3 weeks agoMiami Heat forward/center Kevin Love (arm, ankle) has been cleared to play in Wednesday's play-in battle against Philadelphia. He suffered an arm contusion in the regular-season finale against Toronto on Sunday, logging just three minutes. However, the veteran has shaken off the injury ahead of a crucial part of the campaign. Love is set to provide cover for starting center Bam Adebayo in a tough matchup against Joel Embiid. The veteran has shown in 2023-24 that there's still some juice left in him, averaging 8.8 points and 6.1 rebounds in 16.8 minutes.Source: NBA Injury Report
3 weeks agoMiami Heat guard/forward Duncan Robinson (back) has been listed as probable for Wednesday's play-in game against Philadelphia. He missed the final four games of the regular season but appears to be on track for a comeback against the 76ers. Robinson also missed time at the end of March with a back problem and didn't look quite like himself after returning. The 29-year-old averaged just 4.5 points across four games. Miami will need a lot more from him on Wednesday if the Heat are to compete with Joel Embiid's crew.Source: NBA Injury Report
3 weeks agoMiami Heat guard Terry Rozier (neck) won't suit up for Wednesday's Play-In contest versus the Philadelphia 76ers. The former Hornet has played well since arriving in Miami, so his absence is undoubtedly a tough blow. He's already missed four games because of the ailment. However, his status moving ahead remains a mystery. With that said, until Rozier is back on the floor, Tyler Herro will likely continue to hold things down at the one spot, meaning he should see a bump in usage. In addition, Delon Wright, averaging 8.3 points, 3.7 assists, and 2.0 steals in the last three games, should be on every DFS manager's radar.Source: NBA Injury Report
3 weeks agoPhiladelphia 76ers guard De'Anthony Melton (back) is ruled out for Wednesday's Play-In game versus the Miami Heat. The 25-year-old has been bothered by a back issue for most of the season. He recently appeared in two games before missing Sunday's regular-season finale against the Nets. However, Melton played just 21 minutes combined in those two contests. Unfortunately, things don't look promising regarding his prognosis moving ahead, so he may miss more games. With that said, Cameron Payne, amassing 10 points, three assists, and one steal in 23 minutes on Sunday, has value potential for DFS managers.Source: NBA Injury Report
3 weeks agoPhiladelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) is questionable for Wednesday's Play-In meeting with the Miami Heat. The reigning MVP reaggravated his left knee injury during Friday's win over Orlando and didn't suit up for Sunday's regular-season finale versus the Brooklyn Nets. Mo Bamba got the start in that one, although Paul Reed was more productive, amassing a 13-point, 12-rebound double-double with two steals and two blocks. Embiid has practiced in the last few days, which is a good sign. However, DFS managers will anxiously await another update on his availability for the pivotal contest.Source: NBA Injury Report
4 weeks agoNew Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (leg) scored a game-high 40 points off 17-for-27 shooting in Tuesday's Play-In loss to the Lakers. He added 11 rebounds, five assists, one block, and one steal. Williamson had a fantastic showing. Unfortunately, he suffered a leg injury late in the contest and didn't return. Although details were scarce initially, head coach Willie Green labeled Williamson's injury as "left leg soreness" while revealing he will undergo imaging on Wednesday. At any rate, Williamson has battled countless injuries throughout his career, so this situation is concerning. But if the 2019 No. 1 overall pick can't suit up for the Pelicans' next Play-In contest versus Golden State or Sacramento, Larry Nance Jr. would presumably fill the void in the lineup.Source: Andrew Lopez
4 weeks agoNew Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (undisclosed) exited Tuesday's Play-In matchup with the Lakers. The Pelicans were down big. However, the team managed to get back in it, with Williamson knotting things at up 95 by making a basket in the paint. Unfortunately, he came down and immediately grimaced with pain before heading to the locker room. Williamson likely injured his leg, although there aren't any details at the moment. But if he doesn't return to this one, he'll finish with 40 points, 11 boards, and five assists.Source: TV Broadcast
4 weeks agoChicago Bulls center Andre Drummond (ankle) is listed as questionable ahead of Wednesday's play-in game against the Atlanta Hawks. The big man has missed the last three games due to a left ankle sprain. His absence has opened up more playing time for Dalen Terry in the rotation. He has put together some decent performances and would likely be asked to play more minutes if Drummond sits out. Terry would have some low-end DFS appeal if Drummond is unable to play.Source: NBA Injury Report
4 weeks agoChicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu (quad) is listed as questionable ahead of Wednesday's play-in matchup against the Atlanta Hawks. It's uncertain if the young guard will be ready to play after he missed the final four games of the regular season. His absence would be a significant hit to the Bulls rotation. Javonte Green would likely continue to start if Dosunmu is unable to play. Fantasy managers will have to check back closer to tip-off on Wednesday.Source: NBA Injury Report
4 weeks agoBoston Celtics guard Derrick White might've found a long term home. Recently, president of basketball operations Brad Stevens said that he wants to keep White around for as long as possible. This statement makes sense after the strong campaign that White posted during this season. He averaged 15.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 5.2 assists in 32.6 minutes per game across 73 contests. Both the rebounds and assists were career highs for White. The 29-year-old appears to have found a home in Boston, so we'll see what happens over the offseason.Source: Celtics on CLNS
4 weeks agoPhiladelphia 76ers guard De'Anthony Melton (back) was unable to suit up for Tuesday's practice, according to head coach Nick Nurse. It seems unlikely that Melton is going to be able to suit up for Wednesday's play-in game against the Miami Heat. His absence won't be a huge loss, but it does impact their rotation. The Sixers will likely have to rely more on Cameron Payne and Buddy Hield with Melton still banged up.Source: Derek Bodner
4 weeks agoPhiladelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) was able to get through a full practice session on Tuesday. The big man is currently listed as questionable ahead of Wednesday's game against the Miami Heat. Head coach Nick Nurse said that Embiid sat out of the regular-season finale for precautionary reasons. It's hard to believe the reigning MVP wouldn't suit up for this important play-in game. If he sits, Mo Bamba would likely start with Paul Reed getting increased minutes off the bench. DFS players will have to check back on Wednesday for another update.Source: Derek Bodner
4 weeks agoNew York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson appears to be fine heading into the postseason. The big man was able to practice without any issues on Tuesday, according to head coach Tom Thibodeau. He continued by saying Robinson is fine after sitting out the second half of Sunday's game. This is good news for the Knicks who begin their first-round series against an unknown opponent on Saturday.Source: Fred Katz
4 weeks agoLos Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (knee) participated in a portion of Tuesday's practice, according to head coach Ty Lue. Leonard is working his way back to the court after missing the final eight games of the regular season. There is some concern over his status heading into the first-round series against the Dallas Mavericks. Luckily, that series doesn't begin until Sunday, so Leonard does have time to get healthy before then. P.J. Tucker has been replacing him in the starting lineup, so he's expected to head to the bench once Leonard is healthy.Source: Law Murray
4 weeks agoDallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (knee) was on the court for the open portion of practice and fully participated in the session on Tuesday. Right knee soreness kept Lively out of action for Dallas' final eight outings of the regular season, but the dynamic rookie big man looks primed to return for the start of the Western Conference quarterfinals in Game 1 on Sunday against the Los Angeles Clippers. His return would mean fewer minutes at center for Daniel Gafford from the Mavs' starting lineup, but the two interior presences would likely split playing time in the middle fairly evenly and cancel one another out from a DFS standpoint.Source: Grant Afseth - SI.com