NBA News
Wendell Carter Jr. Still Out Versus Detroit
Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (foot) won't play in Saturday's meeting with the Detroit Pistons. He was questionable early on Saturday, so there was a chance he would return. However, the 25-year-old will now miss his eleventh-straight game and his twelfth of the 2024-25 campaign. With Carter remaining on the shelf, Goga Bitadze should continue to take his spot in the rotation. Bitadze has played well in his 10 starts, averaging 9.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks, keeping him relevant in all fantasy setups.
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Victor Wembanyama Upgraded To Probable
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (knee) is probable for Saturday's matchup with the Golden State Warriors. He has missed the last three games because of a knee contusion. While the 20-year-old was questionable to play early on Saturday, his designation was upgraded, meaning there's a good chance he'll be out there. As expected, Wembanyama has had a fantastic year, averaging 22.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks. Turnovers are still an issue, and his three-point shooting could also improve. Yet, he's a must-start if he gets the green light, even if he plays fewer minutes than normal. Even so, his presence would make Zach Collins mostly irrelevant in most fantasy setups.
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Ausar Thompson To Play On Saturday Night
Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson (conditioning) will play in Saturday's game against the Orlando Magic. The 21-year-old averaged 8.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.1 steals as a rookie. Unfortunately, he was limited to only 63 games before being sidelined in March because of a blood clot. Thompson likely won't see his usual workload in his first game of the 2024-25 campaign. But with Cade Cunningham (hip) out, Thompson could get a few additional scoring opportunities.
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Walker Kessler Might Return To Action Saturday
Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (hip) has been listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Knicks. He will hope to return to the lineup after missing six games. John Collins has started alongside Kyle Filipowski (ankle) during Kessler's absence, but the two might now share the frontcourt, as Filipowski has been ruled out for Saturday's contest. If Kessler is not ready to return, Drew Eubanks and Brice Sensabaugh will take on larger roles, with one of them likely starting. However, the Knicks own outstanding defensive numbers against opposing frontcourts, so this isn't a good matchup for Utah's big men.
21 hours ago
Kyle Filipowski To Miss Saturday's Game
Utah Jazz forward/center Kyle Filipowski (ankle) has been listed as out for Saturday's meeting with the Knicks. The rookie big man sprained his right ankle against San Antonio on Thursday. Filipowski made a fifth straight start on Thursday. Drew Eubanks and Brice Sensabaugh saw extra action following his exit against the Spurs, with the latter tallying 18 points and six rebounds with one block. However, the situation might be different on Saturday because Walker Kessler (hip) is on the cusp of returning to the lineup.
21 hours ago
Jordan Clarkson Considered Questionable For Saturday
Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (foot) might be absent for a second consecutive game on Saturday against the Knicks. The team considers him questionable for the matchup. Clarkson's absence opens up backcourt minutes for the likes of Isaiah Collier and Johnny Juzang. The two aren't reliable fantasy options, although Collier did a good job as a playmaker on Thursday versus San Antonio, dishing out six assists in 24 minutes off the bench.
21 hours ago
Miles McBride Questionable To Face Jazz
New York Knicks guard Miles McBride (knee) remains on the injury report as questionable ahead of Saturday's meeting with Utah. McBride hasn't featured in four games due to a knee problem, and there's a strong chance he remains on the shelf this weekend. Cameron Payne has had a good stretch during McBride's absence off the Knicks bench, averaging 12.0 points and 4.0 assists. He might be even more influential on Saturday because the Jazz allow the third-most fantasy points to opposing point guards this season.
21 hours ago
Joel Embiid To Remain Out On Sunday
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) will be out until at least next week. After playing in three consecutive games, Embiid was removed from the lineup on Friday against Brooklyn, and according to ESPN's Shams Charania, the former MVP will continue to sit on Sunday when Philadelphia faces the Clippers. Embiid is managing swelling in his left knee and is receiving treatment. Guerschon Yabusele drew the start on Friday after Andre Drummond had covered for Embiid on previous occasions this season.
21 hours ago
Nikola Jokic Returns To Action Friday
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (personal) is expected to return to action on Friday against Dallas. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Jokic will be available for the matchup. The Jokic family recently welcomed a new baby, resulting in a three-game absence for the three-time MVP. Jokic has been posting absurd numbers this season, including against the Mavericks in his most recent appearance. He racked up 37 points, 18 rebounds, 15 assists, and three steals in a 122-120 win on Nov. 10. Jokic's return pushes Dario Saric back to the bench.
22 hours ago
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope No Longer On Injury Report
Orlando Magic guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (personal) is off the injury report and will be available for Saturday's game against the Detroit Pistons after missing one game. The 31-year-old has had an inconsistent season. He plays significant minutes, averaging 29.9 per game, but has scored in double figures only twice in his last eight games. His struggles from beyond the arc, shooting just 22.9 percent from three-point range, have been concerning, and fantasy managers will be hoping he can turn his shooting around as the season progresses.
