NBA News

Derrick Jones Jr. • SF • Clippers

Derrick Jones Jr. Off the Injury Report

Los Angeles Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. (knee) is set to suit up on Wednesday against the Dallas Mavericks after the team removed him from the injury report. The former dunk champion has missed a month with a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his right knee. Health issues have limited Jones Jr. to 17 appearances this season, but he's done well when active. Across 24.2 minutes per game, Jones Jr. has notched 10.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks. On Wednesday, Jones Jr.'s workload may be limited due to his lengthy absence.

6 hours ago

Scotty Pippen Jr. • PG • Grizzlies

Scotty Pippen Jr. Tagged as Doubtful for Wednesday

Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe) has been upgraded to doubtful on the injury report ahead of Wednesday's encounter with the Sacramento Kings. The second-generation NBA player has been sidelined for the entire campaign so far after undergoing toe surgery in October. Recently, Pippen Jr. had a G League stint with the Grizzlies' affiliate for practice, and he appears to be nearing his season debut. After the team traded away key players, Pippen Jr. may have a big role to play for Memphis over the final stretch of the season. Last campaign, the 25-year-old averaged 9.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.3 steals per game.

6 hours ago

Santi Aldama • PF • Grizzlies

Santi Aldama Uncertain to Suit Up Wednesday

Memphis Grizzlies forward/center Santi Aldama (knee) is at risk of missing a fifth consecutive game, as the team has listed him as questionable for Wednesday's meeting with the Sacramento Kings. The Spanish big man is managing a knee injury. Memphis could really use Aldama on Wednesday after trading away Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jock Landale. When healthy, Aldama has put up solid numbers, averaging 14.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game.

7 hours ago

Domantas Sabonis • C • Kings

Domantas Sabonis Questionable for Wednesday

Sacramento Kings forward/center Domantas Sabonis (back) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. The Lithuanian star has missed a couple of games due to lower back soreness. He appears to be nearing a return after participating in Tuesday's practice. Whether Sabonis plays against Memphis may not depend solely on his health, as the three-time All-Star has been linked with a move away from the team, and Sacramento might decide to protect its asset. Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell have been sharing center duties during Sabonis' absence.

7 hours ago

Russell Westbrook • PG • Kings

Russell Westbrook Available Wednesday Night

Sacramento Kings point guard Russell Westbrook (foot) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Wednesday's matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies. The former MVP has shaken off foot soreness, which cost him three games. Although Westbrook has been productive with the Kings this season, he has struggled against the Grizzlies. In two games in the matchup, the veteran star has averaged 7.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists, with 25.0 percent shooting from the field.

7 hours ago

Darius Garland • PG • Clippers

Darius Garland Traded to Clippers

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland has been traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, along with a second-round pick, in exchange for guard James Harden. Garland's name popped up in rumors over the weekend after the Cavaliers acquired Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis from the Sacramento Kings. The connection to the Clippers happened late Monday night when news of Harden's trade request came to light. Garland is averaging 18.8 PPG and 6.9 APG. He should be able to fill the facilitator role well in Los Angeles, though Clippers fans may need to wait to see him debut. He's dealing with a toe injury that's forced him to miss the last nine games for Cleveland. With his return still undetermined, Los Angeles may not see Garland suit up until after the All-Star break.

7 hours ago

James Harden • SG • Cavaliers

James Harden Traded to Cavaliers

Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden has been traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for guard Darius Garland and a second-round pick. His trade request came as a surprise to many on Monday night, and the connection to Cleveland started immediately. The 36-year-old will join Donovan Mitchell in the Cavaliers' backcourt. Harden is scoring 25.4 points per game this season, his highest mark since the 2019-2020 season. With Mitchell already averaging 28.8 points per game, there may be a question about how the ball will be shared, but ultimately, Harden should benefit positively from an assist perspective with intriguing weapons around him.

7 hours ago

Payton Pritchard • PG • Celtics |

Baylor Scheierman • SG • Celtics

Payton Pritchard Drops to Second Unit Tuesday

Boston Celtics point guard Payton Pritchard will come off the bench for the first time this season on Tuesday against the Dallas Mavericks. Baylor Scheierman will start in his place. Boston has lost scoring from the second unit after trading Anfernee Simons to Chicago, and Pritchard will help to fill that gap. Last season, he was one of the most productive bench players in the league. Scheierman has produced 8.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game in his previous four starts this season.

7 hours ago

Amir Coffey • PF • Bucks

Amir Coffey Starting Tuesday

Milwaukee Bucks forward Amir Coffey will make his first start of the season on Tuesday against the Chicago Bulls. He will take Bobby Portis' (hip) spot in the starting lineup. This could be the first of back-to-back starts for Coffey, as Milwaukee also plays on Wednesday night against the New Orleans Pelicans, and it's unclear whether Portis can rejoin the lineup. Across his previous 67 career starts, Coffey has averaged 12.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists.

8 hours ago

Alex Caruso • SG • Thunder

Alex Caruso Available Tuesday

Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Alex Caruso (adductor) will return to action on Tuesday against the Orlando Magic. The two-time NBA champion has been dealing with a right adductor strain, missing six games. Caruso has averaged 1.4 steals per game this season, while contributing 6.1 points in 18.2 minutes on the offensive end. Oklahoma City begins a back-to-back on Tuesday, so Caruso may only see limited action against Orlando, especially after being out for two weeks.

