NBA News
Paolo Banchero Still Ruled Out For Sunday's Game
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (conditioning) has been ruled out of Sunday's game against the Utah Jazz. The ruling should come as no surprise as Banchero has missed the team's last 31 games, but the 22-year-old has been making progress from his oblique injury and has been ramping up activities as of late, even being able to participate in the team's pregame shootaround in Toronto. Banchero could be returning to the lineup in the next few games. Orlando desperately is awaiting his return as their roster has been decimated by injuries this season, yet they still hold the four seed in the East. With the 22-year-old out, expect Tristan Da Silva and Cole Anthony to drive Orlando's offense until his return with Jalen Suggs dealing with a back sprain.
1 hour ago
Gary Harris Ruled Out For Sunday's Game Against Utah
Orlando Magic guard Gary Harris (hamstring) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Utah Jazz. Harris is dealing with a left hamstring strain that's caused him to miss a significant amount of time this season. The 30-year-old was able to suit up for three games for the Magic before missing Friday's game in Toronto. Given this is the same hamstring that's already been causing him issues fantasy managers should proceed with caution if he's on their roster. In his absence, expect Jonathan Isaac to receive more minutes off the bench.
1 hour ago
Jalen Suggs Ruled Out For Sunday's Game Against Utah
Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (back) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Utah Jazz. Suggs exited Friday's game against the Toronto Raptors early when he sustained his back injury. The 23-year-old has only missed three games this season. Given Orlando's lengthy injury report, Magic fans and fantasy managers can only hope that the strain won't keep him out of the lineup for long. In his absence, expect Tristan Da Silva to get more usage in the starting lineup. Cole Anthony should be expected to get more volume at point guard as well. Both should make solid fantasy options against a soft Jazz defense.
1 hour ago
Tyus Jones Downgraded To Questionable For Saturday Matchup Against Pacers
Phoenix Suns guard Tyus Jones (illness) has been downgraded to questionable for Saturday night's game against the Indiana Pacers. Jones is dealing with an illness. He hasn't missed any games this season so there's hope he will be able to fight through this illness and play on Saturday. Jones has been solid for Phoenix in December, averaging 14.2 PPG and 4.9 APG during the month and helping keep Phoenix running while their starting lineup dealt with a litany of injuries. If he's unable to suit up, expect Monte Morris to get extended minutes either off the bench or by being inserted into the starting lineup.
1 hour ago
Cam Thomas Sustains New Hamstring Strain, Will Be Out At Least Two Weeks
Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas (hamstring) sustained a new hamstring strain against the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday and will be re-evaluated after the team's upcoming west coast road trip, according to the team. The Nets' final game of that road trip is January 19th in Oklahoma City, sidelining Thomas for at least two weeks before being re-evaluated. Thomas strained his left hamstring, which is the same hamstring that caused him to miss all but one game in December. The 23-year-old has been a dynamic offensive scorer when healthy but has only been able to play in 19 of Brooklyn's 34 games this season. In his absence, expect newly acquired D'Angelo Russell to get extended run at point guard.
1 hour ago
Cameron Johnson Ruled Out On Saturday, Will Miss Next Three Games
Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday night's game against the Philadelphia 76ers and will miss the next three games according to the team. Johnson sustained a right ankle sprain against Milwaukee in their last game. The 28-year-old has been solid for Brooklyn when healthy, averaging 19.5 PPG this season. The timing of the injury may stall some potential trade talks as Johnson's name has been rumored to be one of the next that Brooklyn might ship out during their fire sale. In Johnson's absence, expect Ziaire Williams to get more run with the team. Williams was just able to return from a 12-game absence after dealing with a knee sprain and has only averaged 8.6 PPG this season. He will be an intriguing fantasy option going forward but will carry a bit of volatility with him. Fantasy managers need to take caution before inserting Williams into their lineups.
