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Jalen Smith Questionable for Friday's Matchup With Boston
Chicago Bulls forward/center Jalen Smith (finger) is questionable for Friday's game against the Boston Celtics. Smith is in danger of missing his first game of the season due to a left finger sprain. The 26-year-old is off to a solid start, averaging 13.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 23.4 minutes per contest across five appearances. With Nic Claxton (hamstring) still sidelined and Tobe Awaka (ankle) questionable, Zach Collins could handle considerable frontcourt minutes if Smith is out of action.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
More Recent News
Robert Williams III Doubtful for Thursday
Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (knee) is doubtful for Thursday's matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies due to left knee injury management. Williams has appeared in all three of Portland's games this season, averaging 9.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in 18.0 minutes per contest. His availability has been an ongoing concern, though he played 59 games last season in one of the healthiest campaigns of his career, averaging 17.1 minutes. If Williams sits out Thursday, Yang Hansen could see additional minutes behind Donovan Clingan.
Source: Trail Blazers PR
Source: Trail Blazers PR
Donovan Clingan's Option Picked Up Thursday
The Portland Trail Blazers exercised their team option on center Donovan Clingan on Thursday. Portland's starting center since February 2025, Clingan averaged 12.1 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game during the 2025-26 campaign. He also collected a franchise-record 347 offensive rebounds, the NBA's second-highest single-season total over the past five seasons. His secure starting role and strong production in rebounds and blocks make him a reliable fantasy option at center.
Source: Portland Trail Blazers
Source: Portland Trail Blazers
Yanic Konan Niederhauser's Third-Year Option Picked Up on Thursday
The Los Angeles Clippers exercised their third-year team option on center Yanic Konan Niederhauser (foot) on Thursday, according to Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN. The move keeps Niederhauser in the Clippers' long-term plans as he continues rehabbing the Lisfranc injury that ended his rookie season after 41 games. He averaged 4.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in 10.3 minutes per contest while shooting 64.0 percent from the field last season. Isaiah Jackson has opened the season as the starting center, with Brook Lopez handling a sizable reserve role, so Niederhauser could face limited minutes upon his return, keeping his fantasy appeal modest.
Source: Ohm Youngmisuk
Source: Ohm Youngmisuk
Jordan Poole Downgraded to Doubtful for Thursday's Matchup With Kings
New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Poole (ankle) is doubtful for Thursday's matchup against the Sacramento Kings. Poole exited Wednesday's game against Denver after just seven minutes and did not return, leaving him unlikely to play in the second leg of the back-to-back set. He had been cleared of an illness earlier for Wednesday's contest before suffering the ankle injury. The veteran is averaging 7.3 points, 4.0 assists, and 1.3 steals in 18.7 minutes across three appearances while playing behind Jeremiah Fears. If Poole is unable to suit up, Fears and Bennedict Mathurin could see additional playing time, boosting their fantasy value.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Kon Knueppel Assigned to G League For Thursday's Practice
The Charlotte Hornets announced that guard/forward Kon Knueppel (hamstring) will join the Greensboro Swarm for practice on Thursday. He is expected to be recalled afterward, though no timetable has been set for his season debut. The 21-year-old averaged 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 3.4 three-pointers across 81 games as a rookie, leading the NBA with 273 made triples. His return to practice is encouraging, but fantasy managers will need to wait for further updates on his availability. Grayson Allen should continue to see an expanded role while Knueppel is sidelined, giving him some short-term fantasy appeal.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Victor Wembanyama Posts Massive Line In OT Win Over Jazz
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama scored 36 points and grabbed 14 rebounds as the Spurs outlasted the Jazz in overtime on Wednesday night. Wembanyama is averaging 25.0 points, 11.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.4 steals, and 3.8 blocks per game this season while shooting 48 percent from the field. The Spurs forward added two steals and two blocked shots in the win over the Jazz on Wednesday. Wembanyama is the best fantasy play out there because of his contributions on the defensive end, specifically with blocked shots. His 3.8 blocks per game can win you that category, while he still gives massive contributions in the scoring, rebounding, and assist categories.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Cooper Flagg Stars In Win Over Oklahoma City
