NBA News
Fred VanVleet Active On Thursday Night Against Golden State
Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (knee) is active and starting on Thursday night against the Golden State Warriors. VanVleet is dealing with a right knee contusion but hasn't missed any time because of it. The 30-year-old has averaged 16.1 PPG and 5.9 APG this season, putting up 11 points and five assists in their previous matchup against the Warriors. With Golden State reeling as of late, this could be a solid spot for VanVleet to have a good game. He's a must start in all fantasy formats.
13 hours ago
Andrew Wiggins Available To Play On Thursday Night
Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (ankle) is available to play on Thursday night against the Houston Rockets. Wiggins is dealing with an ankle impingement but hasn't had to miss any time because of it. Without Stephen Curry in the Warriors lineup, Golden State will need big production out of the 29-year-old to keep pace with Houston. That may be a tough ask against Houston's stellar defense. Wiggins has had success against the Rockets in the past, though, so he may be worth a flyer in DFS leagues. Fantasy managers should ensure Wiggins is in their starting lineups.
13 hours ago
Malcolm Brogdon Exits Thursday's Game Early With Left-Hamstring Tightness
Washington Wizards guard Malcolm Brogdon exited Thursday's game against the Dallas Mavericks early with what the team is describing as left hamstring tightness. Brogdon has been ruled out and won't return. The 31-year-old put up 16 points in 25 minutes. He has averaged 13.5 PPG and 4.3 RPG in eight games this season coming into Thursday. Brogdon missed much of October and November while recovering from thumb surgery so this is an unfortunate turn for his season. If he is forced to miss any time, expect Carlton Carrington to get more minutes.
14 hours ago
Andrew Nembhard Listed As Questionable For Friday Night
Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (knee) is listed as questionable for Friday night's game against the Chicago Bulls. Nembhard missed a considerable amount of time due to a knee injury this season and his questionable status is revolved around managing that injury. He sat out Wednesday night's game on the second leg of a back-to-back as part of scheduled rest. The 24-year-old has averaged 7.9 PPG and 4.6 APG this season. His assists match his career marks while he's seeing a drop in his points. His fantasy impact will likely only help those needing help with assists, making him a tough start in most fantasy formats.
14 hours ago
Isaac Okoro Exits Game Early On Thursday, Won't Return
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Isaac Okoro exited Thursday night's game against the Denver Nuggets early with what the team is calling a left knee contusion. Okoro went 1-2 from three and finished with three points before exiting after playing just 12 minutes. Dean Wade started the second half ahead of Okoro and should be expected to get more playing time if Okoro is sidelined for any length of time.
14 hours ago
Adem Bona Ruled Out For Friday With Knee Contusion
Philadelphia 76ers center Adem Bona (knee) has been ruled out for Friday night's game against the Orlando Magic. Bona is dealing with a left knee contusion. The rookie has been getting more minutes as of late with both Joel Embiid and Andre Drummond dealing with their own injury issues. Bona hadn't been making much of a fantasy impact, averaging just 3.3 PPG and 3.0 RPG off the bench in the last three games, two without Drummond active. Bona's absence won't have much impact on the Sixers against Orlando. Drummond, who's listed as questionable, will be a solid fantasy option from a rebounding standpoint if he's able to play.
14 hours ago
Al Horford Questionable For Friday With Toe Sprain
Boston Celtics center Al Horford (toe) is listed as questionable for Friday night's matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. Horford is dealing with a left toe sprain that forced him to miss Monday's game against Miami, though he was able to suit up after in Wednesday's victory over the Detroit Pistons. Given that Horford was able to suit up it points towards a good possibility he suits up on Friday. The 38-year-old has averaged 9.7 PPG and 5.1 RPG, providing iffy fantasy value. He's not a must start on Friday but those in deeper leagues that need rebounding help may want to consider him more than other fantasy managers.
14 hours ago
Taurean Prince Listed As Probable For Friday Night In Boston
Milwaukee Bucks forward Taurean Prince (quad) is listed as probable for Friday night's matchup against the Boston Celtics. Prince hasn't missed a game all season and logged his normal minutes on Wednesday, when he showed up on the injury report as well, so it doesn't appear that this injury is hampering him much. A bigger concern for fantasy managers, in regards to Prince's performance, is the return of Khris Middleton on Friday. Prince has brought fantasy value through making threes, hitting them at a league-leading 55.6% clip. However, it's been on generally low volume. If Middleton takes away any chances from three then it could impact Prince's numbers.
15 hours ago
Trae Young Considered Probable For Friday
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young is listed as probable for Friday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers due to right Achilles tendinitis. Despite dealing with the injury, Young is expected to suit up and continue his role as the league's leader in assists, averaging 12 per game. While his scoring has dipped recently, with three straight games under 20 points, he remains a key playmaker for the Hawks. Fantasy managers can feel confident that Young will be available, but should keep an eye on his status leading up to tip-off.
