NBA News
Donovan Mitchell Will Be "Full-On" During Practice This Week
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (ankle) missed the last four games of the season due to an ankle injury, but he's trending in the right direction before the NBA Playoffs start. Head coach Kenny Atkinson said before their final game that Mitchell would be "full-on" during practice leading up to Game 1, which is waiting for the play-in games to be scheduled. The 28-year-old was voted to his sixth straight All-Star Game this season and averaged 24.0 points, 5.0 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. The Cavaliers' big three of Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley will need to be fully healthy to make a playoff run, and it seems that they're moving closer to that.
2 hours ago
Jaylen Brown Expected To Be Ready For Game 1
Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown (knee) has been battling knee issues over the last month or so of the regular season. He saw a small decrease in minutes and even sat out of the final three games, which made him ineligible for regular-season awards. Head coach Joe Mazzulla confirmed reports that Brown received pain management injections in his knee, but he also said that he expects the former Finals MVP to be ready to go for Game 1 of their first-round series. Throughout the last postseason, Brown was given the task of guarding the other team's best scorer more often than not. He's extremely important to the Celtics' success, given his level of defense on top of his season averages of 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.
2 hours ago
Kelly Oubre Jr. Says There's Unfinished Business In Philadelphia
Philadelphia 76ers forward Kelly Oubre Jr. continued to raise his stock despite a tumultuous season that saw the team finish in 13th place in the East and miss the playoffs. He has a player option for the 2025-26 season, and when asked about it during a press conference, he said, "This is a business, but at the end of the day I'm happy. And I like to finish what I start, and I don't feel complete. So godspeed." This seems very encouraging for the Sixers, but it also seems like he's waiting to see how the offseason plays out and would like to negotiate a pay raise. This offseason is extremely important for the Sixers and could ultimately change the way the franchise looks from top to bottom. Oubre averaged 15.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game as a starter, so his role on the team is not in question.
3 hours ago
Andre Drummond Plans To Return To Philadelphia
Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond has a player option remaining on his contract, and he told reporters that he plans on returning to the team for the 2025-26 season. The veteran big man, much like the rest of the team, had some injury issues throughout the year and only appeared in 40 games, which was a career low. He posted averages of 7.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.0 steals across 18.8 minutes per game. His role next season is in question after rookie center Adem Bona showed a lot of promise in the last month and a half of the season. Plus, with their top two stars already aging, the 76ers may want to move in a younger direction, so Drummond is one to watch through the offseason.
4 hours ago
Bulls Are "Optimistic" That Josh Giddey Will Play Wednesday
Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (wrist) was unable to play in the team's final two games of the regular season, and now there's some doubt surrounding his status for their play-in game against the Miami Heat on Wednesday. One bit of good news came from head coach Billy Donovan when he said that there is a "high-level optimism" surrounding his ability to play. In his first season with the Bulls, Giddey posted career-highs in multiple categories and averaged 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.5 threes per game with shooting splits of .465/.378/.781. If he's unable to play, they're likely to lean a bit more on Kevin Huerter and Talen Horton-Tucker at times.
4 hours ago
Jared McCain Doing "A Little Jumping" Without Pain
Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain (knee) is progressing toward a return to the court, recently stating he's been doing "a little jumping" without pain. The 2024 No. 16 overall pick had a fantastic inaugural year, averaging 23.8 points and 4.3 assists in eight starts. Unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending meniscus tear in December, resulting in surgery. Without question, McCain has untapped potential. However, if Joel Embiid (knee), Tyrese Maxey (finger), and Paul George (adductor, knee) are healthy, McCain could have a tough time holding a consistent role in the rotation.
20 hours ago
Quentin Grimes "Comfortable" In Philadelphia
Philadelphia 76ers guard/forward Quentin Grimes will be a restricted free agent this offseason. However, it appears he wants to stay in Philly. "I'm very comfortable here," said Maxey while speaking after Sunday's 122-102 loss to the Chicago Bulls. "I could definitely see myself being here in the future." Still, Grimes understands the "NBA is a business," meaning anything can happen. The 76ers were ravaged by ailments throughout the 2024-25 campaign, with Joel Embiid (knee), Tyrese Maxey (finger), Paul George (knee, adductor), and Kelly Oubre Jr. all sustaining season-ending injuries. Fortunately, Grimes, who was acquired from the Dallas Mavericks ahead of the trade deadline, stepped up by averaging a career-high 22.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.6 steals in 27 appearances with the Sixers. There should be at least a handful of clubs around the National Basketball League who will be interested in his services. Yet, the 76ers will likely look to retain Grimes, although it's hard to imagine he'll be as productive in 2025-26 if Embiid, George, and Maxey are healthy.
20 hours ago
Tyrese Maxey Progressing In Recovery
Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (finger) is "progressing well." However, the 24-year-old indicated he'll need "about another month" before resuming basketball drills. He had a quality 2024-25 campaign, averaging a career-high 26.3 points with 6.1 assists. His three-point shooting took a dip. Yet, Maxey made up for it by increasing his contributions on the defensive end by amassing nearly two steals per contest. Unfortunately, he was limited to 52 games, mostly due to a finger injury that prematurely ended his season in March. Without question, Maxey is one of the best players in the NBA. But it remains to be seen if he can stay as productive and involved offensively if Joel Embiid (knee) and Paul George (adductor, knee) can collectively remain on the floor.
