Player News
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Morez Johnson Jr. Likely to Play Saturday
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Nolan Traore Probable Against Memphis
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Mikel Brown Jr. Iffy for Saturday
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Kingston Flemings Exits with Back Tightness
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Jaxson Hayes Exits with Left-Knee Injury
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Devin Vassell Returns From Two-Game Absence Friday
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Morez Johnson Jr. Likely to Play Saturday
Dallas Mavericks forward Morez Johnson Jr. (shin) is probable for Saturday's matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers due to a left shin/tibia contusion. Johnson returned Thursday after a one-game absence but went scoreless on 0-for-4 shooting with two rebounds in 13 minutes against Minnesota. The rookie is averaging 6.9 points and 4.8 rebounds in 16.7 minutes through 11 appearances, highlighted by a 13-point, 17-rebound effort against Utah. Dereck Lively II (foot) remains sidelined, but Johnson still has to compete with Santi Aldama for reserve frontcourt minutes behind Daniel Gafford. -
Nolan Traore Probable Against Memphis
Brooklyn Nets guard Nolan Traore (calf) is probable for Saturday's matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies after missing Wednesday's win over New Orleans with right calf tightness. It was his first absence of the season after appearing in each of Brooklyn's first 10 games, including seven starts. The 20-year-old is averaging 12.9 points, 2.6 assists, 1.8 threes, and 1.4 steals while shooting 51.6% from the field. Egor Demin scored 22 points in his return Wednesday, so Traore may not immediately reclaim the same starting role. He should still have a steady place in the rotation, especially if Mikel Brown Jr. (illness) remains out. -
Mikel Brown Jr. Iffy for Saturday
Brooklyn Nets guard Mikel Brown Jr. (illness) is questionable for Saturday's matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies and could miss a third straight game. Brown sat Wednesday against New Orleans due to the illness after previously being held out at Dallas for back injury management. The No. 6 pick is averaging 12.9 points and 3.9 assists in 23.1 minutes through seven appearances, all off the bench, while shooting 34.6% from the field. Brooklyn's backcourt is getting healthier with Nolan Traore (calf) probable and Egor Demin back in the mix, so Brown may have to fight for his usual touches once he returns. Keon Ellis would be one of the players in line for extra minutes if Brown remains out Saturday. -
Kingston Flemings Exits with Back Tightness
Atlanta Hawks guard Kingston Flemings (back) was ruled out for the remainder of Friday's matchup with the Chicago Bulls due to back tightness. The rookie had entered the game questionable with a lumbar spasm after starting each of Atlanta's previous four contests. Flemings is averaging 8.5 points and 4.4 assists this season and has carved out a steady role in the backcourt. If the injury keeps him out Sunday against Milwaukee, CJ McCollum would be the leading candidate to return to the starting lineup after recently shifting to a reserve role. -
Jaxson Hayes Exits with Left-Knee Injury
Utah Jazz center Jaxson Hayes (knee) was ruled out for the remainder of Friday's matchup with the Houston Rockets due to a left knee injury. Hayes was productive before exiting, recording 12 points, five rebounds, and one assist on 5-for-6 shooting in 13 minutes. Utah is already thin up front with Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee) and Jusuf Nurkic (foot) sidelined, so another absence would leave even more work for Mo Bamba. Bamba has shown some defensive-stat upside in limited minutes and would be the main fantasy name to watch if Hayes can't return Sunday against San Antonio. -
Devin Vassell Returns From Two-Game Absence Friday
San Antonio Spurs guard/forward Devin Vassell (groin) is available for Friday's matchup with the Golden State Warriors after missing the last two games with left adductor tightness. Vassell played in each of San Antonio's first 10 contests, averaging 11.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. Julian Champagnie filled in with 11 and 12 points across two starts, but Vassell's return should push him back toward a smaller role. Carter Bryant could also lose some of the extra wing minutes he picked up during Vassell's absence. -
De'Aaron Fox Upgraded to Available Against Golden State
San Antonio Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox (hip) is available for Friday's matchup with the Golden State Warriors after being listed as questionable with left-hip soreness. Fox is coming off 17 points, nine assists, four rebounds, and three steals in Wednesday's win over Chicago. The 28-year-old is averaging 14.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 6.2 assists through 12 games while shooting 51.4% from the field. Dylan Harper handed out 10 assists Wednesday, giving San Antonio another capable creator, but Fox remains firmly in his usual lead-guard role now that he's been cleared. -
Dejounte Murray Requests a Trade From the Pelicans
