Detroit Pistons center Mike Muscala (head) moved into the starting five ahead of Wednesday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The veteran big man was tasked with starting at center with Isaiah Stewart (ankle) unable to go. Sadly, Muscala didn't last too long as he exited in the first quarter after colliding with Evan Mobley. The team is calling it a head injury and it's uncertain at the moment if Muscala suffered a concussion. He'll be held out of the rest of Wednesday's game as a precaution. Kevin Knox II and Ausar Thompson will see increased playing time with Muscala sidelined. Thompson is the much better fantasy option between the two players.
Center Mike Muscala was traded to the Washington Wizards on Wednesday by the Boston Celtics in a three-team deal. He'll be packing his bags for a second time in mere months after being a trade deadline acquisition from Oklahoma City. Muscala suited up in 20 games for the Celtics, averaging 5.9 points and 3.4 rebounds, which are around his career average numbers. As it currently stands, Muscala is set to be the backup center to Daniel Gafford, and he likely won't be getting enough minutes to be fantasy-relevant.
Center Mike Muscala will be returning to the Oklahoma City Thunder for the 2022-23 season, the team announced Thursday. Muscala had his team option declined back in June, but the two sides were able to come to a new agreement. The 31-year-old will be entering his fourth season with the Thunder, having previously averaged 7.3 points and three rebounds per outing across 125 contests. Known for his sharpshooting ability from the frontcourt, Muscala has knocked down an average of 1.5 threes per game, all while shooting at a 39.2 percent clip from deep during his Oklahoma City tenure. Minutes will likely not be plentiful for the veteran, but he will be a name to eye if injuries slow the Thunder big men.
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Mike Muscala (ankle) won't play on Saturday versus the Bulls. The veteran is currently dealing with right ankle soreness, an ailment that forced him to miss his previous four games. He's expected to be out beyond the All-Star break, and with Derrick Favors resting against Chicago, Isaiah Roby and Aleksej Pokusevski should benefit. However, the latter should be the preferred option for fantasy purposes.
Oklahoma City Thunder center Mike Muscala (ankle) has been cleared to take the floor for Thursday's game against the Grizzlies. Muscala missed each of the team's two previous contests due to a sore right ankle, with his return giving the frontcourt some much-needed depth behind rookie Jeremiah Robinson-Earl. Muscala has reached the 20-minute mark just twice in 15 appearances this season, so he is likely on the periphery of most fantasy formats, but his return may remove some of Robinson-Earl's shine. A weapon in OKC's second unit, Muscala is shooting a career-best 43.6% from behind the arc this year.
Mike Muscala Remains Sidelined For Wednesday’s Game
Oklahoma City Thunder center Mike Muscala (ankle) has been ruled out for Wednesday's contest against Houston due to a sore right ankle. Muscala's absence now sits at two games, and with fellow big man Derrick Favors (illness) also down, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl should receive as many minutes as he can handle at the center spot. Muscala has carved out a role in the second unit as a three-point marksman (43.6% from deep), although his limited playing time is a detriment to his season-long fantasy viability. His next chance to take the floor comes Thursday vs. the Grizzlies.
Mike Muscala Receives Questionable Tag For Wednesday
Oklahoma City Thunder center Mike Muscala (ankle) has been deemed questionable to suit up for Wednesday's game against Houston due to a sore right ankle. The ailment cost Muscala from appearing in Monday's outing, leaving the Thunder thin at the center spot while Derrick Favors (illness) has also been unavailable. Traditionally known for his ability to stretch the defense from the center spot, Muscala has enjoyed a strong start to the year from behind the arc, shooting at a 43.6 percent clip. Despite that, his 14.4 minutes per game average is too small to garner season-long relevance. An absence from the veteran would funnel even more minutes toward Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, thereby making him a favorable DFS target.
Forward Mike Muscala agreed to a two-year deal on Thursday to remain in Oklahoma City. The 30-year-old averaged 9.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and shot 37 percent from deep throughout 35 contests with the Thunder last season. Although he has had some productive outings over the years, he isn't consistent enough to be considered an effective fantasy option. However, there may be times during the 2021-22 campaign where Muscala will come in handy as a streaming option in deeper formats, but only if OKC faces an injury or two throughout the season.
Mike Muscala Set To Return For Wednesday’s Contest
Oklahoma City Thunder power forward/center Mike Muscala (concussion) has been listed as available on the team's latest injury report, an indication that he has cleared the league's concussion protocol and will take the floor for Wednesday's game versus the Lakers. Despite significant absences in their backcourt (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Theo Maledon), OKC should be well-stocked in the frontcourt with Isaiah Roby (foot) also returning to action. Muscala tied his season high with 12 shot attempts in his last outing, but he'll be a risky DFS play with both Roby and Al Horford available, all while facing a stout L.A. defense.
Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center Mike Muscala (concussion) will not play on Monday against the Lakers. This is the veteran's second time in concussion protocol since last year in the bubble and comes at a time when the team will also be without Isaiah Roby (foot) against Los Angeles. With Muscala out of the mix, Al Horford may see some more time in the middle, with Darius Bazley also getting some extra minutes. Keep both men in mind for DFS contests, despite the tough matchup against the defending champs.