NBA News

Drake Powell • SG • Nets

Drake Powell Called Up by Brooklyn on Saturday

Brooklyn Nets guard/forward Drake Powell was recalled from the G-League's Long Island Nets on Saturday after being assigned there earlier in the week. The Nets also exercised the 21-year-old's 2027-28 team option in late October. Powell averaged 6.5 points and 1.8 rebounds in 20.9 minutes while shooting 40.2% from the field as a rookie, but he has struggled to crack Brooklyn's rotation this season and did not play Saturday against Atlanta. With several young guards competing for opportunities, Powell will need to earn consistent minutes before becoming much of a fantasy factor.

5 hours ago

Yves Missi • C • Pelicans

Yves Missi Remains Out for Sunday

New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi (knee) is out for Sunday's road matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers as he continues to recover from a bone bruise suffered Oct. 23 against Utah. The 22-year-old has resumed some on-court work but is still not 100 percent. Missi opened the season with 13 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, two steals, and three blocks against Indiana, showing the fantasy upside he can provide when healthy. In his absence, Derik Queen has carved out a larger role and is averaging 13.4 points and 7.9 rebounds, while Karlo Matkovic has also become a regular part of the center rotation.

5 hours ago

Nic Claxton • C • Bulls

Nic Claxton Carries Questionable Tag for Sunday

Chicago Bulls center Nic Claxton (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers. A left hamstring strain has sidelined him for all eight games since Chicago acquired him from Brooklyn in June. Asked Friday whether Claxton would play, head coach Tiago Splitter said "probably," per K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network, while noting a minutes restriction is likely. The 27-year-old averaged 11.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.1 blocks last season. Splitter plans to test Claxton alongside Jalen Smith (finger), so Smith's value may not take as big a hit as expected.

5 hours ago

Jalen Smith • PF • Bulls

Jalen Smith Listed as Probable for Sunday

Chicago Bulls forward/center Jalen Smith (finger) is probable for Sunday's matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers. Smith left Wednesday's loss to the Knicks after seven minutes when he landed awkwardly on his injured left hand. According to K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network, Smith expects to play Sunday. Before that shortened outing, the 26-year-old was averaging 12.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists as Chicago's starting center. The bigger concern for Smith's fantasy value is Nic Claxton (hamstring), who is questionable and could make his Bulls debut Sunday, potentially pushing Smith back to the second unit.

5 hours ago

Joel Embiid • C • 76ers

Joel Embiid Expected to Play Sunday in Chicago

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (foot) is probable for Sunday afternoon's matchup with the Chicago Bulls as he continues to manage a plantar fascia issue. Embiid has sat the second leg of both Philadelphia back-to-backs this season but is trending toward playing Sunday. The 32-year-old followed a 26-point, 15-rebound effort against Detroit with an 0-for-9 shooting night Friday in Cleveland, and he is just 3-for-28 from deep this season. With Adem Bona (neck) ruled out, the Sixers are thin behind him at center, though Embiid's workload remains worth watching after he was limited to 25 minutes against Chicago last Monday.

5 hours ago

Keegan Murray • PF • Kings

Keegan Murray Carries Questionable Tag Versus Miami

Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's matchup with the Miami Heat, according to FOX40's Sean Cunningham. Murray has not played since Oct. 23 after soreness and stiffness developed in the ankle that required surgery in May, with the issue later diagnosed as capsulitis. The 26-year-old averaged just 7.0 points and 3.0 rebounds on 29.4% shooting through his first two games. If cleared, Murray will likely have his minutes monitored. Precious Achiuwa has filled in effectively, averaging 10.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.0 steals, and 1.7 blocks, but his workload figures to shrink as Murray works his way back into the rotation.

6 hours ago

Yanic Konan Niederhauser • C • Clippers

Yanic Konan Niederhauser Still Sidelined Sunday

Los Angeles Clippers center Yanic Konan Niederhauser (foot) remains out for Sunday's matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans as he continues working back from Lisfranc surgery. The 23-year-old was recently assigned to the G-League's San Diego Clippers before being recalled, and Los Angeles also picked up his 2027-28 team option. Niederhauser averaged 8.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks in 18.2 minutes over his final five games last season before the injury ended his rookie campaign. With Isaiah Jackson (groin) also sidelined, Niederhauser could eventually work his way into the center rotation once he is cleared and fully up to speed.