8 hours ago

Isaiah Hartenstein • C • Thunder

Isaiah Hartenstein Good to Go Tuesday

Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (illness) will play on Tuesday night against the Orlando Magic. The team has upgraded Hartenstein's status from questionable to available. He will make his third appearance since returning from a calf injury. In his first couple of games back in the lineup, Hartenstein has averaged 9.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in 20.0 minutes. With Hartenstein in the lineup on Tuesday, it appears unlikely he will suit up for Wednesday's tilt against the San Antonio Spurs, which should grant Jaylin Williams increased playing time.

8 hours ago

Jaylin Williams • PF • Thunder | Jaylin Williams • PF

Jaylin Williams is Cleared for Tuesday

Oklahoma City Thunder center Jaylin Williams (shoulder) has been cleared to suit up ahead of Tuesday's game against the Orlando Magic. He came into this game questionable due to a left shoulder contusion. It doesn't seem to be serious enough to keep Williams from suiting up. Fellow big man Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) is active, so Williams figures to remain in his regular role in the rotation. This season, Williams is averaging 5.6 points, 2.5 assists, and 4.7 rebounds across 18.8 minutes per game. Williams has been playing better lately and could be worth a look as a deep league streaming option for Tuesday.

8 hours ago

Chet Holmgren • C • Thunder

Chet Holmgren Cleared to Play Tuesday

Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center Chet Holmgren (back) will play in Tuesday's matchup with the Orlando Magic. Holmgren had a questionable tag on the initial injury report due to lower back spasms, but he has been upgraded to available. The talented big man has been quiet for a pair of contests after his double-double streak ended on three games. Across his last 10 appearances, Holmgren has averaged 16.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks.

8 hours ago

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander • PG • Thunder

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is Upgraded to Available

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (finger) has been upgraded to available to play ahead of Tuesday's game against the Orlando Magic. He was listed as questionable coming into this game due to a sprained right index finger. It doesn't appear to be serious enough to keep Gilgeous-Alexander off the court. There is a concern that the finger issue could affect his shooting ability. Despite that, Gilgeous-Alexander needs to be started in all fantasy formats, even with a banged-up finger. Fantasy managers should get him active in their lineups ahead of tip-off.

8 hours ago

Myron Gardner • SF • Heat

Myron Gardner Makes Second Career Start

Miami Heat small forward Myron Gardner will fill in for Andrew Wiggins (hamstring) in the starting lineup on Tuesday against the Atlanta Hawks, making his second career start. Gardner's first start occurred a couple of games back, and he performed well in a clash with the Chicago Bulls. Across 23 minutes of action, the 24-year-old rookie notched 12 points, 11 rebounds, and two steals. Davion Mitchell, Pelle Larsson, Simone Fontecchio, and Bam Adebayo will also start for the Heat. These teams play at the highest pace in the NBA, creating a perfect environment for big fantasy lines.

8 hours ago

Julian Phillips • SF • Bulls

Julian Phillips is Sitting Out on Tuesday

Chicago Bulls forward Julian Phillips (wrist) is ruled out ahead of Tuesday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Phillips made his return from a two-game absence on Friday, but is still dealing with this lingering wrist issue. The team will take the cautious approach and hold him out of Tuesday's contest. His absence shouldn't have a huge impact on the rotation, given he's only averaging 9.6 minutes per game. Dalen Terry and Isaac Okoro figure to see more run with Phillips sidelined for this game.

8 hours ago

Kevin Porter Jr. • PG • Bucks

Kevin Porter Jr. Could Return Wednesday

Milwaukee Bucks point guard Kevin Porter Jr. (oblique) could return to action on Wednesday against the New Orleans Pelicans, The Athletic's Eric Nehm reports. He will miss a sixth straight game on Tuesday against the Chicago Bulls. However, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers sounded optimistic about Porter Jr.'s chances to play this week. If he can't make it back on Wednesday, he will have a good chance to play in Friday's matchup with the Indiana Pacers. With Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) out of the lineup and potentially out of town soon, Porter Jr.'s fantasy stock could explode. In games without Antetokounmpo, Porter Jr. has averaged 20.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 8.4 assists this season.

8 hours ago

Bobby Portis • PF • Bucks

Bobby Portis Ruled Out Tuesday

Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (hip) won't suit up against the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday. The 30-year-old veteran is dealing with a right hip contusion and his next chance to play is Wednesday against the Pelicans. With Portis of action for tonight's contest, Gary Trent and Pete Nance could see more frontcourt minutes than usual, but neither player brings much to the table fantasy-wise.

8 hours ago

Tre Jones • PG • Bulls

Tre Jones is Available, but Unlikely to Play

Chicago Bulls guard Tre Jones (hamstring) is available ahead of Tuesday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. According to K.C. Johnson, Jones will dress, but he's unlikely to play during Tuesday's contest. He has been sidelined since late January due to a lingering hamstring issue. The Bulls are extremely shorthanded at the guard spot, but it sounds like they don't want to use Jones if they don't have to . That means Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu are likely going to see heavy minutes, with Jones unlikely to dress for this game.

8 hours ago

Austin Reaves • SG • Lakers

Austin Reaves Active Tuesday, Will Come Off the Bench

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (calf) will make his long-awaited comeback on Tuesday against the Brooklyn Nets, ESPN's Dave McMenamin reports. After being listed as questionable for a couple of games, Reaves is finally ready to return from a calf injury he sustained on Christmas Day. Reaves will be under a minute restriction on Tuesday and won't start. Still, it's great to see him back in action, and it shouldn't take long for Reaves to get back up to speed. His return will affect the playing time of Marcus Smart and Gabe Vincent.

9 hours ago

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