NBA News
Moritz Wagner Won't Return On Saturday
Orlando Magic forward Moritz Wagner (knee) has been ruled out for the rest of Saturday's game against the Miami Heat. Wagner was only able to play a few minutes before suffering a left knee injury. The Magic are getting blown out at halftime, so they've decided to take the cautious approach and hold out Wagner. This comes at a bad time with fellow big man Wendell Carter Jr. being ejected from this contest. Goga Bitadze is likely going to play heavy minutes on Saturday and could see more playing time coming his way if Wagner misses time.
4 hours ago
Dalano Banton Won't Play On Saturday
Portland Trail Blazers guard Dalano Banton (hip) has been ruled out ahead of Saturday's game against the San Antonio Spurs. Banton was listed as questionable coming into this game, but he will now miss his second game in a row due to a lingering hip issue. His absence won't have a huge impact on the rotation considering Banton is only averaging 16 minutes per game. The expectation is that Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe will absorb a few more minutes which should give them an uptick in value for Saturday's game.
4 hours ago
Royce O'Neale Moves Into Starting Five
Phoenix Suns forward Royce O'Neale will shift into the starting five ahead of Saturday's game against the Detroit Pistons. This was the expected move with Devin Booker (groin) unavailable for this game. It was either between O'Neale or Grayson Allen, but head coach Mike Budenholzer has decided to go with the veteran forward. O'Neale has been playing well lately, so a move to the starting five should only boost his fantasy value. Fantasy managers looking for help on Saturday should take a look at O'Neale. His value figures to stay boosted until Booker is able to get back on the court.
4 hours ago
Jaden Ivey Available On Saturday
Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey (knee) is available ahead of Saturday's game against the Phoenix Suns. As expected, Ivey will make his return to the court after missing each of the last two games due to knee inflammation. His return figures to push Ausar Thompson back to the bench where he won't have as great of streaming appeal. Also, Malik Beasley figures to lose some minutes as well with Ivey back in the picture. Ivey has been on a cold streak lately, but hopefully can turn it around on Saturday. Fantasy managers in season-long formats should feel safe about plugging him back into their lineups.
4 hours ago
Paul George Cleared To Play On Saturday
Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (knee) will play against the Cavs on Saturday. The veteran was listed as questionable due to his nagging knee injury. Fortunately, he'll be out there. As usual, George is a must-start fantasy option in any format. But with Joel Embiid (rest) getting the night off, George could see a surge in production versus arguably the best team in the National Basketball Association.
5 hours ago
Giannis Antetokounmpo Now Out On Saturday
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (back) won't play against the Washington Wizards. The veteran is no stranger to the league's official injury report. However, instead of his usual knee issue, back spasms will keep him off the floor on Saturday night. With Damian Lillard (calf) also out, the team will look to Khris Middleton (ankles), Bobby Portis, and Brook Lopez to lead things offensively. There's also streaming potential for Ryan Rollins and Andre Jackson Jr. with both men entering the starting lineup versus Washington.
5 hours ago
Draymond Green Expected To Suit Up Saturday
According to Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.com, Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (ankle) is expected to play against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday. Green was added to the injury list early on Saturday due to a sore left ankle. The 34-year-old hopes to recover after a rough outing on Thursday against Memphis, where he was unable to score a point, grab any rebounds, or log any assists in 19 minutes of playing time.
5 hours ago
Moses Moody Out Versus Minnesota
According to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk, Golden State Warriors forward/guard Moses Moody will not play against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday due to soreness in his left knee. Head coach Steve Kerr said Moody felt "a little sore" after a scrimmage on Friday. The 22-year-old hasn't impacted fantasy basketball much, as he's averaged 7.4 points and 1.9 rebounds in 15.6 minutes across 23 games this season. Look for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to receive extra time and scoring opportunities coming off the bench while Moody is out.
5 hours ago
Joel Embiid Resting Versus Cleveland
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (rest) won't play on Saturday versus Cleveland. The multi-time All-Star missed more time recently due to a sinus fracture. However, he returned for Friday's game against the Charlotte Hornets and had a monster performance, finishing with a game-high 34 points with nine assists, five boards, two steals, and two blocks. He'll likely be back for Monday's game against the Spurs. In the meantime, Andre Drummond, averaging 8.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 1.8 steals in 13 starts this season, should be featured in all fantasy lineups. Tyrese Maxey could also see an uptick in scoring with Embiid out, even more so if Paul George (knee) is sidelined.
6 hours ago
Jalen Suggs Unavailable Saturday
The Orlando Magic announced that guard Jalen Suggs (ankle) will not suit up against the Miami Heat on Saturday due to an ankle injury he suffered against OKC on Thursday. He was probable on Orlando's initial injury report but was downgraded to questionable, and he is now officially out. With the 23-year-old sidelined, Anthony Black will likely start. Cory Joseph and Cole Anthony could also see more action coming off the bench against the Heat.
