NBA News
LaMelo Ball Not Expected To Play On Monday
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (ankle) is doubtful for Monday's game against the Bulls. The 23-year-old is having the best season of his career from a statistical standpoint, averaging 30.1 points with 7.4 assists, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals. However, he's missed nine of Charlotte's 31 games this season. With Brandon Miller (ankle) also not expected to suit up, Miles Bridges could continue to benefit. Vasilije Micic and Tidjane Salaun might also be worth streaming, assuming Ball and Miller are ruled out.
15 hours ago
Ayo Dosunmu Doubtful Versus The Hornets
Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu (calf) is listed as doubtful for Monday's matchup with the Hornets. It was recently reported the 24-year-old would miss at least 10 days. However, the doubtful designation indicates he has a chance of suiting up on Monday evening. But fantasy managers shouldn't expect to Dosunmu on the floor after he injured his calf during a meeting with the Bucks on December 23. Without him, Lonzo Ball could receive more work, at least when he's available. There is also room for Dalen Terry to get more involved, although he's not a reliable fantasy option.
16 hours ago
Cameron Johnson Exits Sunday's Meeting With Orlando
Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson (hip) didn't return to Sunday's loss to the Magic. The former Tar Heel is having a career-year, averaging 19.5 points and shooting 42.9% from behind the arc. He has also missed only two games after appearing in only 58 contests during the 2023-24 campaign. But with Johnson now dealing with left hip soreness after missing Friday's game because of a right hip contusion, there's a good chance he won't be on the floor versus the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday. Fortunately, Cam Thomas (hamstring) returned from a lengthy stint on the shelf. D'Angelo Russell, recently acquired from the Lakers, Keon Johnson, and Noah Clowney may also be in line for more scoring opportunities. .
16 hours ago
Jalen Suggs Injured On Sunday Afternoon
Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (wrist) didn't return to Sunday's narrow win over the Nets. The 23-year-old logged only 13 minutes versus Brooklyn, finishing with eight points. Fortunately, the Magic don't play again until Wednesday in Detroit. But Orlando is already without Moritz Wagner (knee), Paolo Banchero (oblique), and Franz Wagner (oblique), so adding Suggs to the extensive injury list wouldn't enhance the team's chances of climbing the standings in the Eastern Conference. If he doesn't play, Tristan Da Silva, Goga Bitadze, and Wendell Carter Jr. could benefit, with Cole Anthony also in line to see an increase in scoring opportunities.
16 hours ago
Cameron Johnson Will Play On Sunday
Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson (hip) is available for Sunday's game against the Orlando Magic. Johnson is back in the mix after missing their last game due to a right hip contusion. He has been the primary scoring option with Cam Thomas (hamstring) sidelined for the last few weeks. However, Thomas is back for Sunday's game, so Johnson will probably see a reduced role on offense going forward. Despite that, Johnson is still an important piece to this roster and should be started in most fantasy formats.
21 hours ago
Cam Thomas Returning On Sunday
Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas (hamstring) is available for Sunday's game against the Orlando Magic. Thomas is back in the mix after missing the last 13 games due to a strained left hamstring. The assumption is that Thomas is going to be operating under a minutes limit during his first game back. That being said, Thomas won't be an ideal DFS option for Sunday, but fantasy managers in season-long formats can get him back in their lineups. He should be back up to full speed after a game or two.
21 hours ago
Shake Milton Lands With Lakers
The Brooklyn Nets have traded guard Shake Milton and forward Dorian Finney-Smith to the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. In exchange, the Nets will receive guard D'Angelo Russell, forward Maxwell Lewis, and three second round picks. This was a good time to trade Milton after back-to-back solid performances. The 28-year-old probably won't be anything more than depth on this Lakers roster. He'll be forced to compete for playing time with Gabe Vincent and Dalton Knecht. This move to the Lakers probably doesn't do much for his fantasy value.
21 hours ago
Dorian Finney-Smith Headed To Lakers
The Brooklyn Nets have traded forward Dorian Finney-Smith and guard Shake Milton to the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. In exchange, the Nets will receive guard D'Angelo Russell, forward Maxwell Lewis, and three second round picks. It's not shocking to see the rebuilding Nets move the 31-year-old forward. Finney-Smith doesn't put up flashy stats, but he's a solid 3-and-D player. It's unclear how he'll fit into the Lakers rotation. A team that already has plenty of forwards including, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Cam Reddish, and Dalton Knecht. Finney-Smith has been averaging 28 minutes per game with the Nets and that's likely to dip with the move to the Lakers. Milton is likely also going to see a reduced role, but overall this move does give the Lakers more depth.
21 hours ago
D'Angelo Russell Traded To Nets
The Los Angeles Lakers have traded guard D'Angelo Russell, forward Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday. In exchange, forward Dorian Finney-Smith and guard Shake Milton will head to the Lakers. Russell has seen his playing time and production take a hit this season. He's averaging 12.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in 26 minutes per game this season. It's unclear how Russell is going to fit into the Nets rotation. Ben Simmons has been starting at point guard and Cam Thomas (hamstring) should be back soon. Russell is likely to come off the bench in Brooklyn, but maybe a change of scenery will help him get back on track. As for Lewis, he hasn't played much this season and figures to have a minimal role off the bench.
