NBA News
Walker Kessler Still Out On Saturday
Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (hip) remains out for Saturday's contest against the Sacramento Kings. The 23-year-old has averaged only 9.2 points this season, which isn't surprising. However, category managers have at least appreciated his career-high 10.7 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per contest. Hopefully, Kessler's absence won't extend beyond three games. But in the meantime, the red-hot John Collins, averaging 18.1 points during the 2024-25 campaign, is a must-start, especially if Lauri Markkanen (eye), who is questionable, doesn't get on the floor.
0 hour ago
Lauri Markkanen In Danger Of Missing Another Game
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (eye) is questionable for Saturday's showdown with the Sacramento Kings. The veteran hasn't met expectations during the 2024-25 campaign, averaging 16.3 points, considerably less than last season. He's also already missed three games, so another absence would be frustrating for fantasy managers. With that in mind, if the eye contusion keeps Markkanen out of the lineup, Cody Williams will likely take his spot. However, the 19-year-old has averaged only 4.6 points in seven starts this season, so he's not a trustworthy fantasy performer. Instead, Markkanen's absence should allow guys like Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson, Keyonte George, and John Collins see a bump in fantasy production.
1 hour ago
P.J. Washington Not Expected To Meet The Spurs
Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (knee) isn't expected to suit up for Saturday's matchup with the San Antonio Spurs. The former Hornet has missed the Mavs' previous five contests because of a right knee sprain. As a result, Naji Marshall has taken his spot in the rotation and has averaged 10.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.0 steals as a starter. But Marshall (illness) is under the weather, so he may not play on Saturday either. If Marshall and Washington are both sidelined for Saturday's contest, fantasy managers could see Maxi Kleber get more involved. However, Kleber is far from a trustworthy fantasy option.
1 hour ago
Jrue Holiday Uncertain For Saturday's Game Against The Raptors
Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (knee) is questionable for Saturday's showdown with the Toronto Raptors. The veteran isn't as productive as when he was a member of the Milwaukee Bucks. However, he's still averaging 12.8 points, 4.0 assists, and 3.9 rebounds. He's also still a sound defender. But if his left knee tendinopathy keeps him off the floor on Saturday night, it will presumably open the door for added production from Payton Pritchard, who has averaged 16.2 points and 42.7% shooting from deep this season.
1 hour ago
Naji Marshall Added To The Injury Report
Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall (illness) is questionable heading into Saturday's game against the San Antonio Spurs. With P.J. Washington (knee) sidelined recently, Marshall has been rolling with the first-five. He's played well enough, averaging 10.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in four starts during the 2024-25 campaign. But with Marshall and Washington uncertain for Saturday's contest, head coach Jason Kidd may need to shuffle things around, resulting in more work for Maxi Kleber and Olivier-Maxence Prosper. However, neither of those guys are reliable fantasy options, even with the potential for an uptick in production.
1 hour ago
Luka Doncic Expected To Suit Up Versus The Spurs
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (knee) is expected to play in Saturday night's game against the Spurs. It seems Doncic has been listed on the injury report for something all season. However, he hasn't missed a game. With that in mind, the 25-year-old has averaged nearly a triple-double versus San Antonio throughout his career (21 games), making him not only a must-start in redraft formats, but also a top DFS option on Saturday night.
1 hour ago
Kyrie Irving Off The Injury Report
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (shoulder) doesn't carry an injury designation heading into Saturday's game versus the San Antonio Spurs. The 32-year-old didn't play in Thursday's two-point loss to the Utah Jazz because of a shoulder strain. As a result, Quentin Grimes entered the starting lineup and finished with 15 points, five assists, and one steal. But now that Irving is back on the floor, Grimes is no longer a starting fantasy option. In fact, he should be dropped from fantasy rosters altogether.
1 hour ago
Miles Bridges Questionable For Saturday Afternoon
Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (knee) is questionable for Saturday's meeting with the Milwaukee Bucks. The 26-year-old has struggled this season, averaging 14.6 points and shooting a career-low 26.7% from behind the arc. With that said, there's a good chance he won't return from his three-game absence on Saturday, although the questionable tag at least suggests he's moving in the right direction. In the meantime, Grant Williams, averaging 10.0 points, 3.5 boards, and 44.4% shooting from downtown, is worth starting in deeper fantasy formats. However, Bridges' absence should mean the most to LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, who are both in line to see a significant bump in scoring chances.
10 hours ago
Giannis Antetokounmpo Likely To Play On Saturday
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) is expected to suit up for Saturday's game versus the Hornets. The Freak is coming off a strong 59-point effort in Wednesday's overtime victory over the Pistons. He also had 14 rebounds, seven assists, three blocks, and two steals in that one. With Damian Lillard (concussion) still out and Bobby Portis (elbow) doubtful, fantasy managers can expect Antetokounmpo to get more scoring opportunities, assuming he plays. Still, it will be difficult for him to match his level of production from Wednesday night.
