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Jonas Valanciunas Available For Team Debut On Thursday
Sacramento Kings center Jonas Valanciunas is available to play ahead of Thursday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Valanciunas was acquired by the Kings from the Washington Wizards on Wednesday. The assumption is that Valanciunas is going to operate as the primary backup center to Domantas Sabonis. Valanciunas was putting up fairly decent numbers in Washington, but it's unknown what kind of role he'll have in Sacramento. For now, fantasy managers should hold Valanciunas and wait to see what he's able to do with his new team.
Source: James Ham
Source: James Ham
More Recent News
Day'Ron Sharpe Tossed in Fourth Quarter
Brooklyn Nets center Day'Ron Sharpe was ejected in the fourth quarter of Saturday's 125-121 loss to Cleveland after picking up his second Flagrant 1 foul of the game. Both came on closeouts against James Harden three-point attempts, with the second also serving as Sharpe's sixth personal foul. The 24-year-old finished with seven points, eight rebounds, one assist, and one steal on 3-for-10 shooting in 23 minutes. Sharpe has collected eight boards in each of his first two games, but early foul trouble is already cutting into his opportunity. He now carries two flagrant points for the regular season.
Source: Erik Slater
Source: Erik Slater
Anthony Black Upgraded to Questionable for Sunday
Orlando Magic guard/forward Anthony Black (ankle) has been upgraded to questionable for Sunday's road game against the New York Knicks, according to the Orlando Sentinel's Jason Beede. The 22-year-old missed the entire preseason and Orlando's first two games with a right ankle sprain. His potential return comes at an opportune time with Paolo Banchero (ankle) facing a multiweek absence. Black showed his upside last December, averaging 18.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in 33.1 minutes across 14 games. If cleared, he could quickly reclaim a meaningful backcourt role, likely cutting into the minutes of Jase Richardson and Jevon Carter.
Source: Jason Beede
Source: Jason Beede
Jabari Walker Exits Saturday's Win with Knee Injury
Philadelphia 76ers forward Jabari Walker (knee) exited Saturday's 127-116 win over the Milwaukee Bucks in the third quarter and did not return. Head coach Nick Nurse said the 24-year-old tweaked his left knee but had no further update. Walker recorded six points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal in a season-high 12 minutes while Philadelphia was already short on frontcourt depth. With Joel Embiid expected to rest Sunday against Detroit and several other big men sidelined, Adem Bona could be asked to take on a bigger role after playing 10 minutes Saturday. Walker's status is another one to watch ahead of Sunday's back-to-back finale.
Source: Kris Rhim
Source: Kris Rhim
Cedric Coward Could Return Sunday
Memphis Grizzlies guard/forward Cedric Coward (wrist) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Sacramento Kings with a left wrist sprain. Coward missed Friday's 111-108 win over Golden State after previously carrying a doubtful tag, so the upgrade is an encouraging step. The All-Rookie First Team selection averaged 13.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists last season before opening this campaign with seven points and seven rebounds in 28 minutes. GG Jackson II started Friday but managed two points on 1-for-6 shooting in 15 minutes, while Jerami Grant also picked up some additional run. Both could remain more involved if Coward sits again.
Source: Grizzlies PR
Source: Grizzlies PR
Zach Edey Ruled Out Versus Kings
Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Sacramento Kings as part of his left ankle return-from-injury management. The 24-year-old is sitting out the front end of a back-to-back after two ankle surgeries and playing only 11 games last season. Edey has averaged 7.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks in 21.8 minutes through two starts this year. Isaiah Stewart and Quinten Post should both have more room in the center rotation Sunday, with Monday's game in Utah representing Edey's next chance to return.
Source: Grizzlies PR
Source: Grizzlies PR
Gui Santos Leaves Saturday's Game with Knee Soreness
Golden State Warriors forward Gui Santos (knee) exited Saturday's 131-122 loss to the Phoenix Suns in the third quarter with left knee soreness and did not return, according to ESPN's Anthony Slater. Santos, who started with Draymond Green (back) sidelined, finished with seven points, four rebounds, and three assists in 23 minutes. He called the injury a tweak afterward and did not believe it was serious. Santos also briefly injured the same knee during the preseason finale eight days earlier. With Jimmy Butler III (knee) and Moses Moody (knee) still out, Will Richard and Georges Niang could pick up more wing minutes if Santos misses Monday's game in Denver.
Source: Anthony Slater
Source: Anthony Slater
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
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
