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Ausar Thompson Iffy for Sunday
Detroit Pistons guard/forward Ausar Thompson (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's road game against the Philadelphia 76ers, according to the Detroit Free Press' Omari Sankofa II. Thompson stepped on Andrew Wiggins' heel during Friday's 128-111 win over Miami and did not return, finishing with four points, three rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block in 19 minutes. He opened the season with an 11-point, 11-rebound, five-assist double-double against Boston. With Jalen Duren (hamstring) already out, another absence would further thin Detroit's rotation, with Isaiah Joe and Javonte Green candidates for added minutes.
Source: Omari Sankofa II
Source: Omari Sankofa II
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Charles Bassey Set to Debut Against Suns
Golden State Warriors center Charles Bassey (knee) is available for Saturday's game against the Phoenix Suns after missing the first two games with right patellar tendinopathy. His return comes at a good time for a depleted Golden State frontcourt, with Al Horford (back) and Draymond Green (back) both sidelined and Kristaps Porzingis (illness) still away from the team. Bassey averaged 10.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in 20.1 minutes across five appearances with the Warriors last season. If he gets a similar workload Saturday, he could provide useful rebounds and blocks.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Jalen Duren Ruled Out for Sunday
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers with a right hamstring strain. Duren exited Friday's 128-111 win over Miami in the second quarter after grabbing at his right leg and did not return. The reigning All-NBA Third Team selection averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds on 65.0% shooting last season, leaving Detroit with a significant hole inside. Paul Reed is positioned for a much larger role after stepping in Friday and producing 19 points and 11 rebounds on 8-for-11 shooting.
Source: Omari Sankofa II
Source: Omari Sankofa II
Oso Ighodaro Out for Suns' Home Opener
Phoenix Suns center Oso Ighodaro (oblique) has been ruled out for Saturday's home opener against the Golden State Warriors, according to The Arizona Republic's Duane Rankin. The 24-year-old suffered a right oblique strain after recording eight points, three rebounds, and three assists in 15 minutes against Portland. Head coach Jordan Ott said Phoenix hopes the injury is more day-to-day than long-term. With Mark Williams (shoulder) already sidelined, Khaman Maluach should take on more responsibility at center after grabbing six rebounds in the opener, while Duop Reath could also see additional minutes.
Source: Duane Rankin
Source: Duane Rankin
Luke Kennard Available Against Warriors
Phoenix Suns guard/forward Luke Kennard (knee) is available for Saturday's home opener against the Golden State Warriors, according to The Arizona Republic's Duane Rankin. Kennard missed Wednesday's loss to Portland with left knee tendinopathy, a game in which Phoenix went just 6-for-31 from three. The 30-year-old led the NBA at 47.8% from deep last season despite attempting only 3.1 triples per game, and the Suns have encouraged him to shoot more. Kennard showed that approach in the preseason, scoring 20 points while going 4-for-10 from three against San Antonio. His return could cut into Jordan Goodwin's minutes off the bench.
Source: Duane Rankin
Source: Duane Rankin
Draymond Green Downgraded to Out Against Phoenix
Golden State Warriors forward/center Draymond Green (back) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Phoenix Suns with bilateral low-back soreness. The 36-year-old has averaged 3.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 7.0 assists in 26.0 minutes through two games, serving as Golden State's main facilitator. Stephen Curry (knee), Brandin Podziemski (back), and Al Horford (back) are also unavailable, leaving the Warriors without several key pieces. Yaxel Lendeborg should have more opportunities to create after filling the box score with 18 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists Friday against Memphis.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Paolo Banchero Diagnosed with High-Ankle Sprain
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (ankle) has been diagnosed with a low-grade right high ankle sprain, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The injury typically carries a four-to-six-week recovery window, though Orlando has not announced an official timetable. The 23-year-old opened the season averaging 24.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 7.5 assists while shooting 69.6% from the field. Franz Wagner and Desmond Bane should shoulder more of the offense in his absence, while Tristan da Silva is the leading candidate to move into the starting lineup after scoring 14 points with four threes in the opener.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Yves Missi Out Indefinitely with Knee Bone Bruise
New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi (knee) has been diagnosed with a left knee bone bruise and has no timetable for his return, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. The 22-year-old was injured Friday against Utah when Zion Williamson fell into his leg, cutting short a strong start to the season that included 13 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, and three blocks in the opener. Derik Queen now has a chance to take on a much larger role after averaging 11.0 points and 8.5 rebounds off the bench through two games. Karlo Matkovic should also pick up frontcourt minutes, but Queen carries the stronger fantasy upside while Missi is sidelined.