15 hours ago
Anthony Davis Listed As Probable For Friday Against Atlanta
Los Angeles Lakers center Anthony Davis (foot) is listed as probable for Friday night's matchup against the Atlanta Hawks. Davis has been dealing with plantar fasciitis but hasn't missed a game since November 6th. In what's likely to be a fast-paced, high scoring environment in Atlanta fantasy managers should expect Davis to have a big night. He's a must start in all fantasy formats and should be targeted in DFS lineups as well.
15 hours ago
LeBron James Listed As Questionable For Friday
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James is listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Atlanta Hawks due to left foot soreness. James is at risk of missing his first game of the season if he is eventually ruled out. If that happens, Cam Reddish could see increased playing time. James has been putting up impressive numbers this season, averaging 22.3 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 9.0 assists. However, with a recent shooting slump, some may argue that a rest could be beneficial for his long-term performance. Fantasy managers will want to check back Friday for his status before tip-off.
15 hours ago
Kristaps Porzingis Considered Questionable For Friday
Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (leg) is listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks due to left posterior tibialis tendon injury management. The Celtics are being cautious with their talented big man, and Porzingis could miss the game as they manage his health. With Al Horford (toe) also questionable, Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta could see increased minutes in the frontcourt. The Celtics' long-term goal is to keep Porzingis healthy as they aim to repeat as champions. Porzingis has played in four games this season, averaging 27.3 minutes, 21.0 points, and 7.8 rebounds per game.
15 hours ago
Luke Kennard Uncertain For Thursday
Memphis Grizzlies guard Luke Kennard (illness) is currently listed as questionable ahead of Thursday's game against the Sacramento Kings. Kennard is a late addition to the injury report due to an illness. His absence probably won't have a huge impact on the rotation given Kennard is only averaging 19 minutes per game. If he sits, Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia, and John Konchar will probably all see additional run. None of them are likely going to gain significant playing time from Kennard's possible absence. Out of everyone, Smart probably has the most fantasy upside out of them all, assuming Kennard is out.
16 hours ago
Marvin Bagley III Draws Rare Start
Washington Wizards forward Marvin Bagley III will move into the starting five ahead of Thursday's game against the Dallas Mavericks. It looks like the Wizards have decided to shake up their starting five and give Bagley a bigger look. It's worth noting that Bagley has played nine minutes or less in every game this season. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect much from Bagley in this one considering he has barely played. Jonas Valanciunas will come off the bench, but is the much better streaming option between the two ahead of this game.
16 hours ago
Austin Reaves Unavailable Again On Friday
Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports that Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (pelvis) will be out against Atlanta. Friday marks the fourth consecutive contest the 26-year-old will miss due to a bruised left pelvis. The Lakers have missed Reaves, losing two of three games without him. Fantasy managers stay updated on when Reaves returns as he is averaging 16.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.1 steals across 33.7 minutes per contest. In the meantime, D'Angelo Russell will likely remain in the starting five.
16 hours ago
Josh Giddey Good To Go On Thursday
Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (ankle) has been upgraded to available ahead of Thursday's game against the San Antonio Spurs. This is good news for the Bulls after Giddey was tagged as questionable coming into this game. The Bulls are without Coby White (ankle), so Giddey is expected to have a bigger role in the rotation. The 22-year-old finished with a triple-double during this last game. Fantasy managers should make sure to get Giddey in their lineups ahead of tip-off.
16 hours ago
Ty Jerome Upgraded To Available
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome (illness) is available ahead of Thursday's game against the Denver Nuggets. Jerome was listed as questionable heading into this game, but he has now been upgraded to available ahead of this game. He figures to return to his role as the primary backup guard to Darius Garland. Jerome hasn't been a great fantasy option lately, but he did have a solid stretch of play during mid-November. He could be worth a look in deep leagues but his playing time has been inconsistent this season.
16 hours ago
Aaron Gordon To Play On Thursday
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (calf) will suit up ahead of Thursday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. As expected, Gordon will suit up after being listed as probable ahead of this game. Gordon played 33 minutes during their last game. He appears to be basically back up to speed after missing nearly the entire month of November. Fantasy managers can feel safe getting Gordon back in their lineups on Thursday. Peyton Watson should see a reduced role going forward with Gordon healthy again.
16 hours ago
Gradey Dick Will Play On Thursday
Toronto Raptors guard Gradey Dick (calf) is available ahead of Thursday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Dick is set to return to the court after missing each of the last five games due to a left calf contusion. He's back for Thursday and fantasy managers should expect him to have a full workload considering there was no mention of Dick being limited. Ja'Kobe Walker should head back to the bench and Davion Mitchell should lose minutes with Dick ready to play again.
16 hours ago
Jakob Poeltl Ruled Out For Thursday
Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (illness) has been ruled out ahead of Thursday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The big man was tagged as questionable coming into this game, but has now been downgraded to out. His absence should free up playing time for Chris Boucher and Jonathan Mogbo in the rotation. Neither player has ideal streaming option but Mogbo has been the better fantasy option over the last few games. Both players could be possible low-end streaming options with Poeltl unavailable.
16 hours ago
Fred VanVleet
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Rockets