New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray has requested a trade, with agent Rich Paul and team officials working toward a resolution, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Murray is averaging 13.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.6 steals through nine games, well below his usual offensive production. Phoenix has reportedly shown interest, though no trade talks have developed yet. Jeremiah Fears would stand to gain the most if Murray is moved or held out, after averaging a larger playmaking role during Murray's three-game personal absence and handing out a career-high 13 assists against Sacramento. Herbert Jones could also move back into the starting five. -
Quentin Grimes Expects to Play Sunday in Phoenix
Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward Quentin Grimes (finger) expects to play Sunday against the Phoenix Suns after missing the last two games with a right finger sprain, according to Benjamin Royer of the Orange County Register. Grimes is averaging 8.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists through 11 appearances, though he's shooting just 24.2% from three. Collin Sexton (head) stepped up with 18 points and six assists off the bench Monday against Atlanta, but Grimes' return would add another option to the Lakers' perimeter rotation. Until his jumper comes around, Grimes remains a limited fantasy option. -
Luka Doncic Expected to Suit Up Sunday Against Phoenix
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (ankle) is expected to be available for Sunday's matchup with the Phoenix Suns, according to head coach JJ Redick. Doncic tweaked his right ankle late in Wednesday's win over Milwaukee but still finished with 32 points, five rebounds, five assists, and two steals in 32 minutes. ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the 27-year-old woke up Thursday without pain, another encouraging sign ahead of Sunday. Doncic is averaging a league-leading 38.6 points with 7.5 rebounds and 7.6 assists. If Austin Reaves (heel) sits, even more of the Lakers' offense should run through Doncic. -
Austin Reaves Considered Day-to-Day
Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward Austin Reaves (heel) is considered day-to-day after suffering a left heel bruise in Wednesday's win over Milwaukee. Reaves finished with 18 points, five assists, three rebounds, and three steals in 25 minutes before exiting in the third quarter. X-rays were negative, and head coach JJ Redick said the injury is minor enough that Reaves and the team decided against further imaging. The 28-year-old is averaging 24.7 points and 4.7 assists while shooting 40.9% from three. If he can't play Sunday at Phoenix, Collin Sexton (head) and Quentin Grimes (finger) could take on larger backcourt roles. -
Precious Achiuwa Sidelined Against Portland on Friday
Sacramento Kings forward/center Precious Achiuwa (ankle) has been ruled out for Friday's matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers due to left ankle soreness. Achiuwa exited Tuesday's loss to Orlando in the third quarter and will miss his first game of the season. The 27-year-old is averaging 10.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.1 blocks through 11 appearances, giving Sacramento useful production on both ends. Keegan Murray could move back into the starting lineup, while Dylan Cardwell should also have a chance to pick up additional frontcourt minutes with Achiuwa unavailable. -
Aaron Nesmith Active on Friday
Indiana Pacers guard/forward Aaron Nesmith (knee) is available for Friday's NBA Cup matchup against the New York Knicks despite dealing with right knee soreness. The 27-year-old is averaging 11.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 25.2 minutes through 10 appearances. His three-point shooting and defensive contributions give him some fantasy value in deeper leagues. -
Pelle Larsson Ruled Out on Friday
Miami Heat guard/forward Pelle Larsson (illness) has been ruled out for Friday's matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 25-year-old has started Miami's last two games, recording 14 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and one steal in Tuesday's win over Utah. Larsson is averaging 11.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.3 steals in 29.5 minutes per game this campaign. With Klay Thompson (ankle) also sidelined, Andrew Wiggins and Tim Hardaway Jr. should see expanded roles. -
Jalen Suggs Available Against Bucks
Philip Rossman-Reich of OrlandoMagicDaily.com reports that Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (knee) is set to return for Friday's matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. Suggs missed eight consecutive contests due to a mild right knee bone bruise. The 25-year-old is averaging 8.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 2.0 steals through three starts. Anthony Black could see fewer minutes with Suggs returning, but he should retain a sizable role with Paolo Banchero (ankle) still sidelined. -
Norman Powell Set to Suit Up Friday
According to Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic, Chicago Bulls guard/forward Norman Powell (back) is available for Friday's matchup against the Atlanta Hawks and will not face a minutes restriction. Powell missed the last two games, first sitting out against Philadelphia with a shoulder issue before lower back spasms kept him sidelined Wednesday versus San Antonio. The 33-year-old is averaging 19.3 points and 1.6 steals in 28.8 minutes through eight appearances. With no restrictions on his workload, Powell can be plugged back into fantasy lineups for his scoring and steals. -
Klay Thompson Sidelined on Friday
