NBA News
Ausar Thompson Listed As Doubtful For Thursday
Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson (conditioning) has been listed as doubtful for Thursday's clash with Charlotte. After he recovered from a blood-clotting issue, Thompson was recently cleared to return to the court by the NBA's fitness-to-play panel. It looks like he could soon play in his first NBA game since March. Thompson showed plenty of promise during his rookie campaign in 2023-24, averaging 8.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 25.1 minutes. However, there's a lot of extra competition in town compared to the last time he was available for the team, making Thompson's role within the squad unclear.
4 hours ago
Walker Kessler Still Missing For Jazz
Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (hip) will remain sidelined for Thursday's matchup against San Antonio. He has been ruled out for a sixth consecutive game due to right hip bursitis. John Collins will continue to start for Utah, with Kyle Filipowski also picking up extra work. Victor Wembanyama's (knee) presence typically makes meetings with the Spurs very uncomfortable for opposing bigs, but the French sensation is currently nursing an injury. This boosts Collins' and Filipowski's chances of having a good night in the matchup.
4 hours ago
Jordan Clarkson Questionable To Face Spurs
Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (foot) has picked up a questionable designation ahead of Thursday's meeting with San Antonio. He's dealing with plantar fasciitis on his left foot. Clarkson has played in seven consecutive games, putting in some impressive performances. The veteran scorer is averaging 18.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.9 assists for the month. Isaiah Collier will get a chance to play a bigger part in the rotation if Clarkson is out, while Johnny Juzang might also feature more. The two players can't be trusted in any fantasy format.
4 hours ago
Devin Vassell To Miss Third Consecutive Game
San Antonio Spurs guard/forward Devin Vassell (knee) will sit out a third consecutive game on Thursday against Utah. After missing the start of the season due to foot surgery. Vassell is carrying a sore left knee The 24-year-old has been limited to four appearances, averaging 16.3 points and 3.5 assists in 22.5 minutes. Vassell's health issues have helped Stephon Castle to nail down a spot in the starting unit. The 20-year-old rookie has averaged 13.3 points and 4.5 assists in a starting role. Vassell's absence also boosts the fantasy appeal of Keldon Johnson, but he's been extremely inconsistent this season.
4 hours ago
Chris Paul Considered Probable For Thursday's Game
San Antonio Spurs point guard Chris Paul (thumb) is expected to remain in the lineup on Thursday versus Utah, with the team listing him as probable for the game. The veteran floor general hurt his left thumb against Oklahoma City but was able to finish the contest. It looks like it's not a very serious injury, and Paul will be good to go for Thursday's juicy matchup -- only Chicago and Washington have allowed more fantasy points to opposing points guards than Utah. Paul has bagged three double-doubles in his last five appearances, averaging 10.7 points and 8.5 assists for the season.
5 hours ago
Khris Middleton Medically Cleared To Play
Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (ankle) appears to be close to making his season debut. ESPN's Shams Charania reported Wednesday that Middleton has been medically cleared to play and is currently in the middle of a ramp-up process. Middleton had surgery on both ankles in the offseason. According to Bucks head coach Doc Rivers, he has returned to three-on-three work in practice. Middleton's return would be a major boost for a team that has struggled out of the gate, going 6-9. However, it remains to be seen how quickly Middleton can make an impact in fantasy hoops. The former All-Star averaged 15.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists last season.
5 hours ago
Paul George Exits Game On Wednesday, Hyperextends Left Knee Again
Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (knee) exited Wednesday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies and did not return to the Sixers' 117-111 loss. George hyperextended his left knee, the same one he injured during the preseason. As of now, there have been no further comments from the team on the severity of George's injury, but fantasy managers should prepare for the 34-year-old to miss some time. In his absence, expect Kelly Oubre Jr. to be inserted back into the starting lineup. Oubre has averaged 13.4 points this season, though he averaged 18 PPG during the first five games of the season when George was out. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on George's status going forward and should snag Oubre off the waiver wire if possible.
15 hours ago
Scoot Henderson Leaves Game On Wednesday, Won't Return
Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson (quadriceps) left Wednesday night's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder and will not return, according to the team. Henderson exited in the middle of the third quarter with what the team is describing as a left-quadriceps contusion. The 20-year-old has averaged 11.5 points per game in his sophomore season. If Henderson is forced to miss time, expect Dalano Banton to pick up extra minutes.
16 hours ago
Jalen Johnson Active On Wednesday Night
Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (leg) is active for Wednesday night's game against the Golden State Warriors. Johnson missed Monday night's game with leg inflammation but will be back in action against a fast-paced Warriors team that is prone to giving up points in the paint. With the 22-year-old averaging 19.4 PPG, 9.9 RPG and 5.4 APG he remains a must start in all fantasy formats. DFS managers need to find a way to get Johnson into their lineups as well. The forward has the potential to make a large impact on Wednesday night in a game with a high expected total.
16 hours ago
Zach Collins Uncertain To Play On Thursday
San Antonio Spurs center Zach Collins (knee) is questionable heading into Thursday night's matchup against the Utah Jazz. Collins is dealing with left knee tendinitis but hasn't missed a game yet this season. The 27-year-old has made two straight starts filling in for Victor Wembanyama who will miss his third straight game on Thursday. Collins has notched 20 and 12 points in his two starts while grabbing six and seven boards. If active, fantasy managers should expect Collins to be in double-digits again. If he's not active, expect Charles Bassey to get the start.