Source: Brett Siegel
Source: Brett Siegel
Al Horford Unavailable Against Suns
Golden State Warriors forward/center Al Horford (back) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Phoenix Suns due to bilateral lower-back soreness injury management. The 40-year-old is sitting the second leg of Golden State's first back-to-back after recording three points, five rebounds, and two blocks in 19 minutes against Memphis on Friday. With Draymond Green (back) doubtful and Charles Bassey (knee) questionable, two-way rookie Graham Ike could be pressed into another sizeable role. Yaxel Lendeborg should also remain heavily involved after putting up 18 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists Friday.
Source: Anthony Slater
Source: Anthony Slater
Stephen Curry Ruled Out Saturday Against Suns
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (knee) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Phoenix Suns due to right knee injury management, according to ESPN's Anthony Slater. Curry hinted at the decision after Friday's 111-108 loss to Memphis, when he scored 24 points in 30 minutes. The 38-year-old is averaging 23.5 points through two games while going 18-for-18 from the free-throw line. With Brandin Podziemski (back) also out and Draymond Green (back) doubtful, Brandon Williams and De'Anthony Melton should have more opportunities in the backcourt. Curry's availability on future back-to-backs will be worth monitoring.
Source: Anthony Slater
Source: Anthony Slater
Marcus Smart Sidelined Against Atlanta
Houston Rockets guard Marcus Smart (forearm) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Atlanta Hawks with a left forearm strain. The 32-year-old was a late addition to the injury report and had been in line to start with Fred VanVleet (knee) sitting the second leg of the back-to-back. Smart has averaged 7.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.0 steals in 23.5 minutes through two games. Reed Sheppard (knee) returns at a good time for Houston and should get a longer look on the ball with Smart and VanVleet both unavailable.
Source: Will Guillory
Source: Will Guillory
Reed Sheppard Back in Action for Rockets on Saturday
Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (knee) is set to return Saturday against the Atlanta Hawks after sitting out Friday's win over San Antonio, according to The Athletic's Will Guillory. The 22-year-old had three points, four assists, two rebounds, and two steals in 16 minutes in the opener against Dallas before missing one game with a left knee bone bruise. With Fred VanVleet (knee) and Marcus Smart (forearm) both out, Sheppard has a clear path to more minutes and ballhandling work alongside Amen Thompson. He averaged 13.5 points, 2.8 threes, and 1.5 steals last season, making Saturday a good opportunity to show what he can do with a larger role.
Source: Will Guillory
Source: Will Guillory
Kyrie Irving Ruled Out for Saturday's Home Opener
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (knee) has been ruled out for Saturday's home opener against the San Antonio Spurs due to rest, according to Ron Harrod Jr. of DLLS Sports. The 34-year-old is coming off a 24-point effort in Friday's win over Indiana and has averaged 19.5 points, 2.5 assists, and 1.0 steals in 24.5 minutes through two games since returning from ACL surgery. Cooper Flagg (shoulder) is also unavailable, leaving Dallas short on creators and opening the door for Marcus Sasser to see more run while Naji Marshall takes on a bigger share of the ballhandling. Irving's usage on back-to-backs will be worth tracking as Dallas continues to manage his return.
Source: Ron Harrod Jr.
Source: Ron Harrod Jr.
Cooper Flagg to be Re-Evaluated Next Week
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Cooper Flagg (shoulder) will miss Saturday's home opener against the San Antonio Spurs after an MRI revealed a mild left shoulder sprain, according to Marc Stein. Flagg will be re-evaluated next week after landing hard following Aaron Nesmith's flagrant foul late in Friday's win over Indiana. The reigning Rookie of the Year opened the season with 32 points against Houston, making the early setback a frustrating one for fantasy managers. Dallas plays three times next week beginning Monday in Miami. Naji Marshall should have a larger role while Flagg is sidelined, while P.J. Washington remains heavily involved after posting 20 points and 13 rebounds Friday.
