NBA News
LeBron James Active On Thursday Night
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (foot) will play against the Kings. The nagging foot injury continues to bother the multi-time All-Star, although he had some time off over the last few weeks, which has helped. As usual, he's a must-start. However, his presence will likely mean Dalton Knecht, who has averaged 14.3 points in 12 starts this season, will head back to the bench.
1 hour ago
Khris Middleton Expected Back Against Cleveland
Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (illness) is expected to play in Friday's game against the Cavaliers. The Bucks defeated OKC on Tuesday to win the NBA Cup. However, Middleton wasn't out there for that one because of an illness. As expected, Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) and Damian Lillard (calf) handled most of the work on the scoring end. But Gary Trent Jr. also came up big from off the bench, ending the night with 13 points. With that in mind, Lillard won't play, meaning Trent might remain involved. As far as Middleton is concerned, he's still not an ideal fantasy option, considering he has averaged only 7.0 points in 21.3 minutes (four games) since returning from bilateral ankle surgery.
2 hours ago
Joel Embiid Questionable For Friday Night
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (face) is questionable for Friday's game against Charlotte. Nick Nurse recently indicated that Embiid's sinus fracture isn't as bad as his previous two. However, he may need another game or two before he's ready to get back on the floor. The 30-year-old was starting to look like himself before going back on the shelf. But until Embiid is back on the floor. Andre Drummond, most recently amassing nine points, 15 rebounds, two steals, and one block against the Hornets, is expected to remain in the middle. Guerschon Yabusele should also see more action if Embiid doesn't suit up.
2 hours ago
Josh Hart Won't Suit Up Versus Minnesota
New York Knicks forward Josh Hart (personal) won't play on Thursday night versus the Minnesota Timberwolves. The former Villanova Wildcat has had a stellar year, averaging 14.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.5 steals. Unfortunately, he'll miss his first game of the 2024-25 campaign due to personal reasons. Without question, the void left by Hart's absence won't be easy to fill, although Miles McBride and Precious Achiuwa should see more minutes, making them both viable fantasy assets.
2 hours ago
Derrick Jones Jr. Back In Action Thursday
Los Angeles Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. (hamstring) will return from a two-game absence on Thursday versus Dallas. The 27-year-old suffered a right hamstring strain on Dec. 8 but has made a quick recovery. Jones Jr. has been a regular starter for the Clippers all year, averaging 10.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in 25.0 minutes. However, the high-flying forward will have a limited role against his former team, so managers won't get full value out of Jones Jr. on Thursday.
3 hours ago
Marcus Smart Out Versus Warriors
Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (shoulder) will not play against the Warriors on Thursday. After initially listing him as doubtful, the team has ruled Smart out for the content. This should result in Scotty Pippen Jr. having a more significant role in the rotation. As a reserve, Pippen Jr. has struggled with providing consistent production this month, averaging 5.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. However, his lone December outing with 20-plus minutes ended with a double-double for Pippen Jr.
3 hours ago
Keegan Murray Available On Thursday
According to Sean Cunningham of Fox 40 Sacramento, Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (ankle) is available to suit up for Thursday's matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers. Murray missed his first game of the season on Monday and didn't practice Wednesday due to a sore left ankle. In the last 10 games, the 24-year-old has been a key contributor on the floor, averaging 12.0 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, and 1.0 assists across 35.2 minutes.
4 hours ago
Kyrie Irving Ruled Out Thursday Against Clippers
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (shoulder) has been downgraded from questionable to out on Thursday night and will not suit up against the Los Angeles Clippers. The Mavs will be without both Irving and Luka Doncic (heel) so Spencer Dinwiddie and Quentin Grimes may both move into the starting five. Klay Thompson will likely need to step up in the scoring department as well. Dinwiddie and Grimes are both more likely to be available as streamers, but they both have more appeal in DFS lineups.
4 hours ago
Davion Mitchell Sits Out Thursday's Game
Toronto Raptors guard Davion Mitchell (shoulder) will not be available for Thursday's meeting with Brooklyn. The defensive specialist was a late addition to the injury report with a shoulder problem and has been officially ruled out ahead of tip-off. With Toronto battling injuries throughout the campaign, Mitchell has been a significant part of the rotation, averaging 6.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in 26.8 minutes. Mitchell's absence will likely boost Jamal Shead's playing time on Thursday. He's coming off a good performance, as Shead recorded 10 points, four rebounds, six assists, and one steal in Monday's 122-121 loss to Chicago.
4 hours ago
Trae Young Will Play Against Spurs On Thursday
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (Achilles) will suit up as expected and play against the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night. He was already considered probable, but has officially been upgraded to available and will certainly be in everyone's fantasy lineup regardless of format. The superstar point guard has posted a rough shooting percentage (.389) thus far but leads the league in assists at 12.1 per game. He's also contributed 1.3 steals per game making him a big-time contributor in category leagues.
