4 days agoSacramento Kings guard
Kevin Huerter (shoulder) is uncertain for Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers due to a shoulder sprain. It's unclear how he will be labeled on the injury report, so fantasy managers should check for an update on Thursday. Huerter has been struggling with his shooting this season, posting a career-low 31.1% from beyond the arc and averaging only 9.9 points per game, his lowest since his rookie season. Hopefully, he can round back into form and stay healthy moving forward. If he is sidelined,
Keon Ellis would likely see increased playing time.
--Dave Goldsholl - RotoBallerSource: Brenden Nunes
4 days agoAccording to Evan Sidery of Forbes, the Nuggets and Nets held "exploratory talks" surrounding forward
Cameron Johnson. The former Sun has been rumored to be on the move for a while. But with teams having more flexibility to make trades, things are starting to pick up steam. Johnson had a rocky 2023-24 campaign. However, he's having the best year of his career, averaging 18.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 43.3% shooting from behind the arc. A trade with the Nuggets would likely involve
Michael Porter Jr. Either way, it's unknown how much progress was made between both sides. With that in mind, Johnson would surely see a dip in production in Denver, considering he'd be sharing the floor with multi-time MVP
Nikola Jokic.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Evan Sidery
4 days agoSacramento Kings forward
Keegan Murray (ankle) did not practice Wednesday as he continues to deal with left ankle soreness. Murray missed his first game of the season on Monday, and his status for Thursday's matchup against the Lakers remains uncertain. Fantasy managers should monitor updates as more clarity emerges. The 24-year-old has been a key contributor for the Kings this season, averaging 36.2 minutes, 12.4 points, and 7.7 rebounds per game, so his absence could open up opportunities for
Keon Ellis and
Doug McDermott.
--Dave Goldsholl - RotoBallerSource: Brenden Nunes
4 days agoAccording to Evan Sidery of Forbes, the Heat aren't interested in acquiring Phoenix Suns guard/forward
Bradley Beal (knee). Talks surrounding a trade involving
Jimmy Butler have picked up momentum over the last week, with the veteran expressing his desire to suit up in Phoenix or Golden State. However, with the Suns strapped for cash, a move for Butler would most likely need to involve Beal. But with a no-trade clause along with an extensive injury history, Phoenix could have a tough time dealing the former Wizard to any team, even if it's not to the Heat. The situation is worth monitoring. For now, Beal is probable for Thursday's meeting with the visiting Pacers after missing the last two games with swelling in his left knee. As a result,
Royce O'Neale, will likely head back to the bench, although it shouldn't impact his workload much.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Evan Sidery
4 days agoSacramento Kings center
Domantas Sabonis did not practice Wednesday for undisclosed reasons, leaving his status for Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers uncertain. The star big man has been a focal point of the Kings' offense, averaging 21.5 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game. Sabonis is a fantasy gem and a reliable stat-stuffer, making his potential absence a significant concern. Fantasy managers should stay tuned for updates as his availability remains up in the air.
--Dave Goldsholl - RotoBallerSource: Brenden Nunes
4 days agoAtlanta Hawks guard
Trae Young (Achilles) is expected to play in Thursday's game against the Spurs. It's another game, although Young is back on the injury report due to right Achilles tendinitis. However, barring a significant setback, he should be out there on Thursday. The 26-year-old has averaged only 21.5 points this season, four points less than he had during the 2023-24 campaign. Yet, he's at least averaging a career-high 12.1 assists. As usual, Young is a must-start, with
Vit Krejci and
Bogdan Bogdanovic on deck for more work if he can't suit up.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Atlanta Hawks
4 days agoLos Angeles Clippers forward
Kawhi Leonard (knee) practiced on Wednesday. Even better, it was a full-contact session. The veteran is moving in a favorable direction and will accompany the Clippers on their three-game road trip. Unfortunately for fantasy managers, he still remains without a return date. Without question, Leonard is one of the most talented players in the National Basketball Association, averaging 20.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.7 steals in 696 regular season contests. However, he has missed more than enough time over the years. Still, fantasy managers should keep him stashed for now, although it will be a while before he's healthy enough to handle his usual workload. In the meantime,
James Harden and
Norman Powell should remain the Clippers' top options on the offensive end.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Brad Turner
4 days agoAtlanta Hawks forward
