NBA News
Joel Embiid To Get Periodic Time Off Throughout The Season
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) is set to have "periodic" spells on the sidelines this season. Speaking during an appearance on SportsCenter, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Philadelphia plans to keep Embiid healthy for the playoffs by giving him "periodic time off at different points during the season." The former MVP is set to have routine check-ups on his knee, and this is going to be the "new normal" for Embiid. The 76ers superstar has yet to play this season but has completed multiple five-on-five scrimmages during a ramp-up process and could be available as soon as this weekend.
8 hours ago
Bradley Beal Considered Questionable Thursday
Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (elbow) has landed back on the injury report ahead of Thursday's clash with the Clippers. After missing one game with a sore elbow, the veteran star returned to action against the Lakers on Monday. But he could be back on the shelf again on Thursday with the elbow issue, with the team tagging him as questionable for the game. Ryan Dunn was filling in for Beal in the starting unit and produced a 13-point effort on Saturday versus Dallas. Royce O'Neale and Damion Lee are also in a position to benefit if Beal is out on Thursday.
8 hours ago
Marcus Smart Injures Ankle On Wednesday
Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (ankle) saw only six minutes of action in Wednesday's loss to Brooklyn. Smart rolled his right ankle and exited the contest without scoring any points. Memphis also lost Desmond Bane (oblique) in the contest, which opened up tons of minutes for the reserves. Scotty Pippen Jr. and Jake LaRavia have led the second unit for Memphis this season. There could also be additional minutes available for Jaylen Wells and John Konchar if Smart and Bane sit out Thursday's matchup against Milwaukee.
9 hours ago
Desmond Bane Exits Early With Oblique Injury
Memphis Grizzlies guard/forward Desmond Bane sustained an oblique injury in Wednesday's 119-106 loss to Brooklyn. The 26-year-old played only 17 minutes, scoring 10 points and grabbing six rebounds. Memphis is scheduled to finish off a back-to-back against Milwaukee on Thursday, and fantasy managers will need to monitor Bane's status closely. Scotty Pippen Jr., John Konchar, and Jaylen Wells could see more action without Bane. Pippen Jr. has proven himself as the best fantasy option of the three.
9 hours ago
Zach LaVine Sustains A Shoulder Injury In Wednesday's Win
Chicago Bulls guard/forward Zach LaVine injured his left shoulder in Wednesday's 102-99 victory over Orlando. Speaking after the game, LaVine told reporters that he suffered a "subluxation" in his shoulder. He added that he had X-rays done, and everything was "OK." LaVine played through the injury on Wednesday but finished with only 11 points in 36 minutes. He shot 2-for-9 from the field. On the positive side, LaVine was able to tally his first double-double of the season by grabbing 10 rebounds. The Bulls star also recorded three assists. LaVine didn't seem too concerned about his shoulder injury on Wednesday, but the games are coming thick and fast, and it remains to be seen if he's available for Friday's contest against Brooklyn. Ayo Dosunmu and Dalen Terry should see additional playing time if LaVine lands on the shelf.
9 hours ago
Franz Wagner Limited By Illness Again
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner left a second consecutive game early due to an illness on Wednesday. He logged 23 minutes in a 102-99 loss to Chicago, scoring seven points while registering three rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block. The German star was limited to 11 minutes on Monday versus Indiana. Fantasy managers are currently in a tough spot regarding Wagner, but hopefully, he can fully shake off the illness before the next game. Orlando returns to the court on Friday against Cleveland.
9 hours ago
Daniel Theis Hurts Right Ankle On Wednesday
New Orleans Pelicans center Daniel Theis suffered an ankle injury in Wednesday's game against Golden State. He had soaked in just five minutes of action before hurting his right ankle. The German big man finished the contest scoreless while recording three rebounds. Theis has kicked off the year as New Orleans' starting center, averaging 4.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 16.0 minutes. Yves Missi will be in line for more playing time if Theis has to miss additional time, although the rookie himself battled a hip problem on Wednesday. With two bigs limited by health issues, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl logged a season-high 23 minutes. He had nine points with five rebounds and three assists. Robinson-Earl could be a speculative add for fantasy managers if Missi joins Theis on the sidelines.
9 hours ago
Andrew Wiggins Out Wednesday
According to Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area, Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (back) is unavailable for Wednesday's contest with the New Orleans Pelicans. Wiggins is dealing with a lower back strain that will keep him out of the lineup for the second consecutive contest. With the 29-year-old missing in action, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and Jonathan Kuminga will take on extra minutes for the second straight game.
20 hours ago
Lauri Markkanen Questionable For Thursday's Matchup With San Antonio
According to Tony Jones of The Athletic, Utah Jazz power forward Lauri Markkanen is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the San Antonio Spurs. On Tuesday versus Sacramento, Markkanen left the game with back spasms. Despite the setback, he's averaged 18.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in the season's first four games. Fantasy managers, if the 27-year-old cannot suit up, forwards John Collins and Kyle Filipowski will likely see more minutes on the court than usual.
