NBA News
Nikola Jokic Unavailable On Wednesday
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (illness) has been ruled out ahead of Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers. The superstar center will now miss his second game in a row due to an illness. The Nuggets are likely going to use a committee approach to fill help the void. Dario Saric and DeAndre Jordan should both see more minutes during Wednesday's game. Neither of them brought much to the table on Tuesday, so fantasy managers should probably be able to find better streaming options for Wednesday's slate.
1 hour ago
Miles McBride Ruled Out For Wednesday
New York Knicks guard Miles McBride (hamstring) has been ruled out ahead of Wednesday's game against the Toronto Raptors. This marks the fourth game in a row that McBride has missed due to a left hamstring issue. His absence should mean increased playing time for Cameron Payne and Landry Shamet. Both players are only playing minutes in the teens and aren't contributing enough to be considered streaming options for Wednesday's slate.
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Karl-Anthony Towns To Play On Wednesday
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) is available ahead of Wednesday's game against the Toronto Raptors. The superstar center is back in action after sitting out of Monday's contest due to right knee tendinitis. There is no word of Towns being limited after a one-game absence, so fantasy managers should expect him to have his full workload. Jericho Sims played 29 minutes on Monday, so he's expected to fall in the rotation with Towns available. Fantasy managers can feel safe getting Towns back in their lineups ahead of tip-off.
1 hour ago
Andre Drummond Sidelined On Wednesday
Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond (toe) is out for Wednesday's matchup with the Washington Wizards, according to Ky Carlin of USA Today. Drummond's absence was expected as he was deemed doubtful earlier in the day. Joel Embiid (foot) is also out, so Guerschon Yabusele will likely see plenty of action and get the start at center going up against the Wizards. Dummond's next opportunity to suit up will be versus New Orleans on Friday.
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Alexandre Sarr Ruled Out On Wednesday
Washington Wizards center Alexandre Sarr (illness) has been ruled out ahead of Wednesday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. The rookie big man is feeling under the weather and as a result he'll sit out his fourth game of the season on Wednesday. His absence means that Jonas Valanciunas will move into the starting five for this game. The veteran big man is averaging 11.9 points and 7.9 rebounds off the bench this season, so a move to the starting five should give him a boost in value. Fantasy managers looking for a streaming option on Wednesday should consider Valanciunas.
1 hour ago
Bub Carrington Available On Wednesday
Washington Wizards guard Bub Carrington (back) is available ahead of Wednesday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. The rookie guard is dealing with a lower back issue, but that won't stop him from suiting up here. There is no word on Carrington being limited, so fantasy managers should expect him to be a full-go here. The 19-year-old has finished with double digit points in each of his last two games. Fantasy managers should feel comfortable getting Carrington back in their lineups on Wednesday.
1 hour ago
Kyle Kuzma Will Play On Wednesday
Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (calf) is available ahead of Wednesday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Kuzma exited early on Tuesday due to a right calf contusion, but it doesn't look like it's going to cost him any time. He was listed as questionable coming into the game, but he'll ultimately suit up on Wednesday. He has been playing better lately with a 28-point performance last week. Fantasy managers who have Kuzma rostered can get him back in there on Wednesday. Kuzma has been inconsistent this season, but he's still worth rostering in most fantasy formats.
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Jalen Suggs Out For Thursday Versus Minnesota
Despite practicing Wednesday, Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (back) will not play against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday due to a back strain. His next opportunity to get back on the floor comes on Friday against Milwaukee which is the second half of a back-to-back set. While the 23-year-old is sidelined, Cole Anthony should continue to start. Jett Howard and Trevelin Queen will get some scoring opportunities coming off the bench as well.
2 hours ago
Zion Williamson Sitting Out Versus Portland
The New Orleans Pelicans announced forward Zion Williamson (injury maintenance) is unavailable for Wednesday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. As expected, Williamson will sit out the second half of back-to-back contests after returning on Tuesday in a 104-97 loss to the Timberwolves. In his return the 24-year-old posted 22 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block in 28 minutes after missing 30 games this season after dealing with a right hamstring strain. Javonte Green will likely gain some extra playing time during Williamson's absence.
2 hours ago
Aaron Gordon Ruled Out Wednesday
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (calf) won't play against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday. Gordon will miss his eighth consecutive contest due to a calf strain. The 29-year-old participated in most of practice on Monday, likely leading to his returning soon. His next opportunity to suit up comes on Friday against the Nets. Former Clipper Russell Westbrook will continue to get the nod to start in place of Gordon until his return.
2 hours ago
Nikola Jokic Questionable For Wednesday Versus Clippers
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (illness) is listed as questionable for Thursday's matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers. Jokic is in danger of missing a second consecutive contest due to an illness. A decision on his game availability will likely be made closer to warmups. If the big man is unavailable, Dario Saric and DeAndre Jordan will take on expanded roles in the team rotation. However, Saric and Jordan are not viable fantasy options at center for Wednesday.