Onyeka Okongwu (knee) will miss at least four games due to left knee inflammation. He will be re-evaluated in a week. The 24-year-old is currently having the best season of his career, averaging 11.3 points and 6.6 rebounds. But while he's sidelined,
Larry Nance Jr. could see some minutes at the five spot. However, Nance has some work to do to gain the trust of fantasy managers, although he's worth considering for rosters if he can make good use of his time on the court.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Michael Scotto
4 days agoAtlanta Hawks guard
Kobe Bufkin (shoulder) will miss the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign. The 21-year-old has appeared in only 27 games during his two-year career. He has also played sparingly, averaging only 5.0 points in 11.9 minutes per contest. Unfortunately, Bufkin will need surgery to address instability in his right shoulder. With that said, now is not the time for dynasty managers to move him, considering his value can't get much lower. However, the 2023 No. 15 overall pick is talented enough to turn things around, although he'll need to figure out how to stay healthy.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Atlanta Hawks
4 days agoMemphis Grizzlies guard
Marcus Smart (shoulder) is unlikely to play on Thursday versus the Warriors. Like last season, Smart has had trouble staying on the court during the 2024-25 campaign, missing 10 of Memphis' initial 27 games. Even worse, he has averaged only 9.2 points. He could have been in line for more work with
Ja Morant (back) questionable. But now it appears
Scotty Pippen Jr. could fill the hole at the one against Golden State, with the 24-year-old averaging 14.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 10 starts this season.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Memphis Grizzlies
4 days agoMemphis Grizzlies guard
Ja Morant (back) is questionable heading into Thursday's encounter with the Golden State Warriors. The 2019 No. 2 overall pick has averaged 22.0 points, 8.4 assists, and 1.1 steals during the 2024-25 campaign. However, he's also missed 11 games for various reasons. With
Marcus Smart (shoulder) doubtful,
Scotty Pippen Jr. may fill the void at the one if low back soreness keeps Morant off the floor versus the Dubs. Pippen has played well with the first-five this season, averaging 13.4 points, 5.9 assists, and 1.4 steals in 10 starts, making him a must-start in nearly any fantasy format.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Memphis Grizzlies
5 days agoWashington Wizards guard
Malcolm Brogdon (hamstring) was back in practice on Tuesday. He's missed four games with a left hamstring strain but appears to be on track to return to action soon. The oft-injured guard has appeared in only nine games this season, averaging 13.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 23.8 minutes. Brogdon has been a regular starter despite seeing limited minutes.
Kyshawn George (ankle) and
Corey Kispert (ankle) also practiced on Tuesday, so Washington might get much-needed help for Thursday's encounter with Charlotte.
Justin Champagnie and
Jared Butler will be bumped down the depth chart once the Wizards return to full health.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Josh Robbins
5 days agoWashington Wizards forward
Kyle Kuzma (ribs) wasn't available for Tuesday's practice but is ramping up in his recovery. Kuzma suffered a rib cartilage sprain on Nov. 27 in a game against the Clippers. He's been out for the subsequent seven contests. It looks like Kuzma still needs more time to recover, but his return shouldn't be far away anymore. The 29-year-old sits second in scoring on the team with 15.8 points per game and has averaged 5.6 rebounds.
Bilal Coulibaly's role on offense has grown during Kuzma's absence. He's averaged 21.0 points across the past three games.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Josh Robbins
5 days agoGolden State Warriors guard/forward
Moses Moody (knee) will likely remain unavailable on Thursday against Memphis. After Moody missed Tuesday's practice, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said he would be listed as doubtful for the game. An issue with his left knee has kept Moody sidelined for a couple of contests already. The 22-year-old has posted 7.4 points and 1.9 rebounds in 15.6 minutes this season. Moody tends to spark into life occasionally but not often enough to make an impact in fantasy basketball.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Ohm Youngmisuk
5 days agoLos Angeles Lakers forward/center
Christian Wood (knee) has been cleared to resume on-court workouts. The veteran big man is working his way back from left knee surgery, which he had in early September. He appears to be making steady progress, but it remains unclear when Wood will be able to make his season debut. Wood's addition would give the Lakers much-needed frontcourt depth, especially with
Jaxson Hayes (ankle) also out of commission. Hayes has missed nine games and will be re-evaluated next week.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Dave McMenamin
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