NBA News

Daniel Gafford • C • Mavericks

Daniel Gafford Unlikely to Play vs. Utah

Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (ankle) is doubtful for Saturday's matchup against Utah, putting him on track to miss a second straight game with a right ankle sprain. His absence keeps the center rotation thin and points to another start for Dwight Powell, while Moussa Cisse (G League) is in line for extended minutes if available. Cisse delivered a strong double-double last game with 10 points, 13 rebounds, and three blocks in 23 minutes, but his role has been volatile across recent outings. He profiles as a high-variance deep-league streamer, while Powell offers steadier minutes with limited upside.

1 hour ago

P.J. Washington • PF • Mavericks

P.J. Washington Downgraded to Out vs. Utah

Dallas Mavericks forward/center P.J. Washington (personal) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against Utah after being downgraded from probable while attending to a personal matter, with Monday against New York up next. His absence leaves Dallas short-handed and opens additional minutes across the forward spots. Naji Marshall has taken on a larger role and produced 22 points, six rebounds, and four assists in 23 minutes in the last game, keeping him firmly in the streaming mix. Caleb Martin added 14 points and six assists in 28 minutes, while Klay Thompson went for 26 points with six three-pointers in 23 minutes, emphasizing his scoring-first fantasy appeal.

1 hour ago

Gui Santos • SF • Warriors

Gui Santos Sidelined vs. Hornets with Sprained Ankle

Golden State Warriors forward Gui Santos (ankle) will not play Saturday against Charlotte after spraining his left ankle in the first quarter of Thursday's win over New York. His absence trims wing depth and opens short-term minutes. Moses Moody is positioned for a steadier role after scoring 21 points with seven three-pointers in 28 minutes last game, giving him streamer appeal tied to volume. Brandin Podziemski continues to benefit as a secondary creator after posting 19 points, five rebounds, and two steals in 26 minutes. De'Anthony Melton and Al Horford should also see modest bumps in playing time.

1 hour ago

Davion Mitchell • PG • Heat

Davion Mitchell Remains Out for Thunder Matchup

Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell (shoulder) will miss Saturday's game against Oklahoma City, sitting for a second straight contest with a shoulder bruise and targeting Monday versus Golden State as his next chance to return. His absence shifts ball-handling duties, especially with Tyler Herro (toe) questionable. Norman Powell is set up for added usage after scoring 26 points in 32 minutes last game, while Pelle Larsson logged 30 minutes in a complementary role. If Herro sits, Dru Smith would be asked to run the offense, though his fantasy value remains tied to minutes and matchups.

1 hour ago

Christian Braun • SG • Nuggets

Christian Braun Sidelined Again vs. Wizards

Denver Nuggets guard/forward Christian Braun (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against Washington, continuing a stop-start stretch since returning from a lengthy left ankle injury. Braun appeared in three games earlier this month but never regained traction and will now miss a fourth straight contest, with Sunday against Charlotte next on the schedule. His absence keeps Denver's wing rotation thin. Jalen Pickett has started the past four games and delivered nine points, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 28 minutes last time out, making him a steady deep-league streamer. Tim Hardaway Jr. logged 36 minutes off the bench and knocked down four three-pointers en route to 12 points, while Bruce Brown chipped in seven points and five rebounds in 24 minutes, offering low-end streaming value.

1 hour ago

Zaccharie Risacher • SF • Hawks

Zaccharie Risacher to Miss Fifth Straight Game

Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (knee) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against Boston, extending his absence to five straight contests with a left knee issue and setting up Monday against Milwaukee as his next possible return. His absence opens short-term rotation minutes, though the fantasy upside remains modest. Vit Krejci has started the past four games and is averaging 6.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 22.7 minutes, offering limited deep-league value tied mostly to playing time. Corey Kispert logged three points and two rebounds in 13 minutes last game and remains a situational flyer. Neither option provides stable fantasy value, keeping Risacher's absence more relevant to real-life depth than most fantasy formats.