17 hours ago
Patrick Williams Likely To Miss At Least One Week
Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams (foot) is expected to miss at least a week with inflammation in his surgically repaired left foot. Per Bulls head coach Billy Donovan, the team needs to let the inflammation fully calm down which will result in Williams being out at least a week and potentially longer. Donovan also stated that the inflammation Williams is experiencing is a normal byproduct of ramping up after the 23-year-old didn't play much five-on-five in the offseason. With Williams expected to miss time, fantasy managers should turn their sights to Torrey Craig who drew the start on Wednesday in Chicago's matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. Craig hasn't played much this season but is a prototypical "three and D" type player and shot 39.2% from three with the Bulls last season.
17 hours ago
Kyle Anderson Available For Matchup With Hawks
Golden State Warriors forward Kyle Anderson (neck) is listed as active for Wednesday's game against the Atlanta Hawks. Anderson has been dealing with neck spasms but hasn't missed time due to the injury. The forward has provided less than modest offensive production this season, averaging just 5.5 PPG while shooting just 36.4% from the field. While the 31-year-old's value to the Warriors extends beyond the court, he's not a viable fantasy option for fantasy managers, even in a tasty matchup against the Atlanta Hawks. Fantasy managers and DFS players should instead turn their sights to Jonathan Kuminga who's 14.8 PPG and usage rate of 25.9% is much more appealing out of Golden State's forwards compared to Anderson.
17 hours ago
Victor Wembanyama Out Again On Thursday
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (knee) remains out for Thursday's game against the Utah Jazz. The 20-year-old has a right knee contusion, so he'll miss his third-straight game. Zach Collins (knee) has been starting in his place, most recently logging 12 points, seven boards, one steal, and one block in the NBA Cup win over the Thunder. But with Collins questionable for Thursday's meeting, Sandro Mamukelashvili could be worth streaming if he enters the starting lineup. Mamukelashvili would also be a popular DFS value option if Collins is out.
17 hours ago
Jusuf Nurkic Available On Wednesday
Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic (ankle) is available on Wednesday, according to Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer. Nurkic missed Monday's game against the Orlando Magic with a sprained ankle, though that absence may have also been influenced with the game being the second leg of a back-to-back. The 30-year-old has averaged just 8.5 points but has grabbed 9.8 rebounds per game. Fantasy managers and DFS gamers should find a way to get him in their lineups, especially if you are looking for rebounding production in your lineups.
17 hours ago
Stephen Curry Will Play Against Atlanta
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (knee) will play in Wednesday's matchup versus the Atlanta Hawks. The multi-time All-Star is dealing with knee bursitis. He was listed as questionable ahead of Monday's matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers. But he was on the floor and didn't show signs of an issue, finishing with 26 points, seven rebounds, and six assists while shooting 40% from deep. As usual, Curry should be featured in all fantasy lineups, with his presence likely meaning fewer scoring opportunities for Buddy Hield, Brandin Podziemski, and Jonathan Kuminga.
17 hours ago
De'Anthony Melton To Undergo Season-Ending ACL Surgery
Golden State Warriors guard De'Anthony Melton (knee) will undergo season-ending ACL surgery, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Melton was only able to suit up for six games this season, missing seven with both back issues and knee issues. What was first believed to be an ACL sprain caused him to miss the Warriors' last two games. The 26-year-old was performing well for Golden State this season, averaging 10.3 points per game. With Melton out of the lineup, fantasy managers should expect Lindy Waters III to continue getting starts. Waters has put up just eight and six points, respectively, in his two starts and likely will not be a viable fantasy option going forward unless he receives more shooting volume.
18 hours ago
Tre Mann Probable For Thursday Night Matchup Against Detroit
Charlotte Hornets guard Tre Mann (back) is probable heading into Thursday night's game against the Detroit Pistons. Mann had been listed as questionable for Monday's game against Brooklyn but was able to suit up. Given that he's listed probable already it's a positive sign that his back issues are subsiding after missing two games over the past week. Fantasy managers and DFS managers alike should get Mann into their lineups with the 23-year-old averaging 14.8 PPG.
18 hours ago
Mike Conley Appears On Injury Report For Thursday With Toe Injury
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (toe) is listed as questionable for Thursday night's game against the Toronto Raptors. Conley has a toe sprain and this is the first time he's shown up on the injury report with this injury. The veteran has played two straight games of 30-plus minutes, coinciding with backup guard Donte DiVincenzo's back spasms becoming more of an issue (also listed as questionable for Thursday). Minnesota will be hoping at least one of the two will be able to suit up Thursday. If Conley is unable to suit up, expect DiVincenzo to play a larger role and get a start. If neither are able to go, expect Nickeil Alexander-Walker to get the start. None of the three will provide a ton of fantasy value.
18 hours ago
Donte DiVincenzo Questionable Heading Into Thursday
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Done DiVincenzo (back) is listed as questionable headed into Thursday's game against the Toronto Raptors. DiVincenzo has been dealing with back spasms, The 27-year-old hasn't missed any game action yet due to the back spasms so there may not be much cause for concern here. However, fantasy managers should monitor his status throughout Thursday. DiVincenzo has averaged 9.4 PPG and may be a streaky fantasy option. A matchup against the lowly Raptors doesn't hurt, but fantasy managers will want to take caution if he's indeed active.
18 hours ago
Isaiah Hartenstein To Make Season Debut On Wednesday
Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (hand) is available ahead of Wednesday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Hartenstein is set to make his season debut after missing the beginning of the season due to a fractured left hand. His return comes at a good time for the Thunder with Chet Holmgren (hip) sidelined right now. The expectation is that Hartenstein is going to be eased back into the rotation. Once at full health, Hartenstein should play a significant role in the Thunder rotation. If available, fantasy managers should go scoop him up before it's too late.
18 hours ago
Ausar Thompson
• SG
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Pistons
