NBA News
Vince Williams Jr. Out At Least A Month
Memphis Grizzlies forward Vince Williams Jr. (ankle) has only managed to play in three games this season as the injuries continue to pile up on him. Williams suffered a Grade 3 right ankle sprain during Tuesday's game against the Denver Nuggets. As a result, Williams will be shut down for four weeks and will be re-evaluated after that. The Grizzlies are likely going to use a committee approach to fill the void left by Williams. Jake LaRavia, John Konchar, and Luke Kennard should all see increased roles going forward. Out of the trio, LaRavia is the best fantasy option out of the bunch. He's worth a look as a streaming option with the Grizzlies shorthanded right now.
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Scottie Barnes Returning On Thursday
Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (eye) will make his return to the court for Thursday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Barnes is back after missing 11 games due to a right orbital fracture. The expectation is that Barnes is going to be under a minutes limit during his first game back. Ochai Agbaji has been playing heavy minutes lately, but will probably take a backseat with Barnes back in the mix. RJ Barrett might see his usage take a hit, but he should still be able to offer strong fantasy value. Fantasy managers in season-long formats can get Barnes back in their lineups on Thursday.
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Paul George Out At Least Two Games
Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (knee) will miss at least the next two games. The veteran suffered a bone bruise in Wednesday's loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, ending his night after only 17 minutes of work. He will be re-evaluated on Monday. Luckily, an MRI on Thursday revealed no structural damage. With that in mind, fantasy managers could see him out longer than two games, considering he injured the same knee during the preseason. But as long as George is on the shelf, Kelly Oubre Jr., averaging 14.6 points and 4.7 boards in 11 starts this season, should continue to benefit from a fantasy standpoint.
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Aaron Gordon's Availability In Question For Friday
According to Kathy Winge of AltitudeTV, Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon's (calf) status for Friday's game with the Dallas Mavericks is still to be determined. Gordon hopes to return after suffering a right-calf strain after missing multiple weeks of action. The 29-year-old's potential return could be a big boost for fantasy managers, as he averaged 15.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 0.7 steals in 30.3 minutes per game over his first seven outings.
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Dorian Finney-Smith Uncertain To Face The Sixers
Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) is questionable for Friday's matchup with the 76ers. The 31-year-old had a solid showing in Tuesday's win over the Charlotte Hornets, amassing 15 points and shooting 80% from behind the arc. But if the ankle sprain keeps him off the court on Friday night, Noah Clowney and Jalen Wilson could see more work. However, neither player has been a consistent fantasy producer this season.
1 hour ago
Nicolas Claxton Questionable Versus Philly
Brooklyn Nets center Nicolas Claxton (back) is questionable heading into Friday's game against the 76ers. Claxton has been banged up all year, entering the season working his way back from a hamstring injury. However, a back ailment has kept him off the floor for the Nets' previous three contests. If the 25-year-old is back on the floor versus Philadelphia, he could see limited action. Yet, Claxton's presence should be enough to negatively impact Ben Simmons, who has been filling in at the five.
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Nikola Jokic Absent From Practice On Thursday
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (personal) was absent from practice on Thursday, as reported by Katy Winge of AltitudeTV. This leaves his availability for Friday's game against the Dallas Mavericks uncertain. The 29-year-old has been sidelined for three straight games due to personal matters. In his absence, veteran center Dario Saric is expected to keep getting additional playing time, as he's averaged 28.0 minutes over the last three outings.
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Cam Thomas Probable On Friday Night
Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas (back) is probable for Friday's matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers. The 2021 No. 27 overall pick is having the best year of his career, averaging 24.6 points and 39.2% shooting from deep. Unfortunately, he experienced back tightness before Tuesday's NBA Cup win over the Charlotte Hornets. With Thomas sidelined for that one, Cameron Johnson had a fantastic showing, finishing with 34 points, two blocks, and one steal while going 6-for-12 from behind the arc. Fantasy managers should expect to have Thomas back in the lineup against the struggling 76ers, although his presence will have a negative impact on Jalen Wilson's potential.
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Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Out On Thursday Night
Orlando Magic guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (personal) is out for Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The 31-year-old has struggled in his first 16 games with the Magic, averaging only 6.9 points and shooting 22.9% from deep. Still, he should break out of his funk at some point. With that in mind, KCP's next chance to play will be on Saturday versus the visiting Pistons. In the meantime, Gary Harris or Anthony Black may slide into the starting lineup. However, Black is a safer fantasy option on Thursday night, regardless of his role.
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DeMar DeRozan Intends To Make His Return Friday Versus Clippers
According to NBA Insider Chris Haynes, Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (back) intends to make his return on Friday against the Los Angeles Clippers. The 35-year-old is dealing with a back injury and has missed three consecutive contests. If DeRozan is sidelined again on Friday, Trey Lyles, Keegan Murray, and Kevin Huerter will likely see more minutes on the floor than usual.
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Terry Rozier Could Return For Sunday's Matchup With Dallas
According to Anthony Chiang from the Miami Herald, Miami Heat point guard Terry Rozier (foot) underwent an MRI on his right foot, which came back clear. Rozier is optimistic about returning on Sunday against the Dallas Mavericks. The 30-year-old missed the Heat's last game due to pain in his right foot, leading to Duncan Robinson starting in his place. Rozier's foot issues may explain his struggles this season, as he's shooting just 35.3 percent in November.
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Luka Doncic Expected To Miss At Least A Week
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (wrist) sustained a right wrist strain and will be re-evaluated in a week. Doncic started feeling pain in his wrist in the first quarter of Tuesday's matchup with the Pelicans. He stayed in the game playing 30 minutes, but the injury might be more severe than expected. While the 25-year-old is out, Quentin Grimes, Jaden Hardy, and Spencer Dinwiddie will likely see more minutes on the court than usual.
2 hours ago
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.
8 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.
8 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.
9 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.
9 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.
9 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.
9 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.
20 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.
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Vince Williams Jr.
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Grizzlies