15 hours ago

Mikel Brown Jr. • PG • Nets

Mikel Brown Jr. Ruled Out Versus Mavericks

Brooklyn Nets guard Mikel Brown Jr. (rest) will not play Sunday against the Dallas Mavericks as the team continues to hold him out of back-to-backs, according to Brian Lewis of the New York Post. Head coach Jordi Fernandez has said the No. 6 overall pick is not close to having those restrictions lifted. Brown has flashed some scoring upside lately, putting up 18 points Wednesday against Charlotte before matching that total Saturday in Atlanta. With Egor Demin (leg) also sidelined, Nolan Traore should remain busy in the backcourt. Brown's workload will continue to require some planning from fantasy managers for the foreseeable future.

15 hours ago

Ja Morant • PG • Trail Blazers

Ja Morant's Hamstring Injury Might Not be as Bad as Feared

Portland Trail Blazers guard Ja Morant (hamstring) received an encouraging update from head coach Micah Nori, who said the injury "might not be as extensive as what we thought it was," according to Conor Bergin of Blazer's Edge. Morant was diagnosed with a Grade 2 strain on Oct. 30 and is still scheduled to be re-evaluated four weeks from that date. The 27-year-old averaged 15.8 points, 5.5 assists, and 2.5 rebounds in 25.8 minutes through four games. Until he's back, Jrue Holiday should remain one of Portland's main creators after turning in 17 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds against Denver on Nov. 2.

15 hours ago

Brandon Ingram • SF • Clippers

Brandon Ingram Remains Out for Sunday

Los Angeles Clippers guard/forward Brandon Ingram (Achilles) remains out for Sunday's matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans, according to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. Ingram has yet to make his Clippers debut after undergoing heel surgery in May that also addressed a partially torn Achilles tendon, but he has progressed to full-contact basketball work. The 29-year-old averaged 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists over 77 games with Toronto last season. His eventual return would give a 1-7 Clippers team, currently 26th in scoring, another proven shot creator alongside Darius Garland.

15 hours ago

Isaiah Jackson • PF • Clippers

Isaiah Jackson Won't Suit Up Sunday

Los Angeles Clippers center Isaiah Jackson (groin) is out for Sunday's matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans, according to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. Jackson first landed on the injury report Wednesday but played through the soreness against Miami, logging a season-low 13 minutes. The 24-year-old recently moved to the bench but responded with 19 points on 9-for-11 shooting against Toronto on Monday. Brook Lopez should continue handling the bulk of the center minutes after playing 35 minutes Wednesday, while rookie Baba Miller is in line for additional backup work with Jackson unavailable.

16 hours ago

Egor Demin • PG • Nets

Egor Demin Ruled Out Sunday Against Dallas

Brooklyn Nets guard Egor Demin (leg) is out for Sunday's matchup with the Dallas Mavericks, according to Brian Lewis of the New York Post. It will be his sixth straight absence since suffering a bone bruise Oct. 27 against Boston. Head coach Jordi Fernandez said Saturday that the 20-year-old is progressing and will be re-evaluated next week. Demin is averaging 7.8 points and 2.8 assists in 21.8 minutes, though 22 of those points came in one game against Cleveland. Nolan Traore should continue getting extra backcourt work while Demin is sidelined, with Keon Ellis also remaining in the rotation.

16 hours ago

Deandre Ayton • C • Wizards

Deandre Ayton Exits Saturday with Lower-Leg Injury

Washington Wizards center Deandre Ayton (leg) was ruled out for the remainder of Saturday's matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder after leaving in the first half. Ayton finished with two points and one rebound in seven minutes after coming off the bench, with Bilal Coulibaly replacing him in the starting lineup. The 28-year-old entered Saturday averaging just 5.4 points and 4.6 rebounds through seven games. With Anthony Davis (ankle) and Tristan Vukcevic (hip) already sidelined, Alexandre Sarr could be asked to handle an even larger share of the frontcourt work if Ayton cannot play Monday in Detroit.

