NBA News
Trae Young Expected To Face The Spurs
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (Achilles) is expected to play in Thursday's game against the Spurs. It's another game, although Young is back on the injury report due to right Achilles tendinitis. However, barring a significant setback, he should be out there on Thursday. The 26-year-old has averaged only 21.5 points this season, four points less than he had during the 2023-24 campaign. Yet, he's at least averaging a career-high 12.1 assists. As usual, Young is a must-start, with Vit Krejci and Bogdan Bogdanovic on deck for more work if he can't suit up.
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Kawhi Leonard Progressing
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (knee) practiced on Wednesday. Even better, it was a full-contact session. The veteran is moving in a favorable direction and will accompany the Clippers on their three-game road trip. Unfortunately for fantasy managers, he still remains without a return date. Without question, Leonard is one of the most talented players in the National Basketball Association, averaging 20.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.7 steals in 696 regular season contests. However, he has missed more than enough time over the years. Still, fantasy managers should keep him stashed for now, although it will be a while before he's healthy enough to handle his usual workload. In the meantime, James Harden and Norman Powell should remain the Clippers' top options on the offensive end.
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Onyeka Okongwu Out At Least Four Games
Atlanta Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu (knee) will miss at least four games due to left knee inflammation. He will be re-evaluated in a week. The 24-year-old is currently having the best season of his career, averaging 11.3 points and 6.6 rebounds. But while he's sidelined, Larry Nance Jr. could see some minutes at the five spot. However, Nance has some work to do to gain the trust of fantasy managers, although he's worth considering for rosters if he can make good use of his time on the court.
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Kobe Bufkin Done For The Rest Of The Season
Atlanta Hawks guard Kobe Bufkin (shoulder) will miss the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign. The 21-year-old has appeared in only 27 games during his two-year career. He has also played sparingly, averaging only 5.0 points in 11.9 minutes per contest. Unfortunately, Bufkin will need surgery to address instability in his right shoulder. With that said, now is not the time for dynasty managers to move him, considering his value can't get much lower. However, the 2023 No. 15 overall pick is talented enough to turn things around, although he'll need to figure out how to stay healthy.
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Marcus Smart Unlikely To Face The Dubs
Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (shoulder) is unlikely to play on Thursday versus the Warriors. Like last season, Smart has had trouble staying on the court during the 2024-25 campaign, missing 10 of Memphis' initial 27 games. Even worse, he has averaged only 9.2 points. He could have been in line for more work with Ja Morant (back) questionable. But now it appears Scotty Pippen Jr. could fill the hole at the one against Golden State, with the 24-year-old averaging 14.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 10 starts this season.
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Ja Morant Questionable For Thursday Night
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (back) is questionable heading into Thursday's encounter with the Golden State Warriors. The 2019 No. 2 overall pick has averaged 22.0 points, 8.4 assists, and 1.1 steals during the 2024-25 campaign. However, he's also missed 11 games for various reasons. With Marcus Smart (shoulder) doubtful, Scotty Pippen Jr. may fill the void at the one if low back soreness keeps Morant off the floor versus the Dubs. Pippen has played well with the first-five this season, averaging 13.4 points, 5.9 assists, and 1.4 steals in 10 starts, making him a must-start in nearly any fantasy format.
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Malcolm Brogdon Rejoins Practice
Washington Wizards guard Malcolm Brogdon (hamstring) was back in practice on Tuesday. He's missed four games with a left hamstring strain but appears to be on track to return to action soon. The oft-injured guard has appeared in only nine games this season, averaging 13.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 23.8 minutes. Brogdon has been a regular starter despite seeing limited minutes. Kyshawn George (ankle) and Corey Kispert (ankle) also practiced on Tuesday, so Washington might get much-needed help for Thursday's encounter with Charlotte. Justin Champagnie and Jared Butler will be bumped down the depth chart once the Wizards return to full health.
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Kyle Kuzma Ramping Up
Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (ribs) wasn't available for Tuesday's practice but is ramping up in his recovery. Kuzma suffered a rib cartilage sprain on Nov. 27 in a game against the Clippers. He's been out for the subsequent seven contests. It looks like Kuzma still needs more time to recover, but his return shouldn't be far away anymore. The 29-year-old sits second in scoring on the team with 15.8 points per game and has averaged 5.6 rebounds. Bilal Coulibaly's role on offense has grown during Kuzma's absence. He's averaged 21.0 points across the past three games.
9 hours ago
Moses Moody Doubtful For Thursday's Action
Golden State Warriors guard/forward Moses Moody (knee) will likely remain unavailable on Thursday against Memphis. After Moody missed Tuesday's practice, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said he would be listed as doubtful for the game. An issue with his left knee has kept Moody sidelined for a couple of contests already. The 22-year-old has posted 7.4 points and 1.9 rebounds in 15.6 minutes this season. Moody tends to spark into life occasionally but not often enough to make an impact in fantasy basketball.
9 hours ago
Christian Wood Cleared For On-Court Workouts
Los Angeles Lakers forward/center Christian Wood (knee) has been cleared to resume on-court workouts. The veteran big man is working his way back from left knee surgery, which he had in early September. He appears to be making steady progress, but it remains unclear when Wood will be able to make his season debut. Wood's addition would give the Lakers much-needed frontcourt depth, especially with Jaxson Hayes (ankle) also out of commission. Hayes has missed nine games and will be re-evaluated next week.
