NBA News
Scottie Barnes Listed As Questionable Thursday
Toronto Raptors guard/forward Scottie Barnes (ankle) might return to action on Thursday against Brooklyn, with the team listing him as questionable for the game. He suffered a nasty ankle sprain against the Knicks last week, but it looks like Barnes could end up missing just two contests because of the injury. It's been an injury-hit campaign for the 2024 All-Star, as Barnes has been limited to 14 outings. He's averaging 20.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.3 steals. Brooklyn has the fourth-worst defensive rating in the league, so Barnes should do plenty of damage if he's cleared to return on Thursday.
4 hours ago
Brandon Miller Questionable For Thursday's Game
Charlotte Hornets guard/forward Brandon Miller (ankle) has been listed as questionable for Thursday's encounter with Washington. He sprained his left ankle against Philadelphia on Monday and might be forced to come out of the lineup after making 21 consecutive appearances. It's been a big year for Miller, as he's averaging a career-high 21.5 points with 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists. Miller's absence would open up extra playing opportunities for Cody Martin and Tidjane Salaun. The Hornets players will likely be a hot commodity among fantasy managers on Thursday, as the Wizards allow a league-high 123.0 points per game.
4 hours ago
Alperen Sengun Questionable To Face Pelicans
Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (knee) is questionable for Thursday's tilt against New Orleans. The talented big man has been nursing a sore left knee lately but hasn't yet missed any games. Sengun is a major part of how the Rockets play, averaging 18.6 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists. Steven Adams (ankle) is also listed as questionable for the game, meaning Jabari Smith Jr. and Jock Landale might share the center minutes against the Pelicans, who allow the fourth-most fantasy points in the league to opposing fives.
4 hours ago
Kristaps Porzingis Carries A Questionable Tag Thursday
Boston Celtics forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (heel) is in danger of missing Thursday's game against Chicago, with the team considering him questionable for the matchup. Porzingis exited Sunday's action against Washington with a heel contusion, and considering his injury history, it wouldn't be surprising if the team gave him some time off. However, Porzingis participated in Wednesday's practice, which is a good sign that he will be available against the Bulls. Al Horford (rest) is ready to return to action, so even if Porzingis is in the lineup, the Celtics might keep his workload light.
4 hours ago
Domantas Sabonis Iffy For Meeting With Lakers
Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis (back) is questionable for Thursday's matchup against the Lakers. He didn't practice on Wednesday and has landed on the injury report with a back contusion. Sabonis has previously missed two games this season, with Trey Lyles (calf) filling in for him in the starting unit. Lyles has sat out nine games with a calf injury but is expected to return to the lineup on Thursday. He averaged 14.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists as a starter when Sabonis was out earlier in the season.
4 hours ago
Anthony Davis Likely Good To Go Thursday
Los Angeles Lakers forward/center Anthony Davis (foot) is considered probable for Thursday's action against Sacramento. He's battled a foot problem for the entire campaign but has missed only one contest, so it's safe to assume Davis will be out there on Thursday night. He's coming off a big 40-point double-double against Memphis and has looked back to his best lately after slumping earlier in the month. The Kings allow the second-fewest points in the league to opposing centers, but Davis produced a full line with 31 points on 10-for-15 shooting in the matchup when the teams met for the first time this season.
5 hours ago
LeBron James Listed As Questionable Thursday
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (foot) is regarded as questionable for Thursday's meeting with the Kings. After missing two games, James was back in the lineup on Sunday versus Memphis. However, he still isn't 100 percent healthy, leaving the NBA-s all-time leading scorer with a questionable tag ahead of Thursday's action. Gabe Vincent might get another shot as a starter if James is out, with Anthony Davis (foot) carrying an extra load offensively, along with Austin Reaves and D'Angelo Russell.
5 hours ago
Kyrie Irving Questionable For Thursday
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (shoulder) has been listed as questionable for Thursday's matchup against the Clippers. With Luka Doncic (heel) on the shell, Irving would get to play a huge role in the contest, but he might join his backcourt mate on the sidelines on Thursday. However, Irving came through a full practice on Wednesday, so there's a good chance he will be available. Irving's offensive numbers have dipped this month, as he has been limited to 20.4 points per game.