Dallas Mavericks star forward Cooper Flagg scored 26 points, grabbed five rebounds, and dished out eight assists in the Mavericks' win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday. Flagg shot 10-for-23 from the field and 2-for-8 from the three-point line. Flagg is off to a good start to the season with 25.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game, while shooting 52.2 percent from the field. The Duke star is a fantasy standout with his scoring ability and good shooting percentages, along with his contributions in rebounding and assists. His defensive game needs a bit of work, but Flagg looks like an All-Star-caliber player this season.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Quentin Grimes With Big Game In Win Over Clippers
The Los Angeles Lakers were playing without starting guard Luka Doncic, but shooting guard Quentin Grimes picked up some of the slack with a 23-point, five-assist, four-steal performance in the win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night. Grimes shot 7-for-15 from the field and 0-for-3 from the three-point line in the victory and provided some nice secondary stats with the assists and steals. Grimes wasn't off to the hottest start to begin the season, but he came through with Doncic sidelined. The guard shot the ball well from the field and had a huge defensive game to lead the Lakers.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Naz Reid Benched At Halftime In Loss To Pistons
Charlotte Hornets forward/center Naz Reid was benched at halftime and didn't play in the second half of a 97-89 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night. "Unfortunately, he didn't meet our standards in the first half, and at halftime we made a decision that he wouldn't play in the second half. But I look forward to him meeting those standards come next game," Hornets coach Charles Lee said. Reid played 13 minutes in the Pistons game and scored seven points on 2-of-6 shooting from the field with six rebounds and one blocked shot. He was 1-of-1 from behind the 3-point line. Reid is averaging 17.0 points per game this season with 8.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game.
Source: Hornets Reddit
Source: Hornets Reddit
Jake LaRavia Joins Lakers' Starting Lineup Wednesday
Los Angeles Lakers forward Jake LaRavia will start Wednesday against the Clippers, with Ziaire Williams (foot) and Luka Doncic (back) both unavailable. LaRavia came off the bench in each of his first three appearances this season, averaging 5.0 points and 2.0 steals in 17.3 minutes. He has plenty of starting experience after making 43 starts last season, when he averaged 8.2 points and 1.3 steals across 82 games. The move should give LaRavia a bump in minutes Wednesday, though his fantasy appeal is likely tied to how long the Lakers remain shorthanded.
Source: Law Murray
Source: Law Murray
Quentin Grimes Starting Against Clippers Wednesday
Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward Quentin Grimes will start Wednesday against the Clippers with Luka Doncic (back) and Ziaire Williams (foot) unavailable. Grimes made 19 starts for Philadelphia last season and has already shown he can produce with a larger workload, posting 13 points, eight rebounds and four assists against the Clippers on Friday. Austin Reaves should take on more of the offense without Doncic, but Grimes will also have a chance to handle the ball more and hunt his own shot. The starting nod gives him a better path to points and threes for as long as the Lakers remain shorthanded.
Source: Law Murray
Source: Law Murray
Brandon Ingram's Clippers Debut on Hold for Another Week
Los Angeles Clippers guard/forward Brandon Ingram (Achilles) will not travel for the team's upcoming games in Minnesota and Golden State, according to SI.com's Joey Linn. Ingram is making progress but will remain in Los Angeles to continue rehabbing after undergoing right heel surgery in May, when doctors also addressed a partially torn Achilles tendon. The two-time All-Star has yet to make his Clippers debut since arriving from Toronto in the Kawhi Leonard trade. With Ingram still sidelined, Los Angeles will continue to lean on its current wing rotation. However, his eventual return should take a noticeable chunk of minutes and offensive usage off the table.
Source: Joey Linn
Source: Joey Linn
Yanic Konan Niederhauser Remains Out This Week
Los Angeles Clippers center Yanic Konan Niederhauser (foot) will not travel for the team's upcoming games in Minnesota and Golden State, according to Joey Linn of SI.com. Niederhauser is making progress but will remain in Los Angeles to continue rehabbing the Lisfranc injury that ended his rookie season after 41 games. He averaged 4.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in 10.3 minutes while shooting 64.0 percent from the field last year. Isaiah Jackson has opened the season as the starting center, with Brook Lopez handling a sizable role behind him, so Niederhauser may have to ease back into the rotation once cleared.
