NBA News
Josh Richardson Listed As Out For Thursday's Game
Miami Heat guard Josh Richardson (heel) was listed as out for the Heat's Thursday night home matchup against the Pacers. Richardson has been limited to just eight games this year, and this will be his 19th straight game on the sideline. He hasn't played since November 18, and while he has been out, Alec Burks has been the team's primary backup to Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier. Burks should continue to play at least around 20 minutes per game until Richardson is ready to return, but the veteran is without a timetable to get back on the floor at this point.
1 hour ago
Maxwell Lewis Ruled Out Against Milwaukee
Brooklyn Nets forward Maxwell Lewis (knee) was just acquired by the Nets in the trade that sent Dorian Finney-Smith to the Lakers, but he suffered a knee injury on Wednesday that will keep him off the court on Thursday as the Nets finish their back-to-back with a stop in Milwaukee to face the Bucks. Lewis wasn't in the Lakers' rotation before the trade and didn't check into the game Wednesday until the outcome was determined. Unfortunately, the injury looked like it could be significant since he needed to be carried to the locker room for further evaluation. The 22-year-old was a second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft out of Pepperdine but hasn't made much fantasy impact in the NBA yet.
1 hour ago
Ziaire Williams Ready To Return To Action
Brooklyn Nets guard Ziaire Williams (knee) has been sidelined for the last 12 games due to a left knee sprain, but he is not listed on the team's injury report for Thursday night against the Bucks. Williams hasn't played since December 1, so the 23-year-old may need some time to ramp up to a full workload, but the Nets could have available minutes on the wing after all their trades and roster shuffling. Noah Clowney (back) is also questionable for Thursday while Ben Simmons (injury management) is out, which could open up more time for Williams. After being traded from the Grizzlies to the Nets, Williams has averaged 8.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.0 steals in 21.9 minutes over 21 games for the Nets. His return could eventually take time away from Keon Johnson and Tyrese Martin.
1 hour ago
Noah Clowney Questionable Against The Bucks
Brooklyn Nets forward Noah Clowney (back) was forced to leave Wednesday's loss to the Raptors after taking a hard fall and was not able to return. With Dorian Finney-Smith traded to the Lakers, Clowney could work his way into a more significant role, since the 20-year-old could be a part of the Nets future. In his 24 games, Clowney has averaged 8.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.9 three-pointers in 20.4 minutes per game, but he has posted stronger numbers in his six starts. If he is out on Thursday, there could be more minutes for Jalen Wilson and potentially Tyrese Martin or Keon Johnson, but the Bucks will be undersized against the Bucks. For DFS contests, Clowney is an interesting value if he plays while Day'Ron Sharpe could end up as a good punt play if Clowney is out.
1 hour ago
Ben Simmons Will Sit Out Thursday
Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons (injury management) will not play on Thursday in the second game of the team's back-to-back. He played 24 minutes in Wednesday's loss to Toronto and produced two points, two rebounds, and six assists while shooting just one-for-six from the field. Simmons has been getting more work at point guard since the trade of Dennis Schroder to the Warriors, but with D'Angelo Russell acquired and Cam Thomas back from injury, he could have a lighter workload as the Nets' rotation shakes out. While he's out Thursday, there will be more work for Thomas and Russell while Ziaire Williams (injury management) is not in the injury report and is also expected to pick up some of Simmons' minutes.
1 hour ago
James Harden Added To Injury Report As Questionable Against Oklahoma City
Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (groin) was added to the Clippers' injury report on Thursday afternoon ahead of their showdown in Oklahoma City with the Thunder. Harden has been carrying the Clippers without Kawhi Leonard (knee) still sidelined and is averaging 21.9 points, 7.8 assists, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals in 33.9 minutes per game. Harden has a team-high 31.6% usage rate, so if he's ruled out there will be a dramatic impact on the Clippers' offense. With Harden off the floor, Norman Powell gets a boost in usage of over five percentage points while Ivica Zubac and Kevin Porter Jr. also take on a larger workload. Harden has missed just one game all season, and Porter started in his place, logging 37 minutes and scoring 19 points while Bones Hyland played 28 minutes off the bench and finished with 22 points and four assists.