5 hours ago
Luka Doncic Misses Thursday's Action
Dallas Mavericks point guard Luka Doncic (heel) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Clippers. Doncic has missed a pair of practices lately and will sit out his seventh game of the season. With Jaden Hardy (ankle) also out and Kyrie Irving (shoulder) questionable, we should see a lot of Spencer Dinwiddie and Quentin Grimes in Thursday's game. However, it's a bad fantasy matchup, as the Clippers play with the slowest pace in the league and have a top-10 defense.
5 hours ago
Trey Lyles A Full-Go In Wednesday’s Practice
Sacramento Kings forward Trey Lyles (calf) fully participated in Wednesday's practice, and there's a chance he could be available for Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. If either Domantas Sabonis or Keegan Murray can't play, Lyles could see a larger role in the frontcourt. He's shown his fantasy potential before, like when he posted 12 points and 10 rebounds in a double-double against the Atlanta Hawks on November 18th. Fantasy managers should check for updates as Thursday's game approaches to see if Lyles takes on a bigger role.
16 hours ago
Kevin Huerter Uncertain for Thursday
Sacramento Kings guard Kevin Huerter (shoulder) is uncertain for Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers due to a shoulder sprain. It's unclear how he will be labeled on the injury report, so fantasy managers should check for an update on Thursday. Huerter has been struggling with his shooting this season, posting a career-low 31.1% from beyond the arc and averaging only 9.9 points per game, his lowest since his rookie season. Hopefully, he can round back into form and stay healthy moving forward. If he is sidelined, Keon Ellis would likely see increased playing time.
16 hours ago
Nuggets, Nets Hold "Exploratory Talks" Regarding Cameron Johnson
According to Evan Sidery of Forbes, the Nuggets and Nets held "exploratory talks" surrounding forward Cameron Johnson. The former Sun has been rumored to be on the move for a while. But with teams having more flexibility to make trades, things are starting to pick up steam. Johnson had a rocky 2023-24 campaign. However, he's having the best year of his career, averaging 18.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 43.3% shooting from behind the arc. A trade with the Nuggets would likely involve Michael Porter Jr. Either way, it's unknown how much progress was made between both sides. With that in mind, Johnson would surely see a dip in production in Denver, considering he'd be sharing the floor with multi-time MVP Nikola Jokic.
16 hours ago
Keegan Murray Misses Wednesday’s Practice
Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (ankle) did not practice Wednesday as he continues to deal with left ankle soreness. Murray missed his first game of the season on Monday, and his status for Thursday's matchup against the Lakers remains uncertain. Fantasy managers should monitor updates as more clarity emerges. The 24-year-old has been a key contributor for the Kings this season, averaging 36.2 minutes, 12.4 points, and 7.7 rebounds per game, so his absence could open up opportunities for Keon Ellis and Doug McDermott.
16 hours ago
Heat Reportedly Not Interested In Bradley Beal
According to Evan Sidery of Forbes, the Heat aren't interested in acquiring Phoenix Suns guard/forward Bradley Beal (knee). Talks surrounding a trade involving Jimmy Butler have picked up momentum over the last week, with the veteran expressing his desire to suit up in Phoenix or Golden State. However, with the Suns strapped for cash, a move for Butler would most likely need to involve Beal. But with a no-trade clause along with an extensive injury history, Phoenix could have a tough time dealing the former Wizard to any team, even if it's not to the Heat. The situation is worth monitoring. For now, Beal is probable for Thursday's meeting with the visiting Pacers after missing the last two games with swelling in his left knee. As a result, Royce O'Neale, will likely head back to the bench, although it shouldn't impact his workload much.
16 hours ago
Domantas Sabonis Misses Practice On Wednesday
Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis did not practice Wednesday for undisclosed reasons, leaving his status for Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers uncertain. The star big man has been a focal point of the Kings' offense, averaging 21.5 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game. Sabonis is a fantasy gem and a reliable stat-stuffer, making his potential absence a significant concern. Fantasy managers should stay tuned for updates as his availability remains up in the air.
16 hours ago
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.
19 hours ago
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.
19 hours ago
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.
19 hours ago
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.
19 hours ago
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.
19 hours ago
Scottie Barnes
• SF
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Raptors