10 hours ago
Bobby Portis Doubtful Versus The Hornets
Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (elbow) is listed as doubtful heading into Saturday's game versus the Charlotte Hornets. He wasn't available for Milwaukee's overtime win over the Detroit Pistons. As a result, Taurean Prince received 45 minutes of action, ending the evening with 15 points and 10 rebounds. If Portis remains on the shelf on Saturday, Prince is worth consideration for fantasy lineups. The 30-year-old could also remain a top DFS value option, even more so with Damian Lillard (concussion) missing his third-consecutive contest.
10 hours ago
Damian Lillard Sidelined Again On Saturday
Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (concussion) won't play on Saturday afternoon against the Charlotte Hornets. The multi-time All-Star will miss his third-straight contest, so his next chance to return to the floor will be on Monday against the Houston Rockets. Without question, Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee), coming off a 59-point performance in Wednesday's overtime win over the Detroit Pistons, should continue to see more scoring chances. The same can be said for Taurean Prince, who had 15 points in that one. On the other hand, Delon Wright, who started on Wednesday night but finished without a point, can be left out of any fantasy lineup until he proves he's capable of taking advantage of his expanded workload.
10 hours ago
Vlatko Cancar Available Friday
The Denver Nuggets announced forward Vlatko Cancar (ankle) will suit up for Friday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Cancar has been dealing with a right-ankle sprain that has kept him off the court for the last nine games. The 27-year-old grabbed one rebound in two minutes during the only game he's played in this regular season. He will likely see a lot of playing time in his return, as Nikola Jokic (personal) and Aaron Gordon (calf) are both sidelined.
17 hours ago
Jusuf Nurkic Available Friday
According to Thunder reporter Nick Gallo, Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic (ankle) is available for Friday's contest with Oklahoma City. Nurkic will be in the Suns lineup for the second consecutive game after missing one due to an ankle issue. In Wednesday's loss to Sacramento, the big man collected three points, one assist, 11 rebounds and three steals in 22 minutes. With Kevin Durant (calf) still sidelined, Nurkic is a must-start in fantasy as there will be plenty of scoring opportunities up for grabs.
18 hours ago
Grayson Allen Ruled Out Friday
According to Thunder reporter Nick Gallo, Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen (hamstring) will not play against Oklahoma City on Friday due to right hamstring soreness. Allen participated in the team's morning shootaround but will be sidelined for the second straight game. With Kevin Durant (calf) and Bradley Beal (calf) also unable to suit up, several players like Royce O'Neale, Ryan Dunn and Josh Okogie will likely see increased minutes.
18 hours ago
Rui Hachimura Listed As Doubtful For Friday
Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports that Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (ankle) is listed as doubtful for Friday's game against the San Antonio Spurs due to a sprained right ankle. If Hachimura is unable to play, it will mark the second game he has missed this season. Cam Reddish and Dalton Knecht will likely receive increased playing time in his absence.
18 hours ago
Joel Embiid Will Play More On Friday
According to Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse, center Joel Embiid will play more in Friday's meeting with the Orlando Magic. The multi-time All-Star made his 2024-25 debut in Tuesday's game against the Knicks, finishing with 13 points off a rough 2-for-11 shooting from the field. He also logged 26 minutes, so fantasy managers may see him on the floor for at least 30 minutes on Friday night. While Embiid isn't back to MVP-caliber form, he's still a starting option in all fantasy formats, which is also true for those participating in DFS contests.
19 hours ago
Nikola Jokic Won't Play On Friday Night
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (personal) won't play in Friday's meeting with the New Orleans Pelicans. The multi-time MVP hasn't missed a game all season. But he welcomed the birth of his new child, so he'll get the night off. His next chance to suit up will be on Sunday in Memphis. However, as far as Friday's contest is concerned, Zeke Nnaji and DeAndre Jordan will presumably split time in the middle. Fantasy managers could also see Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Christian Braun pick up a lot of the slack on the scoring end with Jokic off the floor.
19 hours ago
Nikola Jokic Tagged As Questionable On Friday
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (personal) is officially listed as questionable due to personal reasons on Friday. The three-time MVP missed three games throughout last season and hasn't missed one yet this year, so his absences are very few and far between. If he's unable to make it onto the court against the New Orleans Pelicans, the rotation will likely receive a huge shakeup. De'Andre Jordan will get some minutes while Zeke Nnaji could see a lot more opportunities as well. The biggest increases in usage would go in favor of Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., Christian Braun, and Peyton Watson.
Yesterday
Evan Mobley Questionable Versus Bulls
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (illness) received a questionable tag for the Friday night matchup against the Chicago Bulls. The young big man is dealing with an illness that almost kept him out of their game against the Philadelphia 76ers as well. He'll likely be a game-time decision so the team can see how he feels leading up to tip-off. If he's unable to play, the Cavs could opt to go smaller with Caris LeVert moving into the starting lineup. Georges Niang and Dean Wade could also see more minutes in that scenario.
Yesterday
Jarrett Allen Probable To Face Bulls
Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (leg) is dealing with a lower leg strain but is still considered probable to face off against the Chicago Bulls on Friday. Allen has appeared on the injury report for the last few games with the same strain, but it hasn't caused him to miss any time yet. In 13 starts, Allen has posted eight double-doubles and averaged 13.3 points, 10.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game. He and Evan Mobley have been a big part of the Cavs' top-seven defense.
Yesterday
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