16 hours ago

Gary Payton II • PG • Warriors

Gary Payton II Good to Go on Saturday

Golden State Warriors guard/forward Gary Payton II (calf) is available for Saturday's matchup with the Orlando Magic, according to ESPN's Anthony Slater. Payton entered the day questionable with tightness and soreness but will avoid an absence and remain part of Golden State's bench rotation. The 33-year-old is averaging 5.1 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.7 steals in 13.4 minutes through nine games. He played just 10 minutes in Thursday's win over Miami, so even with a clean bill of health, his limited workload leaves most of his fantasy appeal tied to steals and efficient scoring in short bursts.

18 hours ago

Gui Santos • SF • Warriors

Gui Santos Back in the Lineup Saturday

Golden State Warriors forward Gui Santos (knee) is available for Saturday's matchup with the Orlando Magic, according to ESPN's Anthony Slater. Santos missed the past two games with knee tendinitis but practiced Friday before receiving clearance. The 24-year-old is averaging 7.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 20.1 minutes through six appearances. He could be eased back into action, though his return likely pushes Will Richard back to the bench. With Jimmy Butler III (knee) and Moses Moody (knee) still sidelined, Santos should have a path to steady wing minutes once he is fully up to speed.

19 hours ago

Draymond Green • PF • Warriors

Draymond Green Cleared to Play Saturday Versus Orlando

Golden State Warriors forward/center Draymond Green (elbow) is available for Saturday's matchup with the Orlando Magic, according to ESPN's Anthony Slater. Green entered the day questionable with inflammation and soreness but will be in the lineup as Golden State chases a seventh straight win. The 36-year-old is coming off two points, five rebounds, and a season-high 11 assists in Thursday's win over Miami. He is averaging just 3.0 points but continues to contribute 7.0 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.8 combined steals and blocks. Green should settle back into his usual playmaking and frontcourt role against an Orlando team missing Paolo Banchero (ankle).

19 hours ago

Anthony Davis • C • Wizards

Anthony Davis Ruled Out Again on Saturday

Washington Wizards forward/center Anthony Davis (ankle) is out for Saturday's matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder, head coach Brian Keefe told reporters. Davis sprained his ankle Wednesday against Atlanta and will now miss a second straight game. The 33-year-old was averaging 23.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists while shooting 50.0% from the field through eight appearances. Deandre Ayton started in his place Friday and should remain the most direct beneficiary, while Alexandre Sarr could also see more frontcourt responsibility. Davis' next chance to return comes Monday in Detroit.

19 hours ago

Jaylon Tyson • SG • Cavaliers

Jaylon Tyson Misses Fifth Straight Game

Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Jaylon Tyson (ankle) is out for Saturday's matchup with the New York Knicks, marking his fifth consecutive absence. Tyson has resumed on-court work, and head coach Kenny Atkinson said he is "progressing well" and that the injury is not expected to be long-term. The 23-year-old averaged 7.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while shooting 22.7% from three over his first five games. Mario Hezonja, Tyrese Proctor, and Meleek Thomas should continue seeing opportunities while Tyson is sidelined, but that group could face a tighter rotation once he returns.

19 hours ago

Sam Merrill • SG • Cavaliers

Sam Merrill Misses First Game of the Season

Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Sam Merrill (elbow) is out for Saturday's matchup with the New York Knicks after leaving Friday's win over Philadelphia after 13 minutes. Merrill has dealt with the elbow issue since the preseason, and Cleveland is taking a cautious approach after it flared up again. The 30-year-old is a career 39.5% shooter from deep but has connected on just 32.6% of his threes through nine games this season. His absence should create a few more chances for Meleek Thomas and Tyrese Proctor, with Thomas especially worth watching after knocking down 46.9% of his three-point attempts over his first six appearances.

19 hours ago

Jarrett Allen • C • Cavaliers

Jarrett Allen Ruled Out Again Saturday Versus Knicks

Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (knee) will miss Saturday's matchup with the New York Knicks, his second straight absence with a knee contusion. Allen suffered the injury Wednesday against Oklahoma City, and Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com reported that it is not considered serious. The 28-year-old is averaging 13.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks this season. Evan Mobley should spend another night handling most of the center minutes, which gives him more opportunities around the rim, while Thomas Bryant could again pick up a small bump off the bench.

19 hours ago

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