2 days agoUtah Jazz forward
Lauri Markkanen (back) won't play against the Nuggets on Saturday. The 27-year-old exited Tuesday's game versus the Kings and didn't suit up on Thursday against the visiting Spurs. He was listed as doubtful heading into this one. But now that Markkanen is officially sidelined, his next chance to suit up will be on Monday in Chicago.
Kyle Filipowski, who got the start on Thursday, finished with 12 points, five rebounds, and one assist. Yet, since
Jordan Clarkson (foot) is also sidelined, Filipowski could see more chances on the offensive end. He may also get more minutes.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Tony Jones
2 days agoBoston Celtics forward
Jaylen Brown (hip) won't play on Saturday against Charlotte. The Celtics and Hornets met on Friday night, the first of back-to-back games between the clubs, with Brown finishing the night by scoring 25 points, adding six rebounds, five assists, one steal, and one block. He's bothered by a hip flexor strain, so fantasy managers will need to wait and see if he'll play on Monday in Atlanta. But without Brown in the mix on Saturday,
Sam Hauser (back), who is probable, is expected to enter the starting lineup, giving him a more promising outlook in all fantasy setups.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Boston Celtics
3 days agoUtah Jazz guard
Jordan Clarkson (foot) was diagnosed with left plantar fasciitis. He will be re-evaluated in one week. Utah's injury report continues to grow heading into Saturday's matchup with the Denver Nuggets, with
Lauri Markkanen (back) listed as doubtful.
Collin Sexton (finger) also suffered an avulsion fracture in Thursday's game against the Spurs, although he will continue to play "as tolerated." Without Markkanen and Clarkson on the floor, Utah will rely on Sexton,
John Collins, and
Keyonte George primarily on the offensive end. As a result, all three players could exceed expectations while Markkanen and Clarkson are sidelined.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Utah Jazz
3 days agoWashington Wizards forward
Kyle Kuzma (groin) won't play on Saturday versus the Heat. This will mark the veteran's second consecutive absence because of a groin strain suffered in Monday's game against Atlanta.
Kyshawn George entered the starting lineup for Wednesday's win over the Atlanta Hawks, the second of back-to-back games with the club, finishing with 11 points, four assists, and three steals. While George still has a lot to prove, he's worth monitoring in case he continues to play well. But as far as Saturday's contest is concerned,
Bilal Coulibaly and
Jordan Poole are the players anticipated to benefit the most from Kuzma's absence.
Corey Kispert, coming off a 16-point showing on Wednesday, can also be added to fantasy lineups.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
3 days agoDenver Nuggets guard
Jamal Murray (concussion) won't return to Friday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He struggled throughout the contest, amassing only six points while shooting 2-for-7 from the field (0-for-3 from deep). Unfortunately, a collision with
Julius Randle landed Murray in concussion protocol, ending his night abruptly. The 27-year-old has an extensive injury history, meaning the Nuggets will likely play it safe even if further testing brings positive results. As a result, Murray probably won't be out there for Saturday's game against the Jazz, likely resulting in
Russell Westbrook sliding into the starting lineup.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Katy Winge
3 days agoMilwaukee Bucks forward
Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) is probable heading into Saturday's game against the Cavaliers. The multi-time All-Star has carried an injury designation for right patella tendinitis before all of Milwaukee's games this season. However, the ailment hasn't kept him off the floor. Antetokounmpo has averaged 30.4 point, 11.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists. Yet, he hasn't made a shot from deep. Fortunately, the 29-year-old has shot a career-high 65.6% from the field, so that will help lessen the blow for category managers.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
3 days agoGolden State Warriors guard
Stephen Curry (ankle) is ruled out for Saturday's matchup with the Houston Rockets. Curry will miss his third game in a row due to a left ankle strain he suffered against the Clippers on Sunday. Given that it is so early in the season, the Warriors are likely not rushing the 36-year-old back. With the sharpshooter out,
Brandin Podziemski could see more playing time, or
Andrew Wiggins (back), who is probable for Saturday's contest.
