NBA News
Jusuf Nurkic Back On Wednesday Night
Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic (ankle) is off the injury report heading into Wednesday's matchup with the Sacramento Kings. The 30-year-old injured his ankle when these clubs met on Sunday, keeping him off the floor for Tuesday's win over the Utah Jazz. Mason Plumlee got the start in that one, finishing with eight points and seven assists. But now that Nurkic is back on the floor, Plumlee's fantasy ceiling will come crashing down. As far as Nurkic is concerned, he's a must-start, especially with Kevin Durant (calf) on the shelf, meaning more scoring opportunities will be up for grabs.
2 hours ago
Anfernee Simons Won't Suit Up Against The Timberwolves
Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (illness) won't play in Wednesday's clash with the Timberwolves. These clubs met on Tuesday night, with Simons lasting only five minutes. As a result, Shaedon Sharpe got more involved, finishing the night with 17 points in 33 minutes of work. Without questions, Sharpe's upside is higher without Simons on the floor. The same can be said for Scoot Henderson and Jerami Grant.
2 hours ago
Robert Williams III Resting In Rematch With Minnesota
Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (rest) won't play in Wednesday's rematch with the Timberwolves. Deandre Ayton (finger) wasn't available when these clubs met on Tuesday, resulting in Donovan Clingan sliding into the starting lineup. However, Williams benefited the most from Ayton's absence, finishing with 19 points, nine rebounds, three steals, and three blocks. While Clingan scored only four points on Tuesday, the door is open for more production with Ayton and Williams out of the mix.
2 hours ago
Deandre Ayton Out Again On Wednesday
Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (finger) won't play in Wednesday's game against the Timberwolves. The 2018 No. 1 overall pick was also sidelined when these clubs met on Tuesday night, resulting in Donovan Clingan getting the start and finishing with four points and six rebounds. However, it was Robert Williams III who stole the show in just his third appearance of the 2024-25 campaign, ending the night by amassing 19 points, nine rebounds, three blocks, and three steals. But with Williams getting the night off to rest, Clingan should have more opportunities to produce, although fantasy managers should still be cautious before putting him in their lineups.
2 hours ago
Andre Drummond Out Sick On Wednesday
Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond (illness) isn't available for Wednesday's game against the Cavaliers. The veteran had been starting while Joel Embiid was sidelined. But with Embiid back on the floor for Tuesday's loss to the Knicks, Drummond had only five points and four rebounds in 18 minutes. With Embiid resting on Wednesday, Guerschon Yabusele should be considered a must-start in all fantasy setups, even more so with Tyrese Maxey (hamstring) and Paul George (rest) out as well.
2 hours ago
Paul George Won't Play Versus Cleveland
Philadelphia 76ers guard/forward Paul George (knee) isn't available for Wednesday's matchup with the Cavaliers. The veteran scored a game-high 29 points in Tuesday's loss to the Knicks, adding 10 rebounds, three steals, and one block. However, he missed the start of the 2024-25 campaign because of a knee injury, so he'll take the night off before likely getting back in the lineup on Friday versus the Orlando Magic. With Tyrese Maxey (hamstring) and Joel Embiid (knee) also out, Kelly Oubre Jr. Caleb Martin, Guerschon Yabusele, and Jared McCain could all see a substantial increase in fantasy production.
2 hours ago
Joel Embiid Sitting On Wednesday
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (rest) won't play in Wednesday's game versus the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 2023 Most Valuable Player made his 2024-25 debut in Tuesday's loss to the New York Knicks. However, he had a rough night, scoring 13 points off 2-for-11 shooting from the field. With Andre Drummond (illness) also out, Guerschon Yabusele will presumably handle things underneath the basket and is in line to smash his fantasy expectations.
2 hours ago
Andre Drummond Listed As Questionable On Wednesday
Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond (illness) is listed as questionable versus the Cleveland Cavaliers due to an illness on Wednesday. The 31-year-old veteran has averaged 9.8 points and 8.2 rebounds in 22.5 minutes in the last five contests. The 76ers front court will miss Drummond's presence if he's unable to suit up, especially with Joel Embiid (knee) and Paul George (knee) being held out for rest. If Drummond cannot go, Kelly Oubre Jr., Jared McCain, Guerschon Yabusele, and Caleb Martin may see their roles increase.
3 hours ago
Marcus Smart Set To Play Wednesday
Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (ankle) is still listed as questionable but is on track to play in Wednesday's contest versus the Lakers, Shams Charania reported on ESPN's "NBA Today." The 30-year-old Smart has missed the last six games with a right ankle sprain. Before being sidelined, he started the Grizzlies first five contests, averaging 5.6 points, 2.8 assists, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals. His return will impact Scotty Pippen Jr.'s usage, but he should still be involved. He remains a solid fantasy option until their star point guard, Ja Morant (hip), returns.
3 hours ago
Mike Conley Resting Wednesday Versus Portland
The Minnesota Timberwolves announced that point guard Mike Conley (rest) won't play Wednesday against the Portland Trail Blazers for rest purposes. The veteran point guard has played in less than 24 minutes in the last three contests. He's averaged 7.4 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.0 rebounds across 11 games this season. While the 37-year-old has the night off, Donte DiVincenzo, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and rookie Rob Dillingham will likely see more playing time.