Miami Heat guard/forward Klay Thompson (ankle) will miss Friday's matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Thompson tweaked his left ankle on a late chase-down block during Tuesday's win over Utah, finishing with 11 points on 3-for-13 shooting, including 2-for-10 from beyond the arc. The 36-year-old is averaging 14.4 points and 3.8 three-pointers in 24.8 minutes per game while shooting 40.8 percent from three-point range. With Thompson sitting out the first half of Miami's back-to-back, Andrew Wiggins and Tim Hardaway Jr. will likely see extended minutes, boosting their short-term fantasy appeal. -
Dailyn Swain Listed as Questionable for Friday
Chicago Bulls forward Dailyn Swain (back) is questionable for Friday's matchup with the Atlanta Hawks due to right disc irritation. Swain was a late scratch Wednesday against San Antonio and also missed Sunday's loss to Philadelphia with the same issue. The 21-year-old has logged only two NBA appearances while spending part of his rookie season with the Windy City Bulls. Caleb Wilson's (hand) extended absence creates more opportunities in Chicago's rotation, but Matas Buzelis, Tre Jones, and Isaac Okoro are better positioned to benefit. Swain remains off the fantasy radar until he earns a steadier role. -
Quinten Post Remains Out Friday Against Pelicans
Memphis Grizzlies center Quinten Post (concussion) will miss Friday's matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans as he remains in the league's concussion protocol. Post was injured Monday in Toronto after taking an elbow to the face and will now sit for a second straight game. The 26-year-old is averaging 5.0 points and 2.1 rebounds in a limited reserve role this season. With Zach Edey (ankle) also unavailable, Isaiah Stewart could move into the starting lineup, while Taylor Hendricks should have a better chance to pick up minutes behind him. -
Precious Achiuwa Questionable Against Portland
Sacramento Kings forward/center Precious Achiuwa (ankle) is questionable for Friday's matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers due to left ankle soreness. Achiuwa left Tuesday's loss to Orlando after 14 minutes and did not return, though the team initially called the injury a lower-leg contusion. The 27-year-old had averaged 9.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and 1.1 steals across his previous eight starts. Another absence would likely put Keegan Murray back in the starting mix, with Dylan Cardwell also in position to soak up more minutes in the frontcourt. -
T.J. McConnell Likely to Play Friday
Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (hamstring) is probable for Friday's NBA Cup matchup with the New York Knicks. The 34-year-old missed Indiana's first nine games with a right hamstring strain but has appeared in three straight since returning. McConnell logged a season-high 14 minutes Wednesday against Washington, finishing with seven points, three rebounds, seven assists, and one steal. With Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) still sidelined, McConnell should continue to work behind Andrew Nembhard as his minutes gradually increase, which could make Quenton Jackson's reserve role a little more crowded. -
Tristan da Silva Questionable for Friday Against the Bucks
Orlando Magic forward Tristan da Silva (calf) is questionable for Friday's matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks and could miss a third straight game because of a left calf strain. The 25-year-old has been one of Orlando's better secondary scorers, averaging 15.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.6 threes in 30.6 minutes per game. With Paolo Banchero (ankle) still sidelined, da Silva would step back into a sizable role once cleared. If he remains out, Alex Morales should stay involved after filling in as a starter, while Jase Richardson and Goga Bitadze could continue seeing extra minutes. -
Jamal Cain Questionable Against Bucks
Orlando Magic guard/forward Jamal Cain (shoulder) is questionable for Friday's matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks after missing Wednesday's game in Utah with a left shoulder contusion. Cain started Tuesday against Sacramento and finished with five points, three rebounds, one assist, and one steal in 20 minutes. With Paolo Banchero (ankle) out and Tristan da Silva (calf) also questionable, Cain could step back into a larger role if cleared. Alex Morales and Jase Richardson should remain in the mix for extra minutes if Orlando is short-handed again. -
Marcus Smart Suspended Three Games
Houston Rockets guard Marcus Smart has been suspended three games without pay for punching Golden State Warriors forward/center Charles Bassey during Wednesday's 115-108 win. Smart received a Flagrant 2 and was ejected late in the third quarter. The 32-year-old is averaging 8.3 points, 1.8 threes, and 1.0 steals in 21.4 minutes through nine appearances. Reed Sheppard should get a little more room in the backcourt after putting up 13 points Wednesday, while Bruce Thornton and Bogdan Bogdanovic could also pick up some of the vacated minutes. Smart will be eligible to return Wednesday against Indiana. -
Mouhamed Gueye to be Re-Evaluated in Four Weeks
Atlanta Hawks forward/center Mouhamed Gueye (foot) has progressed to on-court activities as he works back from a fractured left foot and will be re-evaluated in approximately four weeks. Gueye suffered the injury during a July 8 workout and has yet to play this season. The 24-year-old averaged 4.4 points and 3.6 rebounds in 15.3 minutes per game last year, leaving little reason to stash him while his return remains weeks away. Atlanta already has Jock Landale and rookie Zuby Ejiofor competing for reserve frontcourt minutes behind Onyeka Okongwu, so Gueye could face a limited role once cleared.
