is trending toward missing Tuesday as well. With P.J. Washington (ankle) doubtful and Naji Marshall (finger) carrying a questionable tag, Dallas may be forced to lean heavily on Brandon Williams, who owns a 26.3 percent usage rate in a reserve role. Max Christie, Khris Middleton, and Klay Thompson should also see added scoring responsibility.

Mar 1

Darius Garland • PG • Clippers

Darius Garland Targeting Monday Debut with Clippers

Los Angeles Clippers guard Darius Garland (toe) is expected to make his team debut Monday against Golden State after being sidelined since Jan. 14. The All-Star guard, acquired at the trade deadline, is returning from toe issues that kept him out for several weeks. In 26 games prior to the move, he averaged 18.0 points, 6.9 assists, and 2.4 rebounds in 30.5 minutes. Garland's return should give the offense a steady playmaker next to Kawhi Leonard and likely trim Kris Dunn's role while reducing Bennedict Mathurin's on-ball opportunities. Garland profiles as a must-start in standard leagues if his minutes are not heavily restricted.

Mar 1

Zion Williamson • PF • Pelicans

Zion Williamson Exits Early with Ankle Injury

New Orleans Pelicans forward/center Zion Williamson (ankle) will not return to Saturday's game against Utah after exiting in the second quarter. He finished with four points, two assists, and one rebound in 11 minutes before being shut down. If he misses time, New Orleans could lean more heavily on Karlo Matkovic and Derik Queen. Matkovic delivered eight points, six rebounds, five assists, and two blocks in 25 minutes, profiling mainly as a blocks streamer. Queen added seven points, nine rebounds, and three assists in 19 minutes and offers the more intriguing upside in deeper formats if the role expands.

Mar 1

Keyonte George • SG • Jazz

Keyonte George is Available to Play on Saturday

Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (ankle) is available to play ahead of Saturday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. It has been a tough month for George, who has only appeared in one contest during February. He has missed six straight games before getting cleared ahead of Saturday's contest. It wouldn't be shocking to see the Jazz have George under a minutes limit. Fantasy managers in season-long formats can go ahead and get George active in their lineups. The third-year guard won't be an ideal DFS choice, given his workload is unknown.

Feb 28

De'Anthony Melton • SG • Warriors

De'Anthony Melton is Returning on Saturday

Golden State Warriors guard De'Anthony Melton (knee) has been cleared to play ahead of Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Melton is back in the mix after sitting out Wednesday's win due to left knee injury management. Given he has only missed one game, Melton should have his normal workload on Saturday. Over the last seven games, Melton is averaging 16.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists over 25.3 minutes per game. He's worth a look as a streaming option given his recent play.

Feb 28

Draymond Green • PF • Warriors

Draymond Green is Available on Saturday

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (back) is available to play ahead of Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Green is returning after sitting out Wednesday's win over the Memphis Grizzlies due to lower back injury management. The expectation is that Green will have his full workload on Saturday. His return to the lineup should push Al Horford back to the bench. Horford won't be as appealing as a streaming option playing with the second unit. Fantasy managers can get Green active in their lineups ahead of tip-off.

Feb 28

Deni Avdija • SF • Trail Blazers

Deni Avdija Likely to Miss Another Game

Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward Deni Avdija (back) is listed as doubtful for Saturday's game against the Hornets and is tracking toward a third straight absence. His 29.0 usage rate leaves a sizable offensive gap. In Thursday's win over Chicago, Kris Murray started and logged 28 minutes with 10 points, five rebounds, and three assists, while Jerami Grant posted 27 points with three triples in 35 minutes. Murray is a viable short-term streamer for minutes and modest across-the-board production, while Grant carries a higher scoring ceiling if Avdija remains sidelined.

Feb 28

Tyus Jones • PG

Tyus Jones Set to be Waived by Dallas

Free agent guard Tyus Jones is expected to be released by the Dallas Mavericks before the March 1 deadline, allowing him to pursue a roster spot with a contender. The 29-year-old moved multiple times before landing in Dallas and saw limited action, appearing in eight games with two starts. In that stretch, he averaged 3.9 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in 16.6 minutes. Jones should attract interest from playoff teams seeking steady point guard depth. His departure could open additional runs for Brandon Williams and create flexibility for Dallas to elevate Ryan Nembhard.

Feb 28

Cole Anthony • PG

Cole Anthony Parts Ways with Phoenix

Free agent guard Cole Anthony was released by the Phoenix Suns on Friday after being acquired at the trade deadline and never suiting up for the team. The 25-year-old logged 35 games this season, averaging 6.7 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.5 rebounds in 15.0 minutes, but struggled to carve out a steady role. Anthony has shown flashes as a scoring spark and secondary playmaker in past stops, which should generate interest from guard-needy teams. For fantasy managers, he is off the radar in standard leagues but is worth monitoring if he lands in a situation with an immediate backcourt opportunity.

Feb 28

Quenton Jackson • SG • Pacers

Quenton Jackson Earns Three-Year Deal with Pacers

Indiana Pacers guard Quenton Jackson had his two-way agreement converted to a three-year standard deal Friday. The 27-year-old is in his third season with Indiana and has steadily grown from a little-used two-way guard into a trusted reserve ball handler. His athleticism and ability to pressure the paint have made him a natural fit in the Pacers' up-tempo system, and he has also knocked down 39.5 percent of his 114 three-point attempts over the past two seasons. That progression ultimately earned him a standard three-year deal. Over his last four games, Jackson is averaging 15.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in 26.2 minutes with 1.5 triples, carving out a meaningful role on a 15-45 squad. He is more of a watchlist option for now, but his value would climb quickly in deeper leagues if regular starters are sidelined.

Feb 28

Mason Plumlee • C • Spurs

Mason Plumlee Staying with Spurs For Remainder Of Season

San Antonio Spurs center Mason Plumlee is signing a deal to remain with the team for the remainder of the season. The veteran big man finished a recent 10-day agreement without appearing in a game and now profiles strictly as frontcourt insurance. With Victor Wembanyama logging 32 minutes and Luke Kornet handling backup duties, Plumlee is unlikely to enter the rotation barring injury. He can be ignored in standard formats, while Wembanyama and Kornet retain stable roles.

Feb 28

Devin Booker • SG • Suns

Devin Booker Targeting Return Tuesday Or Thursday

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (hip) is trending toward a return Tuesday in Sacramento or Thursday against Chicago after missing four straight games with a right hip strain. The All-Star has appeared sparingly since late January and is likely to face some form of minutes management once cleared. In 44 games, Booker is averaging 24.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists in 33.0 minutes with a 31.5 usage rate. His return would cut into Collin Gillespie and Jamaree Bouyea's workloads while easing pressure off Jalen Green as a primary scorer. Booker remains a firm hold in all formats.

Feb 28

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