1 hour ago
Gabe Vincent Iffy To Face Trail Blazers
Los Angeles Lakers guard Gabe Vincent (oblique) is regarded as questionable for Thursday's game against Portland. He might be out for a second straight contest due to a left oblique strain. Vincent has logged a few starts lately but typically doesn't play a big role in the rotation. Throughout the season, Vincent has averaged 18.9 minutes a night, posting 4.3 points. New addition Shake Milton is a natural replacement for Vincent, but he only had a minuscule role in his Lakers debut on Monday against Cleveland. The 28-year-old logged 10 minutes and finished a 122-110 loss with six points and two rebounds.
5 hours ago
Dalano Banton Considered Questionable Thursday
Portland Trail Blazers guard Dalano Banton (hip) has been listed as questionable on the injury report ahead of Thursday's matchup against the Lakers. He missed almost the entire second half of December, playing in only one of the last six games. Now, Banton might also have to sit out the first game in January. With Banton out, Scoot Henderson has an opportunity to play more off the Portland bench. Henderson finished 2024 with a rough outing against Philadelphia, but he has been in good form lately. Henderson's last five appearances include a double-double effort and 11 total steals.
5 hours ago
Alex Caruso Sits Out Thursday's Action
Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Alex Caruso (hip) will remain out for Thursday's tilt against the Clippers. His absence stretches to five games as Caruso battles a left hip strain. Ajay Mitchell will likely continue to have an expanded role on Thursday. He has played well at times during Caruso's absence but disappointed on Tuesday against Minnesota. Coming off a 17-point effort, Mitchell posted only two points with three rebounds on 1-for-4 shooting. It won't be easy for him to get back on track offensively on Thursday, as the Clippers have been a strong defensive team in 2024-25.
5 hours ago
Jerami Grant Ruled Out For Thursday
Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (face) will not suit up for Thursday's clash with the Lakers. He must sit out a second consecutive game due to a facial contusion. Deni Avdija will likely earn another start because of Grant's absence. The talented forward left many fantasy managers frustrated with his 10 turnovers on Monday versus Philadelphia, but Avdija is in the midst of a strong stretch. He averaged 16.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in December. Kris Murray also figures to play a larger role in the rotation without Grant, but he has not been a reliable source of fantasy value.
5 hours ago
Gary Payton II Misses Fourth Straight Game
Golden State Warriors guard/forward Gary Payton II (calf) will not play against Philadelphia on Thursday, missing his fourth consecutive contest. Payton II suffered a mild calf strain against the Lakers on Christmas Day, and there was initially hope that he could return to action in one week. However, the defensive specialist hasn't been cleared to play. With Brandin Podziemski (abdomen) also out and Kyle Anderson (illness) questionable, Moses Moody and Buddy Hield figure to carry a heavier workload. Moody is coming off one of his best performances of the season, finishing Monday's matchup against Cleveland with 19 points. Hield can be a scoring machine but has struggled recently.
5 hours ago
Draymond Green Probable For Thursday's Game
Golden State Warriors forward/center Draymond Green (back) has been listed as probable for Thursday's tilt against Philadelphia. Green has been in and out of the lineup recently and might sit out on Thursday due to a lower back contusion. Kyle Anderson (illness) started the most recent game that Green missed, but he's considered questionable to play against the 76ers, so Warriors head coach Steve Kerr might need to explore alternative options. Despite coming off the bench, Jonathan Kuminga put up a career-high 34 points against the Clippers on Dec. 27 when Green was out. He's the player fantasy managers should target if Green is absent on Thursday.