4 hours ago
Xavier Tillman Sr. Unable To Suit Up Thursday
According to Keith Smith of Spotrac.com, Boston Celtics forward/center Xavier Tillman Sr. (illness) will not play against the Chicago Bulls on Thursday due to an illness. Tillman's absence shouldn't impact the Celtics' rotation, as he's averaged just 8.6 minutes across 17 games so far in this year's campaign. With Tillman and Sam Hauser (back) both out, players like Neemias Queta and Jordan Walsh could soak up a few extra minutes on Thursday.
4 hours ago
Ja Morant Ready To Face Warriors
Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant (back) appears good to go for Thursday's matchup against Stephen Curry and the Warriors. Per ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk, Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins has said Morant is expected to play on Thursday. A back problem gave Morant a questionable tag on the injury report. Morant has crushed it in his most recent three appearances, averaging 26.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists.
4 hours ago
Jaden Ivey Ruled Out Against Jazz
Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey (knee) has been downgraded to out on Thursday as expected. The third-year guard was originally considered doubtful while he dealt with knee inflammation. Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr. should both see extra minutes in the starting five while Ron Holland II will remain in a reserve role. Beasley stands out as the better streaming option, especially after dropping 28 points, four assists, three rebounds, and one block in their last game against the Miami Heat.
4 hours ago
Josh Giddey Out On Thursday
Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (ankle) will not play against Boston on Thursday. After injuring his right ankle on Monday against Toronto, Giddey will be forced to miss his first game of the season. Zach LaVine (back) will return to the court on Thursday and should handle more playmaking duties with Giddey unavailable. Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, and Lonzo Ball are poised to soak in some of his minutes as well. At the same time, the door is open for Talen Horton-Tucker to remain in the rotation following his 15-point performance in 25 minutes on Monday.
4 hours ago
Brandon Miller Out Versus Wizards
The Charlotte Hornets announced that guard/forward Brandon Miller (ankle) will not suit up against the Washington Wizards on Thursday due to a right ankle sprain. Thursday will be the first contest the 22-year-old has missed since November 1st. In his second season in the NBA, Miller has played 22 games, averaging 21.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.1 steals across 34.4 minutes per contest. Seth Curry and Cody Martin will likely receive more playing time while Miller is sidelined.
4 hours ago
Sam Hauser Will Not Play On Thursday
Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser (back) will not be in the lineup on Thursday against Chicago. He's battling lower back spasms, sitting out for the second time in three games. Hauser's absence might give Jordan Walsh and Drew Peterson extra playing opportunities, but they aren't good fantasy options. The returning Al Horford (rest) should also soak in some of the available minutes. It's a good matchup for Horford, as Chicago has struggled to defend opposing centers all season.
4 hours ago
Tobias Harris Set To Return On Thursday Night
Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (thumb) will officially return from a one-game absence due to a sprained right thumb. He was already listed as probable heading into this matchup, so it doesn't come as a surprise that he'll be suiting up. With Jaden Ivey (knee) ruled out, Harris could take on a bit more of the scoring load than usual. The veteran has been a solid contributor in deeper category leagues as he averages 13.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.5 threes per game on shooting splits of .449/.342/.839.
4 hours ago
Kristaps Porzingis Available Thursday
Boston Celtics forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (heel) is good to go for Thursday's matchup against Chicago. He was initially regarded as questionable for the contest after a heel injury limited Porzingis to 11 minutes on Sunday versus Washington. Thursday's matchup is a favorable one for Porzingis, as the Bulls are allowing the second-most points in the league this season (121.9). Chicago also gives up the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing centers and power forwards.
4 hours ago
Bub Carrington Upgraded To Available Thursday
Washington Wizards guard Bub Carrington (illness) has been upgraded from questionable to available on Thursday night and will face off against the Charlotte Hornets. The rookie entered the starting lineup again over the last five games after a stint coming off of the bench. Unfortunately, his shooting efficiency still hasn't been great with a 30% mark from the floor over his last four starts. In that time, he's averaged 7.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.8 turnovers per game.
4 hours ago
Scottie Barnes Cleared To Return Thursday
Toronto Raptors guard/forward Scottie Barnes (ankle) will return from a two-game absence on Thursday against Brooklyn. The team has upgraded him from questionable to available. Barnes' workload might be limited due to the nature of his injury, but he should be heavily involved in the offense when he's on the court, as Toronto won't have the services of RJ Barrett (illness) and Jakob Poeltl (groin) on Thursday. Barnes has averaged 20.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 8.6 assists in four appearances this month.
5 hours ago
LeBron James
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Lakers
