NBA News
Ben Simmons Questionable To Face Bucks On Thursday
According to Erik Slater of ClutchPoints.com, Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons (back) is questionable against the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday due to the management of his lower back injury. Simmons has started four straight games, and it appears his injury designation is more for rest, but his status still needs to be monitored. The 28-year-old is averaging 10.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 8.5 assists in 30.5 minutes per game in the last four contests.
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Dorian Finney-Smith Questionable For Thursday
Erik Slater of ClutchPoints.com reports that Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith (calf) is questionable for Thursday's matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks. Finney-Smith is in danger of missing his third game in a row due to a left calf contusion. The Nets could have several players missing in action, with Ben Simmons (back) questionable while Cam Thomas (hamstring) and Ziaire Williams (knee) will be sidelined. Jalen Wilson and Keon Johnson's fantasy value will increase if Finney-Smith and Simmons cannot suit up, as more playing time and scoring opportunities will be available.
1 hour ago
Jimmy Butler Doubtful For Thursday
According to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (personal) is doubtful for Thursday's matchup with the Orlando Magic. On Wednesday, Butler was tagged with a re-conditioning injury designation on the Heat's injury report. His name has also been mentioned in trade rumors recently, and it's unclear if he will make the road trip to Orlando. In 20 games this season, the 35-year-old has posted averages of 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.9 in 31.4 minutes.
1 hour ago
Gary Harris Questionable To Face Heat
Orlando Magic guard Gary Harris (hamstring) is considered questionable for Thursday's meeting with Miami. The veteran is nursing a hamstring strain and has been absent for 12 consecutive games. Harris averages fewer than 17 minutes per game for the season, but he might play a larger role in the rotation once he returns due to the number of injuries the Magic have suffered. The 30-year-old could eat into the playing time of Trevelin Queen, who logged 34 minutes as a starter on Monday versus Boston.
1 hour ago
Myles Turner Questionable For Thursday's Game
Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (oblique) has been listed as questionable for Thursday's matchup against Oklahoma City. An oblique strain might end a run of 12 consecutive appearances for Turner. Newly acquired Thomas Bryant looks set for a starting role if Turner can't play on Thursday. Bryant has always done well as a starter, averaging 12.4 points and 7.4 rebounds in the role for his career. However, this is a difficult matchup for Indiana's centers, as Oklahoma City allows the ninth-fewest fantasy points to opposing fives.
1 hour ago
Terry Rozier Questionable For Thursday's Matchup With Magic
According to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel, Miami Heat point guard Terry Rozier (knee) is questionable for Thursday's contest with the Orlando Magic. Rozier is in danger of missing the second game in a row due to left knee inflammation. Jimmy Butler (personal) is doubtful. Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo will be expected to carry the offense, and Duncan Robinson and Jaime Jaquez Jr. will also need to contribute.
1 hour ago
Andre Drummond Sits Out Christmas Action
Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond (toe) will not suit up for the team's Christmas Day matchup against Boston. He has been downgraded from questionable to out ahead of tip-off. The 76ers have Joel Embiid available, so even if Drummond had been in the lineup, he would only have played a small role in the rotation. The veteran big man will get his first chance to return to action on Saturday against Utah. Guerschon Yabusele will take care of the backup minutes at the center position on Wednesday.
2 hours ago
Eric Gordon Out On Christmas Day
Philadelphia 76ers guard/forward Eric Gordon (mouth) has been ruled out for Wednesday's meeting with Boston. After undergoing oral surgery, Gordon will miss a second straight game. He was initially listed as questionable for Wednesday's contest. Gordon, the 2017 Sixth Man of the Year, has played a limited role with the 76ers this season, averaging 5.0 points in 16.6 minutes. Therefore, his absence doesn't have a significant impact on how the team operates.
2 hours ago
Luka Doncic Exits Christmas Game Early
Dallas Mavericks point guard Luka Doncic (calf) will not finish Wednesday's Christmas game against Minnesota. The Mavericks leader injured his left calf, exiting the action with 2:31 remaining in the second quarter. He was off to a great start in the game with 14 points, five rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 16 minutes. Quentin Grimes started the second half in Doncic's place. Spencer Dinwiddie will need to put in extra work as well during Doncic's absence.
2 hours ago
Derrick White Available Versus 76ers
Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (hamstring) has received the green light to play against Philadelphia on Christmas Day. White has missed only one game this season and will be available for Wednesday's matchup despite dealing with a hamstring issue. Jrue Holiday (shoulder) will not be in the lineup, so White will be expected to do a bit extra in the Celtics backcourt on Christmas. He's struggled offensively this month, shooting only 36.7 percent from the field while averaging 14.2 points.
