NBA News
Gabe Vincent Iffy To Face Trail Blazers
Los Angeles Lakers guard Gabe Vincent (oblique) is regarded as questionable for Thursday's game against Portland. He might be out for a second straight contest due to a left oblique strain. Vincent has logged a few starts lately but typically doesn't play a big role in the rotation. Throughout the season, Vincent has averaged 18.9 minutes a night, posting 4.3 points. New addition Shake Milton is a natural replacement for Vincent, but he only had a minuscule role in his Lakers debut on Monday against Cleveland. The 28-year-old logged 10 minutes and finished a 122-110 loss with six points and two rebounds.
2 hours ago
Dalano Banton Considered Questionable Thursday
Portland Trail Blazers guard Dalano Banton (hip) has been listed as questionable on the injury report ahead of Thursday's matchup against the Lakers. He missed almost the entire second half of December, playing in only one of the last six games. Now, Banton might also have to sit out the first game in January. With Banton out, Scoot Henderson has an opportunity to play more off the Portland bench. Henderson finished 2024 with a rough outing against Philadelphia, but he has been in good form lately. Henderson's last five appearances include a double-double effort and 11 total steals.
2 hours ago
Alex Caruso Sits Out Thursday's Action
Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Alex Caruso (hip) will remain out for Thursday's tilt against the Clippers. His absence stretches to five games as Caruso battles a left hip strain. Ajay Mitchell will likely continue to have an expanded role on Thursday. He has played well at times during Caruso's absence but disappointed on Tuesday against Minnesota. Coming off a 17-point effort, Mitchell posted only two points with three rebounds on 1-for-4 shooting. It won't be easy for him to get back on track offensively on Thursday, as the Clippers have been a strong defensive team in 2024-25.
2 hours ago
Jerami Grant Ruled Out For Thursday
Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (face) will not suit up for Thursday's clash with the Lakers. He must sit out a second consecutive game due to a facial contusion. Deni Avdija will likely earn another start because of Grant's absence. The talented forward left many fantasy managers frustrated with his 10 turnovers on Monday versus Philadelphia, but Avdija is in the midst of a strong stretch. He averaged 16.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in December. Kris Murray also figures to play a larger role in the rotation without Grant, but he has not been a reliable source of fantasy value.
2 hours ago
Gary Payton II Misses Fourth Straight Game
Golden State Warriors guard/forward Gary Payton II (calf) will not play against Philadelphia on Thursday, missing his fourth consecutive contest. Payton II suffered a mild calf strain against the Lakers on Christmas Day, and there was initially hope that he could return to action in one week. However, the defensive specialist hasn't been cleared to play. With Brandin Podziemski (abdomen) also out and Kyle Anderson (illness) questionable, Moses Moody and Buddy Hield figure to carry a heavier workload. Moody is coming off one of his best performances of the season, finishing Monday's matchup against Cleveland with 19 points. Hield can be a scoring machine but has struggled recently.
3 hours ago
Draymond Green Probable For Thursday's Game
Golden State Warriors forward/center Draymond Green (back) has been listed as probable for Thursday's tilt against Philadelphia. Green has been in and out of the lineup recently and might sit out on Thursday due to a lower back contusion. Kyle Anderson (illness) started the most recent game that Green missed, but he's considered questionable to play against the 76ers, so Warriors head coach Steve Kerr might need to explore alternative options. Despite coming off the bench, Jonathan Kuminga put up a career-high 34 points against the Clippers on Dec. 27 when Green was out. He's the player fantasy managers should target if Green is absent on Thursday.
3 hours ago
Noah Clowney Suffers A Back Injury Versus Toronto
Brooklyn Nets forward Noah Clowney (back) exited Wednesday's 130-113 loss to the Raptors after taking a fall. He did not return. The 20-year-old has played well this season, averaging 8.9 points and 39.1% shooting from deep in 23 games, although he's been more productive in his five starts. Hopefully, the injury isn't anything serious. But with Brooklyn playing again on Thursday night versus the Bucks, it's logical to assume Clowney won't be out there for that one. If that's the case, head coach Jordi Fernandez may shuffle things around, resulting in more minutes for Jalen Wilson and potentially Tyrese Martin.