4 hours ago
Brandon Clarke Questionable For Wednesday's Action
Memphis Grizzlies forward/center Brandon Clarke (toe) could be out for the first time this season on Wednesday versus the Lakers, with the team listing him as questionable on the injury report. Clarke has been a starter for Memphis for the past couple of games, replacing Zach Edey. However, he's not had a big impact in the role, averaging 7.5 points and 5.0 rebounds in 17.0 minutes. Edey might return to the starting unit if Clarke is out on Wednesday, although the team could also replace him with Marcus Smart (ankle), who is on the cusp of returning to the lineup.
12 hours ago
Marcus Smart Picks Up Questionable Tag Ahead Of Wednesday
Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (ankle) is nearing his return to action and could be back on the court Wednesday versus the Lakers. He practiced on Tuesday and has been listed as questionable for the game. The defensive specialist has previously carried a doubtful tag. Smart has missed six games with a right ankle sprain. Smart's return is bound to impact Scotty Pippen Jr.'s usage, but he should still be heavily involved and remains a good fantasy option until the Grizzlies get back their starting point guard Ja Morant (hip).
12 hours ago
Fred VanVleet Tagged As Questionable For Wednesday
Houston Rockets point guard Fred VanVleet (hamstring) is considered questionable for Wednesday's matchup against the Clippers. He continues to deal with a hamstring issue and might be forced to sit out a second consecutive game. VanVleet's absence could result in another busy night for Amen Thompson, who replaced him in the starting unit Monday versus Washington. Thompson had his fingerprints all over the game, finishing a 107-92 victory with 13 points, eight rebounds, one assist, four steals, and four blocks. Aaron Holiday and Reed Sheppard saw extra minutes off the bench but didn't do much.
12 hours ago
Steven Adams Questionable For Meeting With Clippers
Houston Rockets center Steven Adams (knee) is on the injury report as questionable ahead of Wednesday's action against the Clippers. The veteran big man missed the entire 2023-24 campaign with a knee injury and hasn't been used much this season. Adams has made five appearances, logging 13.6 minutes per game. He hasn't played in two consecutive games the entire month, which could be a sign that Adams will not be available on Wednesday. He had two points and seven rebounds in the last game against Washington on Monday. Adams' absence would allow Jock Landale (shoulder) to eat up more minutes, but the Houston big men lack fantasy appeal as long as Alperen Sengun is in the lineup.
12 hours ago
Dorian Finney-Smith In Danger Of Missing Another Game
Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) has been labeled as questionable for Wednesday's tilt against Boston. He could be out for a second consecutive game with a left ankle sprain. The 31-year-old has carved out a starting role for himself this season, averaging 10.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.2 steals. Ziaire Williams filled in for Finney-Smith in the first unit on Monday versus New Orleans and nearly posted a double-double, finishing with 12 points and nine rebounds. He could get another chance to impress on Wednesday, although it's going to be a much tougher matchup for the Nets.
12 hours ago
Obi Toppin Questionable For Wednesday Night
Indiana Pacers power forward Obi Toppin (ankle) is in danger of missing a second consecutive game on Wednesday against Orlando. He has been listed as questionable for the contest with a left ankle sprain. Jarace Walker saw extended minutes on Sunday versus the Knicks and will likely play a bigger role again on Wednesday night if Toppin remains unavailable. Walker was a headache for the Magic last week when he produced 17 points, but he's managed a total of 11 points across two games since then, making him an unreliable fantasy piece.
12 hours ago
Anthony Davis Expected To Play Wednesday
Los Angeles Lakers forward/center Anthony Davis (foot, eye) has been listed as probable for Wednesday's encounter with the Grizzlies. The veteran star has battled a foot injury early in the season and hurt his left eye on Sunday versus Toronto. Davis missed a large chunk of Sunday's game but appears to be on track to play Wednesday. Despite the health issues, Davis has looked great this season, averaging 31.2 points and 10.4 rebounds with 2.0 blocks. A meeting with the Grizzlies will be a good test for his form. Memphis has the third-highest rebounding rate in the league, and centers haven't done too much damage against them in previous games.
12 hours ago
Jose Alvarado Out Against OKC
New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado (hamstring) won't play in Wednesday's contest against the Thunder. The Pels are thin currently, with Jordan Hawkins (back), Herbert Jones (shoulder), CJ McCollum (adductor), Dejounte Murray (hand), and Zion Williamson (hamstring) all on the shelf. But now Alvarado will join them after tweaking his hamstring in Monday's narrow loss to the Brooklyn Nets. With Alvarado and company sidelined, Brandon Ingram is the favorite to lead the way offensively. But there's also room for Trey Murphy III, Yves Missi, and Jaylen Nowell to get more involved.
23 hours ago
Zach LaVine Back On The Injury Report For Wednesday
Chicago Bulls guard/forward Zach LaVine (adductor) is probable heading into Wednesday's game in New York. His presence on the injury report isn't anything new, so he should be out there against the Knicks, barring a setback. LaVine's name has been tied to trade rumors for years. Yet, things intensified during the offseason. But he remains with the Bulls, at least for now, and has averaged 22.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 41.7% shooting from behind the arc. With that in mind, if LaVine's health takes a turn for the worse before Wednesday's contest, Ayo Dosunmu, averaging 14.7 points in three starts this season, could find a place in most fantasy lineups.
23 hours ago
Luka Doncic Cleared To Play Against The Warriors
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (groin) is good to go for Tuesday's matchup against the Golden State Warriors. He was listed as probable heading into this one. However, Doncic was downgraded to a game-time decision hours before the contest. Fortunately, fantasy managers will have the multi-time All-Star in the lineup, although that means Spencer Dinwiddie and Jaden Hardy won't be worth starting.
23 hours ago
Jusuf Nurkic
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