NBA News
Jalen Smith Listed As Questionable For Friday Night Against Brooklyn
Chicago Bulls forward Jalen Smith (knee) is listed as questionable for Friday night's matchup against the Brooklyn Nets. Smith is dealing with left knee soreness that kept him out of Chicago's most recent game against Memphis on Wednesday night. Smith has been decently effective when active, averaging 11.5 PPG in 13.7 minutes while shooting 57.1% from three. If he's unable to suit up on Friday the beneficiary of more playing time is likely to be Patrick Williams. Though already in the starting lineup, Williams should see a boost in minutes and potentially more opportunities from deep, especially if teammate Zach LaVine is also unable to suit up.
Nov 1
Craig Porter Jr. Listed As Doubtful For Friday
Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Craig Porter Jr. (thumb) is listed as doubtful for Friday night's matchup against the Orlando Magic. Porter is dealing with a thumb strain that has kept him out of Cleveland's last two games. Even when active, though, the 24-year-old has only gotten minutes during garbage time. Cleveland is likely to give Porter enough time to properly heal given their hot start and lack of need for additional production from their guard positions. Caris LeVert, Ty Jerome and Sam Merrill have all clearly shown they are more dynamic options in front of Porter. Fantasy managers looking for value off Cleveland's bench should set their sights on one of these three guards rather than Porter.
Nov 1
Goga Bitadze Listed As Questionable On Friday
Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze (foot) has been listed as questionable for Friday night's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Bitadze is dealing with a tendon strain in his left foot that has kept him out of Orlando's last two games. His potential absence likely won't affect much of Orlando's gameplan as the 25-year-old had yet to play more than seven minutes in any of the three games he's played in. If Bitadze is able to play his presence likely won't provide an fantasy value. Fantasy managers looking for an option at center off Orlando's bench should look towards the much more reliable Moritz Wagner, who's averaging 11 PPG and 4.4 RPG in just over 15 minutes per game.
Nov 1
Sam Hauser Available For Friday's Game Against Charlotte
Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser (back) is available for Friday night's game against the Charlotte Hornets. Hauser has been dealing with a back issue that's already forced him to miss three of Boston's five games so far. The 26-year-old did return to action in the Celtics' most recent game on Wednesday against the Indiana Pacers. He played significantly fewer minutes against the Pacers compared to the opening night blowout against the New York Knicks, but much of that can be attributed to the game against the Pacers being much closer. Tonight's matchup against the Charlotte Hornets may provide an opportunity for Hauser to receive more minutes in garbage time if Boston, a 10.5 point favorite, blows out Charlotte. Fantasy managers may have better options to get into their starting lineup. DFS managers wanting to take a shot on a cheaper option may find more value in adding Hauser to their lineup than traditional fantasy managers.
Nov 1
Joel Embiid Unavailable For Saturday's Game Against Grizzlies
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) told reporters on Friday that he is unavailable for Philly's matchup on Saturday against the Memphis Grizzlies. The news comes after Embiid practiced fully on Friday, a potential sign that the former MVP may be close to returning to the Sixers' starting lineup. The 30-year-old's knee has not been as healthy as the team previously indicated, leading the NBA to fine the organization $100,000 for misleading comments about Embiid's health. Embiid also indicated on Friday that the level of strain experienced while playing during the Olympics does not match up to what he experiences while preparing to play for the Sixers. Fans have been questioning that aspect of his return to the court, forcing him to clarify his absence from the start of the season. While Embiid works on his recovery, expect Andre Drummond to continue to get starts at center. At 12.5 RPG it's hard to ignore his value on the boards.
Nov 1
Yves Missi Considered Questionable For Friday
New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi (abdomen) is listed as questionable ahead of Friday's game against the Indiana Pacers. It sounds like the rookie center is dealing with a right lower abdominal contusion, which means it wouldn't be shocking if he sits out. Fellow big man Daniel Theis (ankle) is also listed as questionable for Friday's game. Whichever of them is active would see a bigger role otherwise the Pelicans could see forced to use a small-ball rotation on Friday.
Nov 1
Jordan Hawkins Uncertain To Play
New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Hawkins (back) is tagged as questionable ahead of Friday's game against the Indiana Pacers. The Pelicans could be in some trouble with CJ McCollum (groin) and Herbert Jones (shoulder) ruled out for Friday. Hawkins has stepped up and played well with the Pelicans shorthanded, but they'd have a tough time filling the void if he sits out as well. Jose Alvarado and Antonio Reeves could be asked to take on bigger roles if Hawkins is unable to go on Friday.
Nov 1
Herbert Jones Unavailable On Friday
New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (shoulder) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Indiana Pacers. This marks the second game in a row that Jones will miss due to a right shoulder strain. The absence of Jones should mean that Jordan Hawkins continues getting increased looks in the rotation. He shined on Wednesday as he scored 23 points with four rebounds in 38 minutes of action. He could be worth a look as a streaming option until Jones is able to get back on the court. He should see significant playing time against the Pacers on Friday.
Nov 1
D'Angelo Russell Likely To Play On Friday
Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell (back) is listed as probable ahead of Friday's game against the Toronto Raptors. Russell continues to deal with a lower back issues, but it's not expected to keep him out of the lineup. He has been off to a slow start to the season but has the ability to be a legitimate threat because of his shooting ability. He only saw 24 minutes during Wednesday's game, so the Lakers might continue to limit him until he's fully healthy again. Gabe Vincent might see an uptick in playing time on Friday.