--Andrew Lennox - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
3 days agoNew Orleans Pelicans center
Yves Missi (hip) is likely to play in Friday's game against the Indiana Pacers, according to head coach Willie Green. The 20-year-old was listed as questionable with a right lower abdominal contusion earlier in the day but is expected to be cleared to play and will likely continue to see impactful minutes as the backup to
Daniel Theis. In his appearances this season, Missi has averaged 6.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks, providing solid support in the frontcourt.
--Dave Goldsholl - RotoBallerSource: Madeline Adams
3 days agoNew York Knicks forward
Karl-Anthony Towns is available and starting for the Knicks on Friday in their matchup against the Detroit Pistons. Towns was originally listed as questionable with a wrist injury but will be able to play through the pain. The 28-year-old will have a tough matchup against the Pistons who have been strong defensively against forwards. Towns has been sporadic in his offensive production so far, posting up point totals of 12, 21, 13 and 44 on the season. He's providing much more consistency from a rebounding perspective, averaging 11.3 RPG. Fantasy managers will certainly still want him in their starting lineups no matter what. DFS managers may want to take caution with adding him in their lineups given the volatility of tonight's matchup.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: Stefan Bondy
3 days agoNew Orleans Pelicans center
Daniel Theis (ankle) is on track to play Friday against the Indiana Pacers, according to head coach Willie Green. The 32-year-old exited early in Wednesday's loss to Golden State with a right ankle issue, but it appears he'll be able to suit up without any missed time. Over his first five games of the season, Theis has averaged 4.0 points and 4.4 rebounds as a reliable role player. Expect him to resume his usual role barring any last-minute setbacks.
--Dave Goldsholl - RotoBallerSource: Madeline Adams
3 days agoGolden State Warriors guard
De'Anthony Melton (back) won't play on Saturday against Houston due to inflammation in his lower back. It will be the third consecutive game he will miss. Melton has played in three games this season after he was limited to 38 contests with the 76ers last season because of a back injury. With
Stephen Curry (ankle) also out Saturday, Lindy Waters and
Moses Moody will likely see more action.
--Andrew Lennox - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
3 days agoNew Orleans Pelicans guard
Jordan Hawkins (back) is expected to be available for Friday's matchup against the Indiana Pacers, according to head coach Willie Green. The young guard has been managing back spasms but is expected to play through the issue in a depleted backcourt. With
CJ McCollum (thigh) and
Dejounte Murray (hand) both sidelined, Hawkins is set for an expanded role. Over five regular-season games, he has averaged 16.2 points per game and could take on even more responsibility Friday.
--Dave Goldsholl - RotoBallerSource: Madeline Adams
3 days agoBoston Celtics center
Al Horford (rest) won't play on Friday against Charlotte. Horford has averaged 9.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.0 steals this season. He's also shot 60.0% from behind the arc. But the veteran will take the night off before presumably suiting up for the rematch with the Hornets on Saturday. With that said,
Luke Kornet will likely take over at the five and is worth starting in all fantasy formats.
Xavier Tillman Sr. and
Neemias Queta will also draw value attention from DFS participants.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
3 days agoGolden State Warriors forward
Andrew Wiggins (back) is listed as probable for Saturday's game against the Houston Rockets. Wiggins has missed two consecutive contests with a lower back strain. If the 29-year-old can go, he will provide a spark to the Warriors' rotation, as
Stephen Curry (ankle) and
De'Anthony Melton (back) will be sidelined on Saturday once again.
Moses Moody,
Brandin Podziemski, and
Jonathan Kuminga will take on extra minutes if Wiggins cannot suit up.
--Andrew Lennox - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
3 days agoLos Angeles Lakers guard
D'Angelo Russell (back) will play against the Raptors on Friday night. He continues to battle back soreness. However, it hasn't cost him any games yet this season. Unfortunately, Russell has struggled in the Lakers' five games, averaging 10.8 points, 5.8 assists, and 25.0% shooting from behind the arc. He should break out of his funk at some point. But until then, fantasy managers may want to consider keeping Russell on the bench.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Dave McMenamin
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