3 hours ago
Paolo Banchero Expected To Return On Friday Versus Bucks
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (oblique) is set to return against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday. Banchero returned to practice Wednesday after not playing since October 30th due to a torn right oblique. Fantasy managers should prepare to have the 22-year-old back in their lineup, as he had an excellent start to the season before his injury. He's posted averages of 29.0 points, 8.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists during 36.4 minutes in five contests.
3 hours ago
Kawhi Leonard Out Versus Denver
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (personal) will not suit up against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, per NBA reporter Chris Haynes. Leonard is temporarily stepping away from the Clippers to help family members who were forced to evacuate during the current wildfires in Los Angeles County. While the 33-year-old is out, James Harden and Norman Powell will see an uptick in minutes. Terrance Mann, who recently recovered from a finger injury, may also take on more playing time versus the Nuggets.
3 hours ago
Deni Avdija In Danger Of Missing Wednesday's Contest
Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (wrist) may sit out his first game of the season on Wednesday against New Orleans, as the team has listed him as questionable on the injury report. Avdija, who has recently been a starter due to Jerami Grant's (face) absence, has suffered a right wrist sprain. Kris Murray has already started to play more because of Grant's injury, and Avdija's exit from the lineup would further boost his fantasy stock. Rayan Rupert and Dalano Banton might also receive more playing time Wednesday night.
11 hours ago
Jerami Grant Remains Unavailable Wednesday
Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (face) will remain on the shelf for a fifth consecutive game on Wednesday against New Orleans. He has yet to recover from a facial contusion. Deni Avdija (wrist) has joined the starting five during Grant's absence but might also exit the lineup on Wednesday, as Portland has listed him as questionable on the injury report. Murray has received an uptick in minutes with Grant missing, and he may now find himself as a starter if Avdija also can't play on Wednesday. The 24-year-old finished his rookie campaign as a starter in Portland last season, averaging 9.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in the first unit.
11 hours ago
Ben Simmons Iffy For Wednesday
Brooklyn Nets guard/center Ben Simmons (back) has been listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against Detroit. Simmons is managing a lower back problem and might be absent for a fourth consecutive game. Reece Beekman has entered the rotation following Simmons' exit from the lineup, with Keon Johnson, Ziaire Williams, and Tyrese Martin also benefiting from the situation. If he's cleared for action, Simmons himself will have additional fantasy value on Wednesday due to D'Angelo Russell's (shin) injury.
11 hours ago
D'Angelo Russell To Miss Second Straight Game
Brooklyn Nets point guard D'Angelo Russell (shin) will remain out on Wednesday against Detroit. He suffered a right shin contusion against Philadelphia last weekend, ending his promising start in Brooklyn. The former Laker averaged a double-double through his first couple of outings with the Nets. Russell's absence has given a further boost to Keon Johnson, Ziaire Williams, and Tyrese Martin. The three have moved to the starting unit, with Cam Thomas (hamstring) and Cameron Johnson (ankle) also recently dropping out of the lineup.
11 hours ago
Karl-Anthony Towns Questionable To Face Raptors
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) is considered questionable for Wednesday's matchup against Toronto. The four-time All-Star may have to sit out a second consecutive game due to a problem with his right knee. Jericho Sims took over the starting role from Towns on Monday versus Orlando. He gobbled up 10 rebounds in 29 minutes but didn't do much else. Precious Achiuwa also has a chance to log additional minutes without Towns and finished Monday's contest with 10 points and two rebounds in 22 minutes.
11 hours ago
Tyrese Haliburton Listed As Questionable For Wednesday
Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton (ankle) is questionable to play on Wednesday against Chicago. The star guard hurt his ankle on Monday versus Brooklyn but was able to finish the game. However, the team has given him a questionable designation on the injury report entering Wednesday. T.J. McConnell will likely replace Haliburton in the starting unit if he can't play, while Andrew Nembhard might also see an uptick in minutes. The Pacers' backcourt should find plenty of joy against a team that gives up the second-most points in the league (121.0).
11 hours ago
Khris Middleton Likely To Return To Action Wednesday
Milwaukee Bucks small forward Khris Middleton (ankle) is probable for Wednesday's contest against San Antonio. Middleton sat out Monday's win against Toronto as he continues to manage a bilateral ankle injury. He had previously skipped only the NBA Cup final since making his season debut on Dec. 6. Middleton has generally performed well but was limited to just two points in his last appearance against Portland. If he isn't ready to return, Taurean Prince would likely remain in the starting unit. The veteran wing did a little bit of everything Monday night, finishing with eight points, two rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block.
11 hours ago