RADIO
Scottie Barnes Carries Questionable Tag for Monday
Toronto Raptors forward/center Scottie Barnes (groin) is questionable for Monday's matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies after being limited in Sunday's practice, according to Josh Lewenberg. Barnes missed Friday's win over Milwaukee after appearing to favor his hip earlier in the week. The 25-year-old is averaging 23.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 2.3 steals through eight games. With Kawhi Leonard (knee) still sidelined, another Barnes absence would keep Collin Murray-Boyles in line for added frontcourt work, while RJ Barrett should remain one of Toronto's primary scoring options.
Source: Josh Lewenberg
Source: Josh Lewenberg
Kawhi Leonard Back in Toronto for Conditioning Work
Toronto Raptors guard/forward Kawhi Leonard (knee) is back in Toronto and going through basketball conditioning, according to Sportsnet's Michael Grange. Leonard has not played since Oct. 23 after developing swelling in his knee, but he has completed treatment and is now working through the return-to-play process. The 35-year-old averaged 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.5 steals across his first two games. Toronto is expected to provide another update Tuesday, though a return later in November may be more realistic. Ja'Kobe Walter should continue seeing steady minutes in the starting lineup until Leonard is cleared.
Source: Michael Grange
Source: Michael Grange
Kon Knueppel to Be Re-Evaluated in Four Weeks
Charlotte Hornets guard/forward Kon Knueppel (hamstring) will be re-evaluated in four weeks after being diagnosed with another strain, the team announced Sunday. Knueppel missed the preseason and Charlotte's first eight games with the same hamstring issue before lasting fewer than six minutes in Wednesday's season debut. The 21-year-old averaged 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists as a rookie while leading the NBA with 273 three-pointers. With Dennis Schroder (hamstring) also sidelined for at least two weeks, Grayson Allen and Sion James should have more opportunities on the wing.
Source: Charlotte Hornets PR
Source: Charlotte Hornets PR
Keegan Murray Available Sunday Against Miami
Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (ankle) is available for Sunday's matchup with the Miami Heat, according to Kings insider James Ham. Murray has missed the past seven games with ankle capsulitis after appearing in Sacramento's first two contests. The 26-year-old averaged 7.0 points and 3.0 rebounds on 29.4% shooting before the injury and went 0-for-7 from deep. Precious Achiuwa has started in Murray's absence, but his role should shrink with Murray back. Sacramento could use the extra spacing, though Murray may need a little time before his fantasy production fully rebounds.
Source: James Ham
Source: James Ham
Lauri Markkanen Sidelined Against Minnesota
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (wrist) is out for Sunday's matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to Eric Spyropoulos. Markkanen sprained the wrist Oct. 26 against Memphis and has played through discomfort since returning. The 29-year-old still buried eight three-pointers for all 24 of his points Friday in Dallas and is averaging 18.0 points and 6.8 rebounds this season. With Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee) and Jusuf Nurkic