13 hours ago
Anthony Davis Uncertain For Thursday
Los Angeles Lakers center Anthony Davis (ankle) is listed as questionable ahead of Thursday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Fantasy managers shouldn't be surprised considering Davis is a regular on the injury report. To be fair, Davis hasn't missed a game since early November, so fantasy managers shouldn't be too worried. It's worth noting that Thursday is the first leg of a back-to-back set. Possibly, Davis sits out one of those games but fantasy managers will need to check back on Thursday for another update.
14 hours ago
Jae Crowder Is Active On Wednesday
Sacramento Kings forward Jae Crowder (back) is available ahead of Wednesday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Crowder hasn't seen the court much lately, but he has also been dealing with a back injury. He has been cleared to play on Wednesday, but that doesn't guarantee that Crowder is actually going to see time on the court. He has fallen out of the rotation lately with the Kings fairly healthy at the forward spot right now. Fantasy managers don't need to have Crowder rostered in fantasy formats right now.
14 hours ago
Kyle Lowry Starting On Wednesday
Philadelphia 76ers guard Kyle Lowry (hip) is back in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Sacramento Kings. The veteran guard is returning after missing their last contest due to hip soreness. The expectation is that Lowry is going to see a bigger role with Kelly Oubre Jr. (hand) unavailable. That also means, Eric Gordon, Caleb Martin, and Reggie Jackson could also see more involvement. Lowry hasn't been much of a fantasy option this season. In fact, Lowry hasn't scored more than eight points in a game since early November. He won't be an ideal streaming option for Wednesday's slate.
14 hours ago
Eric Gordon Available On Wednesday
Philadelphia 76ers guard Eric Gordon (face) is available ahead of Wednesday's game against the Sacramento Kings. Gordon is back in the mix after missing each of the last four games after having surgery on his mouth. Normally, Gordon's status isn't noteworthy, but he should see an expanded role with Kelly Oubre Jr. (hand) unavailable on Wednesday. The expectation is that Gordon will see close to 20 minutes of action with Caleb Martin and Reggie Jackson seeing increased roles as well. Gordon won't be an ideal streaming option but might have some deep league value on Wednesday.
14 hours ago
P.J. Washington Exits Early On Wednesday Night, Won't Return
Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (knee) exited Wednesday night's game early and will not return. The team is stating that Washington exited with a right knee sprain. The 26-year-old missed time earlier this season with a knee issue so experiencing another knee injury should be a cause for concern for fantasy managers. With Dallas already dealing with a lengthy list of injuries, Washington missing time could be hurtful to their roster. In his absence, expect Maxi Kleber to get more playing time.
14 hours ago
Kelly Oubre Jr. Ruled Out On Wednesday
Philadelphia 76ers forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (hand) has been ruled out ahead of Wednesday's game against the Sacramento Kings. Oubre was listed as questionable coming into the game, but has now been downgraded to out. The expectation is that the Sixers will use a committee approach to fill the void. Both Reggie Jackson and Caleb Martin should benefit with Oubre on the sideline. Martin is the better streaming option between the two due to his defensive ability.
14 hours ago
Andre Drummond Active Wednesday Against Kings
Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond (toe) is active for Wednesday night's game against the Sacramento Kings. Drummond is dealing with a left toe sprain but will be able to fight it out. With Joel Embiid inactive, expect Drummond to make an impact on the boards. It will be off the bench, though, as Philadelphia is starting Guerschon Yabusele in Embiid's spot tonight. Drummond should still be able to make an impact against a Kings roster that struggles with bigs. He'll make a decent fantasy option Wednesday night.