1 hour ago

Kristaps Porzingis • C • Hawks

Kristaps Porzingis Sidelined for Fifth Straight Game

Atlanta Hawks center Kristaps Porzingis (Achilles) will miss Saturday's game against Boston, extending his absence to five straight contests with left Achilles tendinitis and leaving his return timeline unclear. His continued absence keeps Onyeka Okongwu locked into heavy minutes and strong fantasy value across formats, averaging 16.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 2.2 steals, and 2.6 three-pointers in 34.9 minutes over his last five games, making him a must-start in season-long and a high-floor DFS option. Mouhamed Gueye continues to fill backup minutes, posting six points, three rebounds, and two steals in 21 minutes last game, but remains a low-ceiling, matchup-dependent deep-league play.

1 hour ago

Isaiah Hartenstein • C • Thunder

Isaiah Hartenstein Ruled Out Saturday Against Miami

Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) has been ruled out for Saturday's matchup against Miami, marking his 11th straight absence with a lingering right soleus strain and leaving his status uncertain until at least Monday. His continued absence keeps Chet Holmgren anchored in a stable frontcourt role, averaging 13.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks over his last two games while maintaining strong DFS appeal through minutes security and defensive production. Jalen Williams continues to benefit from consistent usage, while Jaylin Williams and Kenrich Williams see extra run as volatile deep-league and daily-league streamers dependent on matchup and game flow.

2 hours ago

Patrick Williams • PF • Bulls

Patrick Williams Leaves Early Friday with Ankle Injury

Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams (ankle) will not return to Friday's game against Brooklyn after spraining his right ankle late in the third quarter, leaving his status for Sunday's rematch uncertain. Williams logged seven points, three rebounds, and one assist in 12 minutes off the bench. Chicago should continue to lean heavily on Matas Buzelis, who is locked into a starter's workload and is averaging 15.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.0 three-pointers, and 2.0 blocks in 29.1 minutes. If Williams sits, the Bulls would lean even more on that frontcourt, with Jalen Smith continuing to see steady run after posting 11.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.4 three-pointers, and 1.8 blocks in 24.0 minutes, keeping him viable in deeper formats.

2 hours ago

Ja Morant • PG • Grizzlies

Ja Morant Has Chance to Return Sunday in London

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (calf) has a good chance to return Sunday in London after missing six games with a calf contusion, with coach Tuomas Iisalo noting Morant completed a full practice and handled full-speed stretches. His return restores Memphis' offensive engine and elite assist upside, although workload monitoring remains a possibility. Cam Spencer started during Morant's absence and averaged 11.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 9.5 assists in 29.7 minutes. He should remain serviceable even with Morant active, albeit with reduced usage and minutes. Spencer profiles as a lower-ceiling streamer, while Morant immediately reclaims primary creation duties.

2 hours ago

Jerami Grant • PF • Trail Blazers

Jerami Grant May Miss Saturday's Game

Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (Achilles) is considered questionable for the first leg of a back-to-back on Saturday night against the Los Angeles Lakers. On Thursday, Grant ended a 14-game absence against the Atlanta Hawks, and the team understandably doesn't want to overwork the veteran so soon after his return. If Grant shakes off the questionable tag and plays, there's a strong chance he will sit out Sunday's contest against the Sacramento Kings. Due to Grant's health issues, Sidy Cissoko has seen increased minutes, starting five consecutive games. Cissoko should still play a significant role even if Grant remains in the lineup, as Deni Avdija (back) is likely to miss the Lakers game.

14 hours ago

Jrue Holiday • PG • Trail Blazers

Jrue Holiday Questionable for Saturday

Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday (calf) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Holiday recently ended a lengthy injury absence and has played in three consecutive games. However, Portland has a back-to-back scheduled for this weekend, and it's likely the veteran guard will sit out at least one of the games. Caleb Love's fantasy stock has been on the rise lately and would get a further boost with Holiday's absence. Rayan Rupert may also log additional minutes in the rotation.

14 hours ago

Aaron Gordon • PF • Nuggets

Aaron Gordon Likely to Face Wizards

Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (hamstring) is considered probable for Saturday's action against the Washington Wizards. While Gordon remains on the injury report, the probable tag suggests he will be cleared to make a sixth consecutive appearance. Saturday's matchup is a juicy one for Gordon, who has logged 30-plus minutes in each of the last three games. He has averaged 20.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists over that stretch.