22 hours ago
LeBron James Ruled Out On Saturday
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (illness) has been ruled out ahead of Saturday's game against the Sacramento Kings. The superstar forward was questionable coming into this game, but will sit out as the Lakers want to take the cautious approach here. Both Cam Reddish and Dalton Knecht should see expanded roles with James sidelined. Between the two, Knecht has more upside, but neither offer great streaming appeal for Saturday's slate.
Yesterday
Isaiah Stewart Active For Saturday
Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart (knee) is active ahead of Saturday's game against the Denver Nuggets. Stewart is back in the lineup after missing each of the last four games due to a hyperextended knee. His return to the lineup means that Paul Reed will see a reduced role and possibly fall out of the rotation completely. Jalen Duren should continue starting at the center spot with Stewart being his primary backup. Fantasy managers who have Stewart rostered can get him back in their lineups here.
Yesterday
Andre Drummond Downgraded To Out
Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond (toe) has been downgraded to out ahead of Saturday's game against the Utah Jazz. This was an interesting turns of events considering Drummond started the day as probable, but now won't suit up for Saturday's game. Normally, Drummond's status wouldn't mean much, but starting center Joel Embiid (foot) remains uncertain for this game. If Embiid sits, Guerschon Yabusele would likely be asked to play heavy minutes. He has been a productive fantasy option lately and is worth a look as a streaming option with an expanded role.
Yesterday
Toumani Camara Unavailable On Saturday
Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara (foot) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Dallas Mavericks. Camara will miss his first game of the season due to a left foot sprain. His absence leaves a decent sized hole to fill given Camara is averaging 30 minutes per game. Fellow forward Deni Avdija (back) remains a game-time decision, but he stands to gain solid fantasy value if active. Otherwise, Kris Murray and Rayan Rupert would see more run, but neither player is an ideal streaming option.
Yesterday
Robert Williams III Remains Out On Saturday
Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Saturday's game against the Dallas Mavericks. The big man is set to miss his third game in a row due to a right ankle sprain. His absence isn't going to mean a ton with Deandre Ayton and Dovonan Clingan both healthy and active for this game. The next chance for Williams to get on the court will be Monday versus the Philadelphia 76ers. Clingan is likely to benefit the most on Saturday, but he hasn't done much with the extended playing time lately.
Yesterday
Jamal Murray Upgraded To Available
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (ankle) has been upgraded to available ahead of Saturday's game against the Detroit Pistons. Murray is dealing with an ankle sprain, but has been able to play nearly 40 minutes in each of the last two games. It doesn't appear to be something that is going to cause Murray to miss time or impact his performance on the court. Fantasy managers should feel comfortable leaving Murray in their lineups for Saturday's game. Murray is coming off a double-double on Friday and looks to keep it going against Detroit.
Yesterday
Draymond Green To Play On Saturday
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (back) is available ahead of Saturday's game against the Phoenix Suns. Green is returning to the lineup after sitting out Friday's game due to a lower back contusion. The return of Green should mean that Kyle Anderson heads back to the bench after playing 15 minutes on Friday. Green figures to return to his regular role for Saturday's contest. He hasn't been a great fantasy option, but his above average defensive ability does give him decent fantasy value.
Yesterday
Stephen Curry Available On Saturday
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (knee) is available ahead of Saturday's game against the Phoenix Suns. The veteran guard sat out of Friday's contest versus the Los Angeles Clippers due to knee management. However, Curry is back in the mix for the second game of the back-to-back set. He figures to handle his regular workload in the backcourt. Curry is averaging 22.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 6.5 assists in 31 minutes per game this season. The return of Curry should mean that Buddy Hield heads back to the bench where he'll have less streaming appeal. Fantasy managers can go ahead and get Curry back in their lineups on Saturday.
Yesterday
Matas Buzelis Suiting Up On Saturday
Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (illness) will be available for Saturday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks after missing one game due to illness. The rookie has had an up-and-down season, but his minutes off the bench have increased in recent games. He hasn't reached double digits in scoring since December 5th, when he had 11 points, but Buzelis has shown he is capable of contributing in a minimal role.
Yesterday
Jalen Smith Ruled Out For Saturday
Chicago Bulls center Jalen Smith (ankle) will not play in Saturday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks due to a sore left ankle. Smith, who typically logs around 15 minutes per game, plays a key role in providing rebounding and defense off the bench. His next chance to return will be on Monday against the Hornets. With Smith sidelined, Torrey Craig is expected to step up and take on additional minutes backing up Nikola Vucevic at center.
Yesterday
Lonzo Ball Available On Saturday
Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball (illness) is available for Saturday night's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Ball was sidelined for the previous two games due to illness, but he's set to return Saturday. Given his history with injuries, any appearance on the court is a welcome sight. This season, he's averaged 5.2 points, 3.6 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game. However, his production has been inconsistent, making it tough for fantasy managers to predict what he'll bring on a nightly basis.
Yesterday
LaMelo Ball
• PG
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Hornets