Source: Marc Stein
Source: Marc Stein
Paolo Banchero Set for Further Evaluation
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (ankle) will continue to be evaluated after leaving Friday's 115-93 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves with a sore right ankle, according to the Orlando Sentinel's Jason Beede. Banchero exited early in the third quarter before briefly returning, but he did not play in the fourth. The former No. 1 overall pick finished with 14 points, six rebounds, five assists and one steal in 26 minutes. He has opened the season with averages of 24.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 7.5 assists, so Orlando would have a sizeable hole to fill if he misses Sunday's game in New York. Tristan da Silva would be one of the main candidates for a larger frontcourt role.
Source: Jason Beede
Source: Jason Beede
Stephen Curry Likely to Sit Saturday in Phoenix
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (rest) said he "probably" won't play Saturday against the Phoenix Suns, according to ESPN's Anthony Slater. The 38-year-old scored 24 points in 30 minutes during Friday's 111-108 loss to Memphis, finishing 11-for-11 at the line. Golden State is taking a cautious approach with Curry after he appeared in only 43 games last season, and Saturday marks the second half of a back-to-back. With Brandin Podziemski (back) also sitting, De'Anthony Melton and Brandon Williams could see more backcourt work, while Yaxel Lendeborg should remain heavily involved after posting 18 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists Friday.
Source: Anthony Slater
Source: Anthony Slater
Brandin Podziemski Won't Play Saturday in Phoenix
Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski (back) said he will not play Saturday against the Phoenix Suns, according to ESPN's Anthony Slater. The 23-year-old missed Wednesday's opener with lower-back soreness before returning Friday for 18 points, two rebounds, three assists, three steals, and one block in 33 minutes against Memphis. Podziemski was seen using a heating pad on his back during the game but called the issue "nothing too serious" afterward. Stephen Curry also said he probably won't play the second night of the back-to-back, which could push De'Anthony Melton and Will Richard into heavier backcourt minutes in Phoenix.
Source: Anthony Slater
Source: Anthony Slater
Yves Missi Awaiting Evaluation on Left Knee
New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi (knee) will have his left knee evaluated Saturday in Denver after exiting Friday's 120-119 loss to Utah. Missi went down in the second quarter when Zion Williamson fell into his leg and needed help getting off the court. The former first-round pick opened the season with 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and three blocks against Indiana, making his potential absence a significant one for fantasy managers. Derik Queen would be the first player in line for a larger frontcourt role after posting 12 points, seven rebounds, two steals, and two blocks in 29 minutes Friday, with Karlo Matkovic also likely to see more work at center.
Source: Rod Walker
Source: Rod Walker
Ausar Thompson Exits Friday with Undisclosed Injury
Detroit Pistons guard/forward Ausar Thompson (undisclosed) exited Friday's 128-111 win over the Miami Heat midway through the third quarter and did not return. Thompson appeared to roll his right ankle after stepping on Andrew Wiggins' heel and limped to the locker room shortly afterward. He finished with four points, three rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block in 19 minutes. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff had no postgame update, leaving Thompson's status for Sunday in Philadelphia unclear. Ron Holland II replaced him after the injury and could take on a larger role if Thompson can't play.
Source: Zachary Weinberger
Source: Zachary Weinberger
Jalen Duren Exits Friday's Win with Thigh Injury
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (thigh) exited Friday's 128-111 win over the Miami Heat in the second quarter with a right thigh injury and did not return. Duren grabbed at his right leg after making a move against Giannis Antetokounmpo and headed straight to the locker room, finishing with four points, six rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block in 10 minutes. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff had no update afterward, leaving Duren's status for Sunday in Philadelphia up in the air. Paul Reed started the second half and delivered 19 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists, putting him in position for a larger role if Duren sits.
Source: Zachary Weinberger
Source: Zachary Weinberger
Cooper Flagg Awaiting Evaluation on Left Shoulder
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Cooper Flagg (shoulder) will be evaluated over the next couple of days after exiting Friday's 121-105 win over the Indiana Pacers with left shoulder soreness. Flagg landed hard after Aaron Nesmith's flagrant foul late in the first half and finished with 14 points, five rebounds, six assists, three steals, and one block in 17 minutes. His status for Saturday against San Antonio is now in doubt, with Monday's game in Miami potentially affected as well. Naji Marshall opened the second half in Flagg's spot and could see a larger role if the reigning Rookie of the Year misses time, while Kyrie Irving and P.J. Washington would have more room to pick up the scoring and playmaking slack.
Source: Noah Weber
Source: Noah Weber