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Matisse Thybulle Limited To Standstill Shooting
Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward Matisse Thybulle (ankle) is limited to standstill shooting in practice, head coach Chauncey Billups revealed on Tuesday. An ankle injury has kept the 27-year-old off the court for the entire campaign so far, and Thybulle's return doesn't appear to be imminent. Last season, Thybulle averaged 5.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.7 steals in 22.9 minutes. He has earned two NBA All-Defensive Second Team selections during his five-year career. Thybulle's addition would help Portland improve its defense, but the former first-round pick lacks fantasy appeal due to his limited offensive arsenal.
9 hours ago
Deandre Ayton Back At Practice
Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (illness) was able to practice on Tuesday, signaling he could be ready to return to the lineup on Thursday versus Denver. An illness has kept Ayton out for two games. Donovan Clingan and Jabari Walker have filled in for Ayton in the starting unit. The Portland big man has averaged a double-double for the season with 14.2 points and 10.0 rebounds, but he can't seem to stay healthy, missing nine games already this term. If he's ready to return on Thursday, Ayton will, of course, find himself in a very challenging matchup against Nikola Jokic.
9 hours ago
Jared McCain Undergoes Successful Surgery
Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain (knee) underwent successful surgery on Tuesday to repair a torn left meniscus. He is out indefinitely. The 20-year-old out of Duke was in the running to win this season's Rookie of the Year award, averaging 15.3 points (23.8 points in eight starts). Without question, it's a tough blow to a team that has been riddled with injuries, with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George all missing time during the 2024-25 campaign. Nonetheless, dynasty managers should hold on to McCain, considering he appears to have a bright future ahead of him. But until he's cleared to return, Eric Gordon could see more minutes, although he's not worth adding to any fantasy roster.
21 hours ago
Joel Embiid's Current Injury "Not Nearly As Severe"
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (face) remains sidelined due to another sinus fracture, his third throughout his career. He's due to be re-evaluated in a week. However, fantasy managers have reason to remain hopeful, with head coach Nick Nurse indicating his latest fracture is "not nearly as severe" as his previous two. In hindsight, Embiid didn't miss as much time as expected in previous instances. But when he's cleared to return, he'll likely need to wear protective face covering. Embiid has missed plenty of time due to various injuries this season. Yet, the 30-year-old was beginning to heat up in previous appearances ahead of his most recent injury. With that in mind, there's a good chance Embiid will return in the next few weeks. Until then, Andre Drummond and Guerschon Yabusele will handle things in the middle.
22 hours ago
Andre Jackson Jr. Starting Versus OKC
Milwaukee Bucks forward Andre Jackson Jr. will start in Tuesday's NBA Cup final versus Oklahoma City. Khris Middleton (illness) was expected to play. Unfortunately, things changed drastically heading into this contest, resulting in another absence from the veteran. As usual, Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) and Damian Lillard (calf) will pick up most of the slack offensively. However, single-game DFS participants should keep Jackson in mind, considering he'll likely get more minutes and scoring opportunities.
23 hours ago
Damian Lillard Cleared For Action On Tuesday Night
Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (calf) is available for Tuesday's NBA Cup final versus OKC. The veteran has a contusion on his right calf. However, after missing practice on Monday, he is good to go. Lillard has played well this season, averaging 25.7 points, 7.5 assists, and 37.1% from behind the arc. With Khris Middleton (illness) unable to get on the floor, Lillard could be even more productive against Oklahoma City.
23 hours ago
Giannis Antetokounmpo Suiting Up Versus OKC
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) will play in Tuesday's NBA Cup championship versus the Thunder. Despite dealing with right patella tendinopathy for a good portion of the 2024-25 campaign, the multi-time All-Star has had a fantastic season, averaging a career-high 32.7 points with 11.5 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.6 blocks. He'll likely get all the minutes he can handle against OKC. But with Khris Middleton (illness) sidelined for this one, Antetokounmpo should get more scoring opportunities.
23 hours ago
Khris Middleton Ruled Out For NBA Cup Championship
Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (illness) won't play in Tuesday's NBA Cup championship versus OKC. The 33-year-old appeared to have a good chance of playing. However, he's not feeling well, so he won't be out there. Fortunately, Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) and Damian Lillard (calf) will play, which will help. Andre Jackson Jr. could enter the starting lineup, although he's averaged only 4.1 points in 16 starts throughout the 2024-25 campaign.
23 hours ago
Jaylin Williams Remains Out On Tuesday
Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center Jaylin Williams (hamstring) will not suit up for Tuesday's matchup against Milwaukee. He's been unavailable for the entire year so far because of a hamstring injury and won't be ready to return for the 2024 NBA Cup final. Kenrich Williams will continue to provide backup for starting center Isaiah Hartenstein. However, the 30-year-old has very little fantasy appeal, having averaged 7.2 points and 3.2 rebounds in 13.7 minutes this month.
Yesterday
Khris Middleton Likely To Play On Tuesday
Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (illness) is considered probable for Tuesday's NBA Cup final against Oklahoma City. An illness kept him out from Monday's practice, but Middleton is expected to be fine for Tuesday's game. The 33-year-old has made his first four appearances of the season this month, notching 7.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.5 steals in 21.3 minutes. He's been coming off the bench as the Bucks have tried to keep Middleton's workload under control. Considering his limited role, Middleton has done well through his first few outings, although his shooting stroke appears to be quite rusty, as the former All-Star has made only 25.9 percent of his shots.
Yesterday
Trae Young
• PG
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Hawks