14 hours ago
Jaden Ivey Leaves Game Early On Wednesday Night, Stretchered To Locker Room
Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey suffered a gruesome looking leg injury in Wednesday night's game against the Orlando Magic. Ivey injured his left leg when Magic guard Cole Anthony dove for a loose ball. Ivey went down immediately and was in obvious pain as the game came to a pause. The 22-year-old was stretchered to the locker room with his left leg covered in towels. Ivey had been having a fantastic game up to that point, putting up 22 points while hitting five threes. He's been a key piece to the Pistons' success this season as a great second option to Cade Cunningham while posting career highs in PPG, RPG and APG. With Ivey likely to miss considerable time, expect Ausar Thompson to get bumped into the starting rotation.
14 hours ago
Khris Middleton Probable Heading Into Thursday Night
Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (ankle) is listed as probable heading into Thursday night's game against the Brooklyn Nets. Middleton's been recovering from ankle surgery and has been able to play in each of Milwaukee's last 11 games, including the NBA Cup championship. He's averaged 13.8 PPG on the season, though that's picked up over his last five games as he's scored 18+ in four of his last five. Against a weak Brooklyn team on the second leg of a back-to-back there's potential for Middleton to do damage early. Fantasy managers should certainly ensure to have the 33-year-old in their starting lineups though they should be cognizant of the potential for the game to turn into a blowout, thus reducing any fourth quarter minutes Middleton could receive.
15 hours ago
AJ Green Listed As Questionable For Thursday Night
Milwaukee Bucks guard AJ Green (back) is listed as questionable for Thursday night's matchup against the Brooklyn Nets. Green is dealing with a lower back contusion that may cause him to miss just his second game of the season. The 25-year-old has been a sporadic fantasy option this season, averaging just 7.7 PPG this season while producing mostly from beyond the arc. Green is shooting 44.2% from three but is getting up just 5.1 attempts per game. If active, there's a chance Green could see more playing time if Milwaukee turns the game into a blowout with Brooklyn being on the second leg of a back-to-back. If the 25-year-old can't suit up, expect Gary Trent Jr. to get more volume.
15 hours ago
Giannis Antetokounmpo Probable For Thursday Against Brooklyn
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) is listed as probable for Thursday night's matchup against the Brooklyn Nets. Antetokounmpo is dealing with right knee soreness but should be able to gut it out against Brooklyn. The Greek Freak had missed four games in a row with an illness before being able to return to action against the Pacers on Monday. Giannis will be a solid fantasy option on Thursday night against a porous Brooklyn team that will be on the second leg of a back-to-back, though there may be some potential blowout worries that could limit his fantasy production. Fantasy managers should start him regardless as Antetokounmpo should produce at a high clip even if he's limited to just three quarters of action.
15 hours ago
Kristaps Porzingis Listed Questionable For Thursday
Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (ankle) is listed as questionable for Thursday night's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Porzingis is dealing with a left ankle sprain that has caused him to miss each of Boston's last three games. The 29-year-old has been productive when active but has only been able to play in 11 of Boston's 33 games this season. In his absence, expect Sam Hauser or Al Horford to get the start. Hauser has started in two of Porzingis' most recent absences while Horford started last game against Toronto. Against a tough defensive test in Minnesota, neither Horford or Hauser will be an appealing fantasy option.
15 hours ago
Jaylen Brown Questionable For Thursday Night In Minnesota
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Thursday night's matchup in Minnesota. Brown is dealing with a right shoulder strain but hasn't had to miss any time because of it. The 28-year-old has only missed one game this season while averaging 24.0 PPG and 6.0 RPG. If Brown is forced to miss Thursday's action, expect Sam Hauser or Payton Pritchard to get the start. Pritchard is the more dynamic fantasy option, whether starting or off the bench, but a tough defensive test in Minnesota may limit anyone on Boston when it comes to fantasy production.
15 hours ago
Gabe Vincent
• PG
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Lakers