1 hour ago
Andrew Wiggins Probable For Saturday Night Matchup Against Grizzlies
Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (hamstring) is listed as probable for Saturday night's matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies. Wiggins is dealing with right hamstring tightness that landed him on the injury report Thursday, though he was able to play through it and scored 15 points against Philadelphia. With Curry already ruled out, Wiggins becomes an intriguing fantasy option. In his last game against Memphis the 29-year-old was able to score 19 points and went four-for-five from three, though the Warriors got blown out by 51 that game. That stat line was put up in just 20 minutes of play. If Golden State is able to keep it close then Wiggins will be a fantastic fantasy option in all formats.
1 hour ago
Miles McBride Questionable Again On Saturday Night
New York Knicks guard Miles McBride (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Saturday night's game against the Chicago Bulls. McBride is dealing with a left hamstring issue that's caused him to miss each of the Knicks' last two games. The 24-year-old dealt with left knee issues earlier this season, causing some cause for concern for fantasy managers given this is the same leg. McBride has averaged 9.8 PPG on the season. His absence likely won't impact many fantasy managers given the Knicks' propensity to run their starters for quite some time in a lineup. If McBride can't suit up, expect Jalen Brunson to be the top fantasy option for the Knicks against the Chicago Bulls. Landry Shamet and Cameron Payne should receive increased bench minutes as well when given the opportunity.
1 hour ago
Simone Fontecchio Questionable Headed Into Saturday Night
Detroit Pistons forward Simone Fontecchio (personal) is listed as questionable for Saturday night's matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves for personal reasons. Fontecchio has missed Detroit's last two games, putting him in danger of missing a third straight. The 29-year-old has produced modestly off Detroit's bench this season, averaging 6.4 PPG in 30 games. If he's to miss Saturday night's game, expect Ausar Thompson to get more minutes off Detroit's bench.
2 hours ago
Stephen Curry Sidelined Versus Memphis
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (knee) won't play on Saturday versus Memphis. The multi-time NBA champion will take the night off because of injury management purposes related to his knees. However, he'll likely be back on Sunday versus the Sacramento Kings. Without Curry on the floor, Dennis Schroder should handle the ball more than usual, with Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield potentially in line for increased production. That will also apply to Andrew Wiggins (hamstring), assuming he's cleared to play.
2 hours ago
Jalen Brunson Probable For Saturday Evening
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (calf) is probable for Saturday's game in Chicago. The 28-year-old has been plagued by calf tightness of late. He's mostly played through it, although he missed Wednesday's game against the Utah Jazz before returning for Friday's loss to the Thunder. However, he struggled, shooting 9-for-23 from the field. With that said, Brunson should have an easier time getting the ball in the basket on Saturday night, with the Bulls allowing 121.1 points per game this season, the second-worst average in the National Basketball Association.
3 hours ago
Cade Cunningham Expected To Suit Up Versus Minnesota
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (knee) is expected to play on Saturday versus Minnesota. The 2021 No. 1 overall pick has had the best year of his career, averaging 23.6 points, 9.5 assists, and 6.7 rebounds while shooting 37.1% from behind the arc. He's also missed only four games after logging 62 games or less in each of his first three seasons in the National Basketball Association. Without question, Cunningham is a must-start in all redraft formats, even more so with Jaden Ivey (leg) sidelined. However, his DFS potential is limited, considering the Timberwolves have allowed 107.7 points per game this season, the fourth-best mark in the league.
3 hours ago
Noah Clowney Questionable For Saturday Night
Brooklyn Nets forward Noah Clowney (hip) is questionable for Saturday's meeting with the 76ers. The 20-year-old took a spill in Wednesday's matchup with the Toronto Raptors, resulting in a hip contusion, and he wasn't available for Thursday's narrow win over the Milwaukee Bucks. With Cameron Johnson (ankle) doubtful and Cam Thomas (hamstring) questionable, Clowney could see more scoring chances if he's available to suit up. However, if none of those guys are on the floor versus Philly, Jalen Wilson, averaging 11.0 points in eight starts this season, is worth streaming. Wilson would also draw value interest from DFS managers.