22 hours ago
Wendell Carter Jr. Considered Questionable For Saturday
Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (foot) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Detroit Pistons. The 25-year-old has been sidelined since Nov. 3 due to left foot plantar fasciitis. Fantasy managers will hope he can take the floor soon, but will want to see some improvement. He has averaged 8.3 points and 8.8 rebounds across six games this season but has struggled with his shooting, converting just 44.7 percent of his attempts, which is below his typical efficiency. If Carter is unable to suit up on Saturday, Goga Bitadze is expected to start in his place.
22 hours ago
Tre Mann Listed As Out For Saturday
Charlotte Hornets guard Tre Mann (back) is out for Saturday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks due to lower back soreness. The 23-year-old has been dealing with back issues recently, which have caused him to miss multiple games. In his absence, Seth Curry and Vasilije Micic are expected to see additional playing time. Mann has been inconsistent of late, posting 19 points against the Brooklyn Nets but just five points versus the Detroit Pistons in his last two outings. His next opportunity to return will be Monday against the Orlando Magic.
22 hours ago
Torrey Craig Available Versus Hawks
Chicago Bulls forward Torrey Craig (lower leg) will be in the lineup on Friday against Atlanta. He hurt his lower leg versus Milwaukee on Wednesday but avoided serious injury, and the team has upgraded him from probable to available. Replacing Patrick Williams (foot), Craig made his first start of the campaign on Wednesday. The veteran produced a solid performance with 15 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block. However, he'll be heading back to the bench on Friday, with Ayo Dosunmu promoted to the first unit. Craig doesn't have fantasy value as a reserve.
22 hours ago
Nick Richards Ruled Out For Saturday
Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards (rib) is out for Saturday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks due to rib soreness. Richards, who returned to practice Thursday, has not been cleared to play and will miss the matchup. The 26-year-old has been highly effective this season, averaging 11.0 points and 10.0 rebounds while shooting over 63% from the field. His last game was on November 1st against the Boston Celtics. Richards' next opportunity to play will come Monday against the Orlando Magic. In his absence, Tidjane Salaun and Moussa Diabate are expected to take on additional frontcourt responsibilities.
22 hours ago
Jarace Walker Ready To Face Bucks
Indiana Pacers power forward Jarace Walker (illness) will be good to go on Friday against Milwaukee. He's been battling an illness, but the team has upgraded Walker from questionable to available ahead of the game. Walker's role on the team has grown in recent weeks, and he was even a starter on Monday versus Toronto. Across the last five games, Walker has averaged 6.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.8 steals in 21.7 minutes.
22 hours ago
Ben Sheppard Misses A Third Consecutive Game
Indiana Pacers guard/forward Ben Sheppard (oblique) has been ruled out for Friday's clash against Milwaukee. He will sit out a third consecutive game due to an oblique injury. Before getting hurt, Sheppard saw at least 23 minutes of action in five straight games. Quenton Jackson has picked his minutes, producing a pair of mixed performances. He impressed with a team-high 24 points last time out against Houston but managed just nine points in the previous game versus Toronto.
23 hours ago
Anfernee Simons Returns To Action Friday
Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (hand) will rejoin the action on Friday against Houston. He has missed three games with a hand injury. Following a great start to the campaign, Simons has been inconsistent with his performances in November, shooting below 38 percent from the field. He might have a difficult time again on Friday, as the Rockets boast the second-best defensive rating in the league (104.8).
23 hours ago
Ja Morant Considered Doubtful For Saturday
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (hip) has been upgraded to doubtful for Saturday's game against the Chicago Bulls, signaling some progress in his recovery. Head coach Taylor Jenkins shared that imaging on Morant's hip showed no significant issues, providing optimism for a return soon. In his absence, Scotty Pippen Jr. is expected to continue filling the void at point guard. Morant has only played in eight games this season but has been highly productive when available, averaging 20.6 points, 9.1 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game. Fantasy managers will want to monitor his status closely as he works his way back to full health.
23 hours ago
Jerami Grant Ready For Action Friday
Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (illness) will suit up for Friday's meeting with Houston. His status was initially thrown into doubt when he popped up on the injury report with an illness. However, the team has upgraded him from questionable to available. Grant will look to end a poor spell. He has scored only 31 points across the last three games. It's a matchup against a team that's ranked second in defensive efficiency, so fantasy managers shouldn't bank on Grant bouncing back on Friday.
23 hours ago
Marcus Smart Questionable For Saturday
Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (illness) is officially listed as questionable for Saturday's matchup with the Chicago Bulls. Smart has missed the last three games while dealing with an illness and previously sat out six consecutive contests earlier this season due to a left ankle injury, limiting his overall court time. If he remains sidelined, Jaylen Wells and Luke Kennard are likely to see increased minutes for Memphis. So far, Smart's season has fallen short of fantasy expectations, with averages of 7.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. However, his minimal playing time leaves room for optimism that he can improve once fully healthy.
23 hours ago
Wendell Carter Jr.
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