3 days agoWashington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma couldn't complete Monday's meeting with Atlanta due to groin soreness. He was pulled from the game near the end of the fourth quarter. Despite making an early exit, Kuzma still logged 40 minutes in a 121-119 win. He posted his first double-double of the season with 25 points and 11 rebounds, adding seven assists to his line with impressive 5-for-9 shooting from deep. Washington would sorely miss Kuzma's offensive ability in Wednesday's rematch against the Hawks if he can't play. Marvin Bagley III may receive additional playing time during his absence, but he was used for only four minutes in Monday's victory. The Wizards could take a committee approach to make up for Kuzma's absence.Source: Varun Shankar
3 days agoUtah Jazz forward Taylor Hendricks is expected to be out for the rest of the season after suffering a fractured right fibula and dislocated ankle on Monday versus Dallas. Hendricks was injured in the middle of the third quarter in a non-contact situation, suddenly collapsing on the floor as the Jazz were setting up their offense. Hendricks, the ninth pick of the 2023 draft, has opened the campaign as a starter. He has averaged 4.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 1.7 steals. Hendricks' absence will likely allow John Collins to return to the starting lineup, increasing his fantasy value.Source: ESPN
3 days agoNew York Knicks guard/forward Josh Hart (ankle) didn't finish Monday's game against Cleveland. Hart was on the injury report ahead of the contest with an ankle impingement and appeared to have hurt his ankle late in the game, missing the final few minutes. Before being forced to leave, Hart put together a good line with 16 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, and three steals. It's likely Hart will remain on the injury report ahead of Wednesday's clash with Miami. His absence would provide a boost to Miles McBride's fantasy stock. He's averaged 14.7 points and 2.7 assists in 25.3 minutes this season.Source: Geoff Magliocchetti
3 days agoToronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (head) missed the end of Monday's matchup against Denver. He exited the contest in the final minutes of the fourth quarter after taking an elbow to the face by Nikola Jokic. Jokic and the Nuggets ended up beating Toronto 127-125 in overtime. It was an unfortunate ending to a good night for Barnes, as he tallied a team-high 21 points with 12 rebounds, nine assists, five steals, and one block. His exit on Monday leaves a question mark over Barnes for Wednesday's match against Charlotte. If he's out, Ochai Agbaji could get back into the starting lineup. RJ Barrett's return to action pushed him to the second unit on Monday.Source: ESPN
3 days agoGolden State Warriors guard De'Anthony Melton (back) won't play on Tuesday against New Orleans. Melton was limited to 38 games with the 76ers last season because of a back injury, so his latest injury designation is concerning. Fortunately, an MRI showed "no structural damage," although his back strain will likely cost him more than a few games. With Stephen Curry (ankle) sidelined, Melton was in line to see more minutes. However, now that he's ruled out, Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody will likely split the ball handling duties moving ahead. As far as Melton is concerned, he will be re-evaluated on Friday.Source: NBA Injury Report
3 days agoPhoenix Suns guard/forward Bradley Beal (elbow) is expected to play on Monday night against the Lakers. The veteran had a case of right elbow soreness, keeping him off the floor for Sunday's game versus the Dallas Mavericks. Ryan Dunn got the start in that one, with the 2024 No. 28 overall pick ending the night with 13 points and 50% shooting from deep. But with Beal anticipated to return, fantasy managers should be ready to get him back in the lineup. Unfortunately, Dunn probably won't see the floor enough to remain relevant in most formats, assuming Beal officially receives the green light.Source: Khobi Price
3 days agoOrlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (illness) won't return to Monday's game against Indiana. He is under the weather, resulting in a questionable tag early on Monday. While the 23-year-old was active to begin the contest, he'll finish this one with seven points and a steal in 11 minutes of work. For now, fantasy managers should consider Wagner as questionable for Wednesday's matchup with the Chicago Bulls. If he can't get on the floor for that one, Gary Harris would presumably take his spot in the rotation. There would also be room for Moritz Wagner to receive more minutes.Source: Orlando Magic