Source: Joey Linn
Source: Joey Linn
Max Strus to Miss Clippers' Two-Game Road Trip
Los Angeles Clippers forward Max Strus (foot) will sit out the team's upcoming road games in Minnesota and Golden State, according to Joey Linn of SI.com. He'll remain in Los Angeles to continue rehabbing the partial plantar fascia tear in his right foot. Strus is nearing the four-week mark since the injury, though the Clippers have not announced a return date. He was limited to 12 games with Cleveland last season because of a separate foot issue, averaging 11.2 points and 5.4 rebounds while shooting 40.2 percent from deep. In his absence, Keaton Wagler has settled into a steady bench role and should remain in the rotation.
Source: Joey Linn
Source: Joey Linn
Jordan Poole Exits Wednesday's Game with Ankle Injury
New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Poole (ankle) was ruled out for the remainder of Wednesday's game against the Denver Nuggets, the team announced. Poole had been cleared from an illness earlier in the day before suffering the ankle injury. He entered Wednesday averaging 7.3 points, 4.0 assists, and 1.3 steals in 18.7 minutes across three appearances while working behind Jeremiah Fears. With New Orleans hosting Sacramento on Thursday, Poole's status could be in doubt on the second night of the back-to-back. If he cannot go, Fears should have a little more playmaking responsibility on his plate, while Bennedict Mathurin could see a few extra minutes on the perimeter.
Source: New Orleans Pelicans
Source: New Orleans Pelicans
Ajay Mitchell Cleared to Play Wednesday
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (ankle) will play Wednesday against the Dallas Mavericks, coach Mark Daigneault said, per Clemente Almanza of USA Today. Mitchell entered the day questionable after spraining his ankle following Monday's win over Phoenix, when he scored a career-high 30 points on 10-for-16 shooting. He is averaging 16.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists through four games, and Oklahoma City still needs plenty from him with Jalen Williams (leg), Cason Wallace (shoulder), and Alex Caruso (ankle) unavailable. That should keep Mitchell involved offensively alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander even if his scoring cools off from Monday's career night.
Source: Clemente Almanza
Source: Clemente Almanza
Caleb Martin Upgraded to Available Wednesday
Dallas Mavericks forward Caleb Martin (thumb) is available for Wednesday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder and is set to make his season debut. The 31-year-old missed Dallas' first four games with a right thumb sprain after averaging 3.9 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 14.8 minutes across 58 appearances last season. Naji Marshall (illness) and Sergio de Larrea (knee) are both out, which could help Martin crack the rotation immediately. Still, he played no more than 17 minutes in any preseason game, and Dallas has enough forward depth to keep his fantasy ceiling low.
Source: Mavs PR
Source: Mavs PR
Naji Marshall Sidelined for Second Straight Game
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Naji Marshall (illness) will miss Wednesday's matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, marking his second straight absence after sitting out Monday's 113-109 win over Miami. Marshall averaged 13.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.7 steals across his first three games while handling a useful secondary playmaking role. Zaccharie Risacher should remain one of the main beneficiaries after collecting eight rebounds and three blocks despite shooting 2-for-13 against Miami. Walter Clayton Jr. could also retain added backcourt opportunities with Sergio de Larrea (right knee) sidelined, though Marshall's eventual return should tighten the rotation.
Source: Mavs PR
Source: Mavs PR
Kyrie Irving Cleared to Play Against Thunder
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (knee) is available for Wednesday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder after carrying a questionable tag for left knee injury management. Irving missed Saturday's home opener on the second night of a back-to-back but returned Monday to post 18 points, six rebounds, six assists, and two steals in 33 minutes against Miami. The 34-year-old is averaging 19.0 points, 3.7 assists, and 1.3 steals on 51.2% shooting through three games. Dallas is still managing him carefully after last season's ACL injury, so his availability in future back-to-backs is worth watching.
Source: Mavs PR
Source: Mavs PR
Jaxson Hayes Returns Wednesday
Utah Jazz center Jaxson Hayes (shoulder) is available and will start Wednesday's game against the San Antonio Spurs after missing Monday with right shoulder soreness. The 26-year-old has averaged 10.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.3 blocks in 23.7 minutes over three games. With Lauri Markkanen (wrist), Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee) and Jusuf Nurkic (foot) all sidelined, Hayes should have a sizable role in Utah's depleted frontcourt. Mo Bamba will likely still get meaningful minutes after posting 14 points, seven rebounds, and four blocks on Monday, but Hayes' return to the starting five lowers Bamba's short-term fantasy appeal.
Source: Paul Garcia
Source: Paul Garcia