20 hours ago
Jalen Brunson Out Versus The Nets
Brooklyn Nets guard Jalen Brunson (ankle) won't play on Sunday versus the Nets. The Knicks will enter the playoffs as the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference. As expected, the team will give Brunson the day off to rest after appearing in consecutive contests on Thursday and Friday. Without him, Miles McBride, averaging 13.7 points, 1.1 steals, and 43.6% shooting from behind the arc in nine starts this season, should see a bump in DFS production, especially with Karl-Anthony Towns (knee), OG Anunoby (thumb), and Josh Hart (knee) also ruled out.
Yesterday
Karl-Anthony Towns Out Against Brooklyn
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) won't play on Sunday against Brooklyn. He was listed as questionable. However, not many expected to see KAT on the floor. Jalen Brunson (ankle), Josh Hart (knee), and OG Anunoby (thumb) also won't suit up, meaning DFS managers could see increased production from Precious Achiuwa, Landry Shamet, Cameron Payne, and Miles McBride.
Yesterday
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Available On Sunday
Orlando Magic guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (knee) will play on Sunday against the Hawks. KCP didn't suit up on Friday night versus the Indiana Pacers. However, he'll be out there for the regular-season finale. It's tough to say how much action Caldwell-Pope will get, considering the Magic are locked into the Play-In. Still, his availability should lower the ceiling of Gary Harris, who had 10 points as a starter on Friday.
Yesterday
Wendell Carter Jr. Available On Sunday
Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (hip) is available for Sunday's meeting with the Hawks. He didn't play on Friday in the win over the Indiana Pacers, opening the door for Goga Bitadze to enter the starting lineup and finish with 11 points, seven boards, and two blocks. It's unknown if Carter will see his usual workload in the regular-season finale. But his presence makes Bitadze a risky DFS option for managers.
Yesterday
Paolo Banchero Won't Play Against Atlanta
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (ankle) won't suit up for Sunday's clash with the Hawks. He'll miss his second-straight game on Sunday. However, the Magic are heading to the Play-In tournament, so there's no reason Banchero needs to be out there. Franz Wagner (knee) also won't get on the floor. But Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (knee) and Wendell Carter Jr. (hip) are good to go, although it's unknown how much work they'll receive. As such, Caleb Houstan and Tristan da Silva, combining for 24 points on Friday night, should continue to have value for DFS managers.
Yesterday
Trae Young Won't Suit Up Versus Orlando
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (Achilles) won't suit up for Sunday's clash with the Orlando Magic. The Hawks are Play-In bound, so there's no reason Young needs to be on the floor for the season finale. Most of the other members of the starting lineup also won't suit up. But as far as the one spot is concerned, Keaton Wallace, averaging 13.5 points, 6.8 assists, and 1.5 steals in four starts, is worth considering for DFS purposes.
Yesterday
Chet Holmgren Out On Sunday
Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center Chet Holmgren (back) won't play on Sunday versus the Pelicans. He'll miss another game because of low back spasms. But, truth be told, Holmgren will sit this one out to rest before OKC enters the postseason as the top seed in the Western Conference. Isaiah Hartenstein (Achilles) is also out, meaning Aaron Wiggins, Kenrich Williams, and Jaylin Williams should remain involved after combining for 68 points on Friday night.
Yesterday
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Out Again On Sunday
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (shin) won't play on Sunday against the Pelicans. The Thunder stamped their ticket as the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference long ago. As expected, the club will give SGA another game off before OKC begins the hunt for an NBA Championship. The other members of the starting lineup will also sit this one out, so DFS managers could see more double-digit scoring efforts from Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, Kenrich Williams, and Jaylin Williams.
Yesterday
Walker Kessler Sidelined For Season Finale Against Minnesota
Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (concussion) is unavailable for Sunday's season finale matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Kessler has been in the NBA's concussion protocols since April 3, and Sunday's game will be the fifth in a row he's missed. Kyle Filipowski will see an expanded role during the Jazz season finale. Filipowski finished with a double-double in a 145-111 loss to the Thunder on Saturday. He's started 10 consecutive games averaging 14.8 points, 10.8 boards, 1.9 assists, 1.3 threes, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 blocks and could be a solid fantasy option against the Timberwolves.
Yesterday
Kenyon Martin Jr. Unavailable For Season Finale
Utah Jazz forward Kenyon Martin Jr. (illness) will not suit up on Sunday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Due to an illness, the 24-year-old will be out of action for the fifth straight game. Kyle Filipowski and Brice Sensabaugh will likely see several extra minutes during the Jazz season finale with Martin out and several other players sidelined. Martin finishes the 2024-25 regular season with averages of 6.4 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists per contest in 43 outings.
Yesterday
John Collins Out Again On Sunday
Utah Jazz forward John Collins (ankle) won't suit up for Sunday's regular-season finale matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Collins will miss his 16th consecutive contest due to a lingering left ankle issue. Since the start of the new year, he has been on the floor for only 14 games. The 27-year-old veteran forward averaged 19.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks per contest in just 40 games during the 2024-25 campaign.
Yesterday
Lauri Markkanen Sidelined For Sunday's Season Finale
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's season finale against the Minnesota Timberwolves. After Sunday's matchup, Markkanen will have missed 12 consecutive contests to close out the season due to a left knee injury. Since the start of 2025, the 27-year-old has sat out 28 games going into Utah's season finale. He finishes out the 2024-25 campaign with averages of 19.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 31.4 minutes per game during 47 appearances.
Yesterday
Donovan Mitchell
• SG
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Cavaliers