3 days agoAccording to Eric Koreen of The Athletic, Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (pelvis) will not be able to suit up for Monday's game against the Denver Nuggets. Quickley will miss his third consecutive contest due to a right pelvic contusion. Davion Mitchell will likely start until Quickley can get back into the rotation. Mitchell finished with zero points and eight assists across 28 minutes during Saturday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves and he is not a solid option for Monday's fantasy slate.Source: Eric Koreen
3 days agoIan Begley of SportsNet New York reports that the New York Knicks forward Josh Hart (ankle) is warming up to play against the Cavaliers on Monday. Hart has been battling a right ankle injury, but he has been playing well this season, averaging 16 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. With the 29-year-olds minutes likely limited, Miles McBride will be the top candidate to see minutes off the bench. Unfortunately, McBride isn't always reliable fantasy-wise.Source: Ian Begley
3 days agoOrlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (illness) will play on Monday against the Pacers. He wasn't feeling well, resulting in a questionable tag earlier on Monday. However, it won't be enough to keep the 25-year-old off the floor. Wagner has played extremely well so far this season, averaging 25.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 45.5% shooting from deep. Fantasy managers must keep him in the starting lineup, even if there is a chance he sees fewer minutes due to his illness.Source: Brett James
3 days agoOrlando Magic center Goga Bitadze (foot) won't play in Monday's game versus the Indiana Pacers. The 2019 No. 18 overall pick hasn't done much this season, averaging 1.7 points and 1.7 rebounds. However, with Jonathan Isaac (hip) also ruled out, it could mean even more minutes for Moritz Wagner, who has averaged 11 points and four boards in Orlando's first three contests. With that in mind, Wagner could garner attention from fantasy managers in deeper fantasy setups. He'll also be an attractive DFS value option, even more so if Franz Wagner (illness) can't get on the floor.Source: Brett James
3 days agoOrlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (hip) won't play in Monday's matchup with the Pacers. The 27-year-old logged 11 minutes in the opener against the Miami Heat, finishing with three points, two blocks, and one steal. Unfortunately, he's been on the shelf since with a hip contusion, so he'll miss his third consecutive contest. Without Isaac on the floor, Orlando will likely give more minutes to Moritz Wagner, who has averaged 11.3 points and 4.0 rebounds in the Magic's three games this season, giving him some value for DFS participants.Source: Brett James
3 days agoAccording to Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network, Atlanta Hawks forward De'Andre Hunter (knee) will be unavailable for Monday's game against the Wizards due to right knee inflammation. It will be the second consecutive game the 26-year-old has missed, as he didn't suit up against the Thunder on Sunday. Fantasy managers look for Zaccharie Risacher and David Roddy to see more action in relief of Hunter.Source: Brad Rowland
3 days agoToronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett (shoulder) will play on Monday night against the Nuggets. It will be his first game of the season, as he sat out the Raptors' first three games of the 2024-25 campaign due to an AC joint sprain. It's unknown if the former Knick will see a cap on his minutes. However, Barrett should still be considered a must-start for fantasy managers, especially with Immanuel Quickley (pelvis) still on the shelf. Barrett's presence versus Denver likely means Ochai Agbaji will come off the bench, significantly decreasing his fantasy upside.Source: Josh Lewenberg
3 days agoBoston Celtics forward Sam Hauser (back) won't play in Monday's game versus the Milwaukee Bucks. He appeared in the opening night win over the New York Knicks, finishing with 10 points and five rebounds. But the 26-year-old will now miss his third consecutive contest. His next chance to suit up will be on Wednesday versus the Pacers. But as far as Monday's contest is concerned, the C's will likely rely mostly on the starting lineup, which isn't bad for fantasy purposes. Payton Pritchard, Xavier Tillman Sr., and Luke Kornet could also be involved enough to warrant roster consideration in deeper fantasy setups.Source: Jay King