2 weeks agoCharlotte Hornets guard
LaMelo Ball (calf) is available ahead of Monday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Ball is back in the lineup following a seven-game absence due to a left calf strain. The Hornets haven't said anything about a minutes limit, but fantasy managers shouldn't be surprised if Ball is limited during his first game back.
Vasilije Micic will head to the bench with Ball returning, so he's safe to drop in most fantasy formats with Ball active again. Fantasy managers in season-long formats can go ahead and get Ball in their lineups on Monday.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Rod Boone
2 weeks agoChicago Bulls guard
Zach LaVine (back) has been ruled out ahead of Monday's game against the Toronto Raptors. LaVine has been nursing a back issue for quite some time, but he was able to play through it on Friday. However, it appears to still be bothering him, so he'll sit out of Monday's contest. The absence of LaVine means that
Talen Horton-Tucker,
Ayo Dosunmu, and
Julian Phillips could all see expanded roles. Dosunmu is the best option of the bunch and should see more scoring chances with LaVine unable to go.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Eric Koreen
2 weeks agoPhiladelphia 76ers guard/forward
Paul George (knee) is officially available for the team's Monday night matchup against the Charlotte Hornets. He's still dealing with the same knee issue but has been wearing a brace which has allowed him to be on the court more often. With
Jared McCain (knee) out indefinitely, George's usage will likely increase even more along with
Tyrese Maxey. So far, he's had a rough time scoring as he averages 15.9 points per game on 41.3% shooting from the floor and 31.7% from three, but he remains a must-start any time he plays.
--Alex Fischbein - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
2 weeks agoCleveland Cavaliers forward/center
Evan Mobley (ankle) is expected to return after just a one-game absence due to an ankle sprain. He's officially listed as probable for Monday's game against the Brooklyn Nets and should return to the starting five. With Mobley back in the fold, that means the whole starting five is healthy. Mobley averages 18.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game. His return affects
Jarrett Allen's value the most, but both are still viable against a weaker Nets squad.
--Alex Fischbein - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
2 weeks agoChicago Bulls guard
Lonzo Ball (knee) is expected to play on Monday after being listed as probable for the injury report against the Toronto Raptors. His minutes are still on a bit of a restriction, but Ball has received close to 20 minutes in each of the last two games. In nine appearances this year, he's averaging 5.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.1 steals across 17.0 minutes per game. He hasn't been viable in most fantasy leagues but could help if he continues to improve and receive more minutes down the road.
--Alex Fischbein - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
2 weeks agoChicago Bulls center
Nikola Vucevic (illness) is expected to return after a one-game absence from an illness. He's officially listed as probable on the injury report, so fantasy managers should still check one more time leading up to tipoff. The veteran big man has only needed to miss one game so far and is averaging 21.0 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.2 threes per game. As long as he plays, he remains a must-start.
--Alex Fischbein - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
2 weeks agoBrett Siegel of ClutchPoints.com reports that Milwaukee Bucks forward
Khris Middleton (illness) didn't practice on Monday due to being sick. Bucks head coach Doc Rivers has not commented on Middleton's status for Tuesday's NBA Cup Final against the Thunder. Fantasy managers keep an eye on the team's injury report for updates on the 33-year-olds status going into Tuesday's contest.
Damian Lillard (undisclosed) was also absent for Monday's practice but was likely due to precautionary reasons.
--Andrew Lennox - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
2 weeks agoSacramento Kings forward
Keegan Murray (ankle) is questionable for Monday's matchup with the Denver Nuggets due to soreness in his left ankle. The Kings will already be without
Kevin Huerter(shoulder). Murray averages 12.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.8 blocks across 36.3 minutes per contest. If the 24-year-old is unable to step on the court this evening,
Doug McDermott and
Jae Crowder could soak up some of the extra minutes available.
--Andrew Lennox - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
2 weeks agoMiami Heat forward
Nikola Jovic (ankle) has been ruled out of another game after returning from his previous eight-game absence. He was able to see the court for 24 minutes against the Raptors last week, but has suffered a left ankle sprain and will not play Monday against the Pistons.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. will likely see the added opportunities off of the bench after playing just 15 minutes in the last contest. He was able to register six points and three rebounds in limited time though.
--Alex Fischbein - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
2 weeks agoDetroit Pistons forward
Tobias Harris (thumb) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Miami Heat due to a thumb sprain. This is only the second game he's missed so far this season, and it doesn't seem like this is a long-term injury. In his place,
Ron Holland II could move into the starting five while
Jalen Duren could see some added minutes as well if they want to go with a bigger lineup. Holland received 21 minutes in their last game against the Celtics and posted 26 points, three rebounds, and one turnover off of the bench. So he could make a solid streaming option for the time being.
--Alex Fischbein - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
2 weeks agoSacramento Kings guard
Kevin Huerter (shoulder) will not play against the Denver Nuggets on Monday due to an AC joint sprain in his left shoulder. The 26-year-old missed the King's morning shootaround and is considered day-to-day moving forward. Huerter's next chance to play is on Thursday versus the Lakers. In the meantime, players like
Colby Jones and
Keon Ellis will likely see an increase in minutes on Monday.
--Andrew Lennox - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
2 weeks agoAccording to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.com, Milwaukee Bucks guard
Damian Lillard (undisclosed) missed practice on Monday. Bucks head coach Doc Rivers said Lillard's absence was "precautionary." Fantasy managers should wait until the team releases their official injury report and see what Lillard is dealing with. However, expect the 34-year-old to suit up in Tuesday's NBA Cup Final against the Thunder. Managers should feel safe having him in their fantasy lineup if he plays, as the veteran guard is averaging 25.7 points per contest.
--Andrew Lennox - RotoBallerSource: Brett Siegel
2 weeks agoPhiladelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (face) will be out for at least one week after suffering a sinus fracture against the Indiana Pacers on Friday. According to Shams Charania, the big man will be re-evaluated in one week. In the meantime,
Andre Drummond will continue to get plenty of minutes at center along with
Guerschon Yabusele. Especially since
Adem Bona (knee) is also ruled out. Drummond currently averages 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game compared to Yabusele's 9.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.5 threes per contest.
--Alex Fischbein - RotoBallerSource: Shams Charania
2 weeks agoLos Angeles Lakers forward
LeBron James (foot) is questionable for Sunday's matchup versus the Grizzlies. The veteran has been burdened by a foot injury, keeping him off the floor for the Lakers previous two contests. Without question, he's a must-start if he's cleared to return. However,
Austin Reaves,
Rui Hachimura, and
Max Christie could continue to benefit offensively if he isn't, although
Anthony Davis would likely remain the top priority offensively.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
2 weeks agoPortland Trail Blazers center
Deandre Ayton (illness) won't play on Sunday night against the Phoenix Suns. The 26-year-old hasn't been feeling the best, so he'll miss a second-straight game on Sunday. Fortunately, the Blazers won't play again until Thursday evening, giving Ayton a few more days to feel better. Without him,
Jabari Walker, who had five points, five rebounds, and two steals on Friday versus the Spurs, may remain in the middle. However, that could change if
Robert Williams III (concussion), who is questionable, returns. If that's the case, Williams would certainly be worth starting in all fantasy formats.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
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