22 hours ago
John Konchar Available Wednesday Against Brooklyn
Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports that Memphis Grizzlies guard John Konchar (foot) will suit up against the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday. Konchar has missed two consecutive contests due to right foot soreness. The Grizzlies are in the front half of a back-to-back set, so his workload will likely be limited. Ja Morant (thigh) was also cleared to play and will join Konchar in the team's backcourt.
22 hours ago
Ja Morant Suiting Up Wednesday Versus Nets
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (thigh) is available to suit up against the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, per Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal. He was listed as questionable earlier today and will return from a one-game absence due to right thigh soreness. The 25-year-old has posted two double-doubles through his first three games, averaging 20.7 points, 7.3 assists and 2.3 rebounds in 25.7 minutes per contest.
23 hours ago
Zach Edey Available Wednesday
According to Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal, Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey (calf) will suit up Wednesday versus the Brooklyn Nets and will likely start despite a sore right calf. Edey's rookie season could be off to a better start, as he's averaging only 7.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 0.3 blocks in 16 minutes during his first four regular season outings. The big man's minutes should be limited, and he will not impact DFS play much tonight.
23 hours ago
Josh Richardson Continues To Sit Out
Miami Heat guard Josh Richardson (calf) has been ruled out ahead of Wednesday's game against the New York Knicks. Richardson has yet to play this season as he continues to deal with multiple injuries. The Heat are calling him day-to-day, but it remains to be seen when Richardson will get on the court again. In the meantime, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Duncan Robinson should see more minutes in the rotation. Richardson is not worth a look in fantasy formats when healthy.
23 hours ago
Josh Hart Available On Wednesday
New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (shin) is officially available ahead of Wednesday's game against the Miami Heat. Hart was a game-time decision heading into this contest, but it appears he was able to get through his pregame routine without any issues. He figures to resume his spot in the starting five ahead of Wednesday's game. Hart is averaging 16 points, nine rebounds, and 2.7 assists across 33 minutes in three games this season. Fantasy managers can go ahead and get Hart in their lineups ahead of tip-off.
23 hours ago
De'Andre Hunter Unavailable On Wednesday
Atlanta Hawks forward De'Andre Hunter (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Wednesday's game against the Washington Wizards. This is looking more like a rest game as the team is calling it right knee injury management. Hunter missed time last season due to knee issues and it appears to have lingered over into this season. The absence of Hunter should mean more minutes for Zaccharie Risacher, but he's not a great streaming option right now.
23 hours ago
Isaiah Jackson To Start On Wednesday
Indiana Pacers center Isaiah Jackson will move into the starting five ahead of Wednesday's game against the Boston Celtics. The Pacers will be without Myles Turner (ankle), so Jackson getting the starting nod shouldn't be surprising. He could see significant run with backup center James Wiseman (Achilles) out for the year, so the Pacers are limited in terms of big men. Obi Toppin should get some minutes at the center spot, but Jackson is the much better streaming option between the two. Fantasy managers should consider Jackson a possible streaming choice until Jackson returns.
Yesterday
Jonathan Isaac Available For Wednesday's Contest
Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (hip) is available ahead of Wednesday's game against the Chicago Bulls. Isaac is back in the mix after missing the last three games due to a left hip contusion. He has a limited fantasy value with him being behind Paolo Banchero in the rotation. It's possible that Isaac only sees minutes in the teens as the primary backup power forward. He doesn't appear to be offering enough upside right now to warrant rostering in most fantasy formats.
Yesterday
LeBron James Officially Active On Wednesday
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (illness) will play on Wednesday versus the undefeated Cavs. The multi-time All-Star is under the weather. However, it won't be enough to keep him off the floor against Cleveland. James has played well despite his two decades of services in the National Basketball Association, averaging 20.0 points, 7.5 assists, 7.0 rebounds, and 39.1% shooting from deep. Keep him starting in all fantasy formats.
Yesterday
D'Angelo Russell Good To Go Versus Cleveland
Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell (back) will play in Wednesday's game versus the Cavs. He was listed as questionable heading into this contest. However, fantasy managers can safely add him back to the starting lineup. Unfortunately, Russell has struggled this season, averaging 11.0 points, 5.8 assists, and 28.0% shooting from deep. Still, the 28-year-old should break out of his slump soon. With Russell back in the mix, Gabe Vincent and Max Christie will see less work.
Yesterday
Jaylin Williams To Be Evaluated In A Month
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (hamstring) appears to have suffered a setback during a workout. As a result, Williams will be shut down and re-evaluated in four to six weeks. Williams has yet to play in a game this season, so fantasy managers will have to wait a little longer. Osumane Dieng has been filling in at center, but doesn't offer great fantasy value right now. Chet Holmgren is gaining the most value from this at the moment.
Yesterday