6 hours ago
Keyonte George Won't Face Nets Saturday
Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (ankle) is unavailable for Saturday's contest with the Brooklyn Nets due to a left ankle sprain. George has been reliable for fantasy managers, but unfortunately, he is set to miss his second game this season. In the wake of the 21-year-olds absence, players like Jordan Clarkson and Johnny Juzang will likely absorb some of the minutes that will be available. Patty Mills and Isaiah Collier could also see more playing while George is sidelined.
6 hours ago
Khris Middleton Cleared To Face Washington
Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (ankles) will play on Saturday against Washington. The veteran had bilateral ankle surgery during the offseason and has played sparingly this season. He also missed time recently due to an illness. With that in mind, Middleton has averaged only 8.4 points in 20.8 minutes in his five appearances this season. However, with Damian Lillard (calf) out and Giannis Antetokounmpo (back) unlikely to play, Middleton could be in store for his most productive game of the 2024-25 campaign.
6 hours ago
Giannis Antetokounmpo Not Expected To Play On Saturday
According to Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers, forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (back) is unlikely to suit up for Saturday's game against the Wizards. The multi-time All-Star has been on a roll this season, averaging a career-high 32.7 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks. He's also missed only two games, although Saturday will mark his third. With Damian Lillard (calf) out again, Khris Middleton (ankles), who will play, could be in line for his best game of the season. Bobby Portis, Brook Lopez, Taurean Prince, and Gary Trent Jr. are also on tap for more production, making them all viable fantasy options.
6 hours ago
Josh Giddey Out Versus Boston
Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (ankle) won't play on Saturday against the Celtics. He has a sprained ankle and wasn't available when these clubs met on Thursday night. As a result, Ayo Dosunmu entered the starting lineup and finished with 17 points, eight rebounds, and two steals. Dosunmu has been a starting fantasy option for most of the year. However, his ceiling is higher with Giddey out of commission. Zach LaVine, who had 36 points on Thursday, could also continue to benefit.
6 hours ago
Trae Young Unavailable Against Memphis
According to Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network, Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (heel) won't suit up for Saturday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies due to a right heel contusion. Young will miss his second game in the 2024-25 season. He hasn't been scoring as much recently, but he's provided plenty of assists to his teammates, averaging 12.2 assists across 27 contests. While the 26-year-old is sidelined, expect veteran guard Bogdan Bogdanovic to see an uptick in playing time.
6 hours ago
Dorian Finney-Smith Ruled Out Against Utah
Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith (calf) won't play in Saturday's game against the Jazz. The veteran has had one of the best years of his career, averaging 10.8 points and shooting 45.2% from behind the arc. It's unknown how severe his current calf contusion is, so fantasy managers will be left wondering if he'll be ready to go when the Nets play the Heat in South Beach on Monday night. In the meantime, Cameron Johnson might slide over to the four, with Jalen Wilson and Keon Johnson gaining more fantasy value due to an anticipated increase in minutes and scoring opportunities.
6 hours ago
Ja Morant Out Again On Saturday Night
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (back) won't play on Saturday against the Hawks. The 2019 No. 2 overall pick hasn't played his best this season, averaging 21.2 points. He'll also miss his 12th game after appearing in only nine contests during the 2023-24 campaign. It's unknown if Morant will be ready to go when the Grizzlies play the Clippers on Monday night. But until he is back on the floor, Scotty Pippen Jr. is worth starting, with the 24-year-old averaging 14.3 points, 5.9 assists, and 1.4 steals in 10 appearances with the first-five this season.
7 hours ago
Jimmy Butler Unavailable Against Magic
Due to an illness, Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (illness) will not suit up against the Orlando Magic on Saturday. Butler played on Friday against OKC but only seven minutes due to a stomach bug. Saturday's contest will be the sixth game he's missed this season. Tyler Herro, who had 28 points on Friday, should be a lock across all fantasy formats in his absence. Duncan Robinson and Jaime Jaquez Jr. will likely also see more scoring opportunities with Butler out.
7 hours ago
Damian Lillard Ruled Out On Saturday
Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (calf) won't suit up Saturday versus the Washington Wizards due to a right calf strain. Lillard will miss a second consecutive game since posting 23 points and shooting 5-for-10 from behind the arc in the NBA Cup final on Tuesday. AJ Green started in place of Lillard on Friday and will likely get the nod to start again on Saturday. Delon Wright could also see more action as well against the Wizards.
7 hours ago
Anthony Davis Expected To Suit Up Saturday
Los Angeles Lakers center Anthony Davis (elbow) has been upgraded to probable for Saturday's matchup with the Sacramento Kings. Davis has battled through several injuries this season, but his new left elbow injury won't likely keep him out of Saturday's contest. The 31-year-old has only missed one game so far this season and has averaged 27.5 points and 11.7 rebounds. If the big man suits up, he is a must-start across all fantasy formats.
7 hours ago
Moritz Wagner
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