3 hours ago
Kawhi Leonard Expected To Play On Saturday
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (knee) is anticipated to make his 2024-25 debut on Saturday versus the Hawks. The veteran hasn't played yet this season after battling another knee issue. However, it's a positive update, although he'll presumably be limited for more than a few games. He'll also likely miss either game of back-to-back outings for the remainder of the year. Without question, Leonard is a fantastic player, posting career averages of 20.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.7 steals. For now, he's still officially listed as questionable. But assuming Leonard officially gets the green light, fantasy managers must get him into the starting lineup, with his anticipated presence likely resulting in fewer minutes for Amir Coffey. It's also logical to assume that Norman Powell, who is second on the team in scoring, will eventually see a dip in production if Leonard remains healthy moving ahead.
3 hours ago
Miami Wants To Move Jimmy Butler "As Soon As Possible"
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Miami Heat would like to trade forward Jimmy Butler "as soon as possible." The multi-time All-Star is away from the team while serving a seven-game suspension. However, even if he's not moved before his suspension is over, it's likely he has already played his final game in Miami. Butler has already informed the team that he wants to be dealt elsewhere, and as of a few weeks ago, he preferred a trade to Phoenix or Golden State. Yet, there are several challenges in either scenario from a financial aspect. There's also a recent report from The Athletic indicating the Warriors aren't interested, especially since Butler is looking for a max contract moving forward. While there was once a time when Butler was considered an MVP-caliber performer, that's no longer the case, with the 35-year-old averaging 17.6 points, his lowest since the 2013-14 campaign. At any rate, there's a good chance he'll land somewhere before his suspension is over. But fantasy managers should consider any trade offer for Butler, considering his injury issues may follow him to his new team.
4 hours ago
Keegan Murray Sidelined Again On Friday
Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (ankle) won't play on Friday against the Grizzlies. He'll now be sidelined for a second-straight contest, recently missing Wednesday's win over the 76ers because of ankle soreness. Keon Ellis got the start, finishing with nine points. But he shined most on the defensive end, amassing four steals and two blocks. Ellis will start again on Friday night, although the debut of Devin Carter could mean he'll be less productive.
20 hours ago
Bogdan Bogdanovic Upgraded to Available Friday Against The Lakers
Atlanta Hawks guard Bogdan Bogdanovic (lower leg) was originally listed as questionable for Friday night's matchup against the Lakers, but he was upgraded to available and is ready to return after a five-game absence due to a lower leg contusion. Bogdanovic has been limited to just 14 games this year due to injury, but when he has been on the floor he has been productive, contributing 11.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 0.9 steals in 25.3 minutes per game. He may play a reduced workload on Friday in his first game back, but he should resume his role as one of the primary scoring options in Atlanta's second unit once he's back to full speed.
20 hours ago
Jalen Johnson Available To Return On Friday
Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (shoulder) was upgraded from questionable to available for Friday night's matchup with the Lakers. The breakout forward missed Wednesday's 139-120 loss to the Nuggets but will be back in the lineup as the Hawks try to knock off the Lakers, who are on the second night of a back-to-back. Johnson has averaged 19.9 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 5.4 assists in his 31 games this season and has been on pace with those numbers recently as well. He had 12 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists in his first game against the Lakers this season, but his scoring has been trending up lately, setting him up as a good play in the late game on Friday night.
20 hours ago
LeBron James Cleared To Face The Hawks
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (foot) will play on Friday versus the Hawks. The 40-year-old continues to play well, most recently amassing 38 points in Thursday's 114-106 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. He did log 36 minutes, so there's a chance he won't play as much on Friday night. With Anthony Davis (ankle) back from a one-game absence, James may also not be as productive. Still, he's a must-start against Atlanta, a team that has allowed 119.4 points per game this season, the fourth-worst mark in the National Basketball Association.
20 hours ago
Trae Young Is Available Against Los Angeles On Friday
Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young will be able to play on Friday night against the Lakers despite a questionable tag coming into the night. Throughout the season, the All-Star point guard has been a regular on the injury report but he has only missed two games all year. On Wednesday in Denver, he had 30 points to go with nine assists and four rebounds to start the New Year. Young has been putting up great numbers all season, and has really picked it up over his last 10 games, producing 25.7 points, 12.1 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game in 35.9 minutes per contest. He's a great play in all formats against the Lakers, who have been a top-10 matchup for point guards in most formats.
20 hours ago
Paolo Banchero
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Magic