5 hours ago
Noah Clowney Suffers A Back Injury Versus Toronto
Brooklyn Nets forward Noah Clowney (back) exited Wednesday's 130-113 loss to the Raptors after taking a fall. He did not return. The 20-year-old has played well this season, averaging 8.9 points and 39.1% shooting from deep in 23 games, although he's been more productive in his five starts. Hopefully, the injury isn't anything serious. But with Brooklyn playing again on Thursday night versus the Bucks, it's logical to assume Clowney won't be out there for that one. If that's the case, head coach Jordi Fernandez may shuffle things around, resulting in more minutes for Jalen Wilson and potentially Tyrese Martin.
15 hours ago
Anthony Davis Uncertain For Thursday
Los Angeles Lakers center Anthony Davis (ankle) is listed as questionable ahead of Thursday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Fantasy managers shouldn't be surprised considering Davis is a regular on the injury report. To be fair, Davis hasn't missed a game since early November, so fantasy managers shouldn't be too worried. It's worth noting that Thursday is the first leg of a back-to-back set. Possibly, Davis sits out one of those games but fantasy managers will need to check back on Thursday for another update.
16 hours ago
Jae Crowder Is Active On Wednesday
Sacramento Kings forward Jae Crowder (back) is available ahead of Wednesday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Crowder hasn't seen the court much lately, but he has also been dealing with a back injury. He has been cleared to play on Wednesday, but that doesn't guarantee that Crowder is actually going to see time on the court. He has fallen out of the rotation lately with the Kings fairly healthy at the forward spot right now. Fantasy managers don't need to have Crowder rostered in fantasy formats right now.
17 hours ago
Kyle Lowry Starting On Wednesday
Philadelphia 76ers guard Kyle Lowry (hip) is back in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Sacramento Kings. The veteran guard is returning after missing their last contest due to hip soreness. The expectation is that Lowry is going to see a bigger role with Kelly Oubre Jr. (hand) unavailable. That also means, Eric Gordon, Caleb Martin, and Reggie Jackson could also see more involvement. Lowry hasn't been much of a fantasy option this season. In fact, Lowry hasn't scored more than eight points in a game since early November. He won't be an ideal streaming option for Wednesday's slate.
17 hours ago
Eric Gordon Available On Wednesday
Philadelphia 76ers guard Eric Gordon (face) is available ahead of Wednesday's game against the Sacramento Kings. Gordon is back in the mix after missing each of the last four games after having surgery on his mouth. Normally, Gordon's status isn't noteworthy, but he should see an expanded role with Kelly Oubre Jr. (hand) unavailable on Wednesday. The expectation is that Gordon will see close to 20 minutes of action with Caleb Martin and Reggie Jackson seeing increased roles as well. Gordon won't be an ideal streaming option but might have some deep league value on Wednesday.
17 hours ago
P.J. Washington Exits Early On Wednesday Night, Won't Return
Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (knee) exited Wednesday night's game early and will not return. The team is stating that Washington exited with a right knee sprain. The 26-year-old missed time earlier this season with a knee issue so experiencing another knee injury should be a cause for concern for fantasy managers. With Dallas already dealing with a lengthy list of injuries, Washington missing time could be hurtful to their roster. In his absence, expect Maxi Kleber to get more playing time.
17 hours ago
Kelly Oubre Jr. Ruled Out On Wednesday
Philadelphia 76ers forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (hand) has been ruled out ahead of Wednesday's game against the Sacramento Kings. Oubre was listed as questionable coming into the game, but has now been downgraded to out. The expectation is that the Sixers will use a committee approach to fill the void. Both Reggie Jackson and Caleb Martin should benefit with Oubre on the sideline. Martin is the better streaming option between the two due to his defensive ability.
17 hours ago
Andre Drummond Active Wednesday Against Kings
Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond (toe) is active for Wednesday night's game against the Sacramento Kings. Drummond is dealing with a left toe sprain but will be able to fight it out. With Joel Embiid inactive, expect Drummond to make an impact on the boards. It will be off the bench, though, as Philadelphia is starting Guerschon Yabusele in Embiid's spot tonight. Drummond should still be able to make an impact against a Kings roster that struggles with bigs. He'll make a decent fantasy option Wednesday night.
17 hours ago
Josh Richardson
• SG
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Heat