2 hours ago
Jrue Holiday Will Not Play On Christmas Day
Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (shoulder) has been ruled out for Wednesday's matchup against Philadelphia. He will be sidelined with right shoulder impingement, with the team downgrading Holiday from questionable to out. Holiday's absence should boost Payton Pritchard's playing time. He's struggled in recent outings, scoring just 13 points across the previous two games, but Pritchard has had an impressive year overall off the Boston bench. The 26-year-old averages 15.7 points with nearly 43 percent shooting from deep.
3 hours ago
Jayson Tatum Cleared For Action Wednesday
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (illness) will suit up for Wednesday's Christmas clash against Philadelphia. Boston has upgraded him from questionable to available ahead of the game. Tatum will be back in action after missing one contest due to an illness. He had a historic outing in his last appearance versus Chicago, finishing with 43 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists. On Christmas Day, Tatum has previously averaged 23.6 points. Another 23-point performance would help him pass Bill Sharman for second place on Boston's all-time Christmas scoring list.
3 hours ago
Jaden Hardy Available Versus Timberwolves
Dallas Mavericks guard Jaden Hardy (ankle) will be in the lineup for Wednesday's Christmas matchup against Minnesota. He's returning from a six-game absence after being initially listed as questionable for the contest. Hardy's addition adds an extra option for Dallas, but he isn't expected to be a major factor on Wednesday. Across 22 outings this season, the 22-year-old has averaged only 14.5 minutes per game, scoring 6.5 points. He has earned just 10 total minutes over his last two appearances.
5 hours ago
Luka Doncic Good To Go Wednesday
Dallas Mavericks point guard Luka Doncic (heel) will play against Minnesota on Christmas Day. Dallas has upgraded him from probable to available. Doncic returned from a two-game absence on Monday versus Portland and eased his way to a 27-7-7 line. He has recorded three triple-doubles in his last five appearances and will look to do something special again. The Slovenian superstar has been immense in previous Christmas Day outings, averaging 36.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 10.3 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.3 blocks.
5 hours ago
Zion Williamson Expected To Return To Full Practice Next Week
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (hamstring) is nearing his comeback, as the team announced on Tuesday that he is expected to return to full practice next week. Williamson is considered week-to-week. The Pelicans star played in only six games at the start of the season before landing on the shelf with a left hamstring strain. He averaged 22.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.2 blocks. Brandon Ingram (ankle) has been ruled out for at least two more weeks, so the likes of Trey Murphy III, Brandon Boston Jr., and Jordan Hawkins continue to have extra fantasy value for a bit longer.
8 hours ago
Brandon Ingram To Be Re-Evaluated In Two Weeks
New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Brandon Ingram (ankle) is set to spend at least a couple of more weeks on the sidelines. The team announced that Ingram will be re-evaluated in two weeks. The former All-Star has already missed a lot of action, featuring just twice since Nov. 22. With Zion Williamson (hamstring) also on the shelf, Trey Murphy III (ankle), Brandon Boston Jr., and Jordan Hawkins have additional fantasy value.
8 hours ago
Trey Murphy III Considered Day-To-Day
New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III (ankle) is considered day-to-day. He injured his ankle on Sunday against Denver but has luckily escaped a serious injury. Considering the team has labeled him as day-to-day, there's a chance Murphy III doesn't even have to miss any games. New Orleans returns to action on Thursday against Houston. Murphy III has stood out recently with several strong performances, scoring 20-plus points in five of his last six appearances.
8 hours ago
Dru Smith Out For Season With An Achilles Injury
Miami Heat guard Dru Smith (Achilles) has been ruled out for the rest of the season. He tore his left Achilles in Monday's game against Brooklyn. This is a very unfortunate blow for Smith, who had just carved out a significant role on the team for himself, averaging 29.3 minutes over a six-game stretch before Monday's action. It's made worse by the fact that Smith lost most of the 2023-24 campaign to a knee injury and also had a season-ending injury in 2021-22 in the G League. Smith notched 6.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.5 steals in 19.1 minutes while he was healthy this term. Rookie Pelle Larsson will likely soak in most of his minutes.
8 hours ago
Gary Payton II Might Miss A Second Straight Game Wednesday
Golden State Warriors guard/forward Gary Payton II (calf) has been labeled as questionable for Wednesday's Christmas game against the Lakers. He missed his first game of the season on Monday versus Indiana and might have to remain on the sidelines due to a calf contusion. Payton II has logged a pair of starts this month but typically doesn't play a big role in the rotation, averaging 13.4 minutes for the season. The team should soak in the leftover minutes as a group.
8 hours ago
D'Angelo Russell In Danger Of Missing Christmas Game
Los Angeles Lakers point guard D'Angelo Russell (thumb) has been listed as questionable for Wednesday's Christmas battle against Golden State. He hurt his left thumb on Monday versus Detroit, logging only 16 minutes of action. Gabe Vincent will be in line for more minutes off the bench if Russell has to sit out Wednesday's action, with Dalton Knecht and Cam Reddish also in a position to play larger roles. Max Christie might receive extra action among the Lakers starters.
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Ben Simmons
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Nets