Nov 1
Aaron Gordon Tagged As Probable For Friday
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (knee) is listed as probable for Friday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. It sounds like Gordon is dealing with a right knee contusion, so fantasy managers shouldn't be too concerned. Gordon finished with a season-high 24 points, five rebounds, and two assists during Tuesday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. He's off to an excellent start to the season, so hopefully he'll be good to go on Friday. If not, Peyton Watson could be in line for extended run in the rotation.
Nov 1
Anthony Davis Expected To Play Friday
Los Angeles Lakers center Anthony Davis (hip) appeared on the injury report on Friday but he's listed as probable. The star big man should be able to suit up against the Toronto Raptors while he's listed with right hip soreness. Most of the time, Davis is listed on the injury report as a formality, so fantasy managers should expect him to play under the probable tag. If, for some reason, he's not able to play, then Jaxson Hayes and Rui Hachimura would see big minutes.
Nov 1
De'Andre Hunter Set To Miss Fourth Consecutive Game
Atlanta Hawks forward De'Andre Hunter (knee) has been ruled out for the fourth consecutive game while he continues to go through injury management on his right knee. The veteran forward had to miss a bulk of the team's games last season due to knee issues as well. While he continues his injury maintenance, rookie Zaccharie Risacher will likely remain in the starting lineup while Garrison Mathews gets some minutes off of the bench. David Roddy has also seen more opportunities with Bogdan Bogdanovic (hamstring) and Dyson Daniels (hip) out as well.
Nov 1
Andrew Nembhard Questionable Against Pelicans
Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (knee) is dealing with some knee soreness and has been listed as questionable ahead of tip-off on Friday. The starting combo guard only played five minutes in their last game and now appears on the injury report. In that game, Bennedict Mathurin, T.J. McConnell, and Ben Sheppard all saw more minutes. If Nembhard isn't ready to play on Friday, the same three should see a bump in production.
Nov 1
Immanuel Quickley Doubtful To Play On Friday
Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (pelvis) has received a doubtful designation heading into their Friday contest against the Los Angeles Lakers. After taking a hard fall in their opening game, Quickley hasn't been able to get back on the court yet and it looks like he'll miss at least one more game. Gradey Dick and Davion Mitchell have seen the biggest increase in opportunities so far while Jamal Shead has seen a healthy amount of minutes off of the bench. Dick has been the best value out of the streaming options though.
Nov 1
Zach LaVine Uncertain To Play Against Nets
Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (shoulder) is currently dealing with an AC joint sprain in his left shoulder and has officially received a questionable tag for Friday night. The star guard has yet to miss a game this year and has played a huge part in guiding the Bulls to a 3-2 record so far. He's averaging 23.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 3.4 threes, and 4.0 turnovers per game. If LaVine can't suit up, Ayo Dosunmu would see the biggest increase in opportunities while Coby White would take on more of a scoring responsibility.
Nov 1
Franz Wagner Questionable, Expected To Play Friday
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (illness) is officially listed as questionable heading into their Friday night matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The good news is that head coach Jamahl Mosley expects Wagner to play and said that he's "feeling better." The 23-year-old has been dealing with the illness all week and has been able to suit up but his performances have suffered. The Magic will need him more than ever with Paolo Banchero (oblique) out indefinitely.
Nov 1
Brandon Miller Questionable Against Celtics
Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (glute) has a chance to return on Friday after suffering a glute strain during their first game of the season. The second-year wing is a big part of the team's future, so the Hornets are always going to err on the cautious side. This is the first time he's received a questionable tag since the injury though, so it looks like he's trending in the right direction. If he suits up, Josh Green will likely head back to the bench.
Nov 1
CJ McCollum Remains Out On Friday Night
New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (adductor) won't play in Friday's game versus the Pacers. The veteran wasn't available for Wednesday's loss to the Warriors because of adductor soreness. As a result, Jose Alvarado got the start and finished with 16 points, five rebounds, two blocks, and one steal. He also shot 4-for-8 from deep. With that in mind, Alvarado should remain starting in all fantasy lineups. He'll also be a perfect value option for DFS managers.
Nov 1
Dyson Daniels Still Sidelined On Friday
Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (hip) won't play in Friday's game versus the Kings. The former Pelican has played well in his first four games with the Hawks, averaging 12.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.8 steals, and 1.0 blocks. However, he's now dealing with a hip flexor strain, so he'll miss his second consecutive contest of the 2024-25 campaign. With De'Andre Hunter (knee) also out for this one, David Roddy and Zaccharie Risacher could continue to benefit, with the duo combining for 34 points in Wednesday's loss to the Washington Wizards. Garrison Mathews could also see some extra minutes, although he's not a dependable fantasy option.
Nov 1
Myles Turner In Danger Of Missing Another Game
Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (ankle) is questionable for Friday's matchup versus the New Orleans Pelicans. The 28-year-old averaged 15.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, and 1.0 steals in the Pacers' first four games this season. Unfortunately, he missed Wednesday's overtime win over the Boston Celtics because of a sprained ankle. Isaiah Jackson got the start in that one, finishing with 10 points, five rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. Obi Toppin also had his best game of the 2024-25 campaign by amassing 18 points, seven boards, one block, and one steal. If Turner misses another contest, Jackson will likely remain with the first five, with Toppin getting some extra minutes off the bench. Both players would be worth adding to fantasy rosters. However, Turner must be ruled out first.
Nov 1
Jalen Smith
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Bulls