15 hours ago

Jamal Murray • PG • Nuggets

Jamal Murray Listed as Probable for Saturday

Denver Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray (ankle, illness) is probable for Saturday's clash against the Washington Wizards. Despite dealing with an ankle sprain and an illness, Murray has posted back-to-back 30-point games and is expected to make a third consecutive appearance on Saturday. Washington allows the second-most fantasy points to point guards, so this could be another special outing for Murray. Should Murray have a setback and miss Saturday's game, Jalen Pickett would become a more appealing fantasy option.

15 hours ago

Stephon Castle • SG • Spurs

Stephon Castle Questionable for Saturday

San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (illness) is in danger of missing Saturday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, as the team listed him as questionable on the injury report. The 2025 NBA Rookie of the Year is battling an illness, which could force him out of the lineup for the first time since Dec. 8. Castle just notched his seventh double-double of the season, building on his impressive rookie year with a strong sophomore campaign. If Castle is unavailable against Minnesota, Dylan Harper and Lindy Waters III are likely to see increased playing time.

15 hours ago

Keon Ellis • SG • Kings

Keon Ellis Out Friday Night

Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (knee) won't be in action on Friday night against the Washington Wizards. Ellis was a late addition to the injury report due to a knee problem, and the team has downgraded his status from questionable to out. It has been a frustrating season for Ellis, who has had an inconsistent role with the Kings. After logging 20-plus minutes regularly at the start of the month, Ellis was limited to only five minutes in Wednesday's win over the New York Knicks. Dennis Schroder is set to return from his suspension on Friday and will take Ellis's spot in the rotation.

15 hours ago

Tari Eason • SF • Rockets

Tari Eason Still Out Friday

Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (ankle) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Initially, there was hope Eason could return from a three-game absence when the team listed him as questionable on the injury report. Unfortunately, he will miss at least one more game with a right ankle sprain, as Houston has now officially ruled him out. Josh Okogie has a larger role without Eason, but he hasn't been a productive fantasy contributor. Eason's next chance to return will be on Sunday against the New Orleans Pelicans.

15 hours ago

Deni Avdija • SF • Trail Blazers

Deni Avdija Unlikely to Play Against Lakers

Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward Deni Avdija (back) is listed as doubtful for a meeting with the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night. Avdija is having a big season, but unfortunately, he injured his back in a recent game against the New York Knicks. He is now likely to sit out a third consecutive game. Sidy Cissoko has been starting during Avdija's absence, but he faces extra competition for playing time after Jerami Grant returned to the lineup on Thursday against the Atlanta Hawks. While Grant made his comeback in a bench role, he could be an option to start sooner rather than later. Players like Grant, Jrue Holiday, and Shaedon Sharpe have more offensive usage with Avdija out.

15 hours ago

Deandre Ayton • C • Lakers

Deandre Ayton Questionable for Saturday's Tilt

Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (knee) has landed on the injury report with a questionable designation ahead of Saturday's favorable fantasy matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers. Only five teams have allowed more fantasy points to centers than the Trail Blazers, but Ayton may have to sit this one out due to a sore left knee. Jaxson Hayes (hamstring) is also questionable for the game, meaning Maxi Kleber and Drew Timme could be the Lakers' lone natural options at center. The team may also turn to Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt to fill out some of the minutes at the five position.

15 hours ago

Luka Dončić • PG • Lakers

Luka Doncic Won't Play Saturday

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Luka Doncic (groin) has been ruled out for Saturday's tilt against the Portland Trail Blazers. The NBA's leading scorer is dealing with soreness in his left groin and will sit out at least one game. This is the front end of a back-to-back for the Lakers, so it's possible Doncic is simply getting some time off to rest. LeBron James' offensive usage will increase on Saturday, and Deandre Ayton (knee) may also get more scoring opportunities if he shakes off a questionable tag. Kobe Bufkin and Gabe Vincent are the prime candidates to fill in for Doncic in the starting unit.

15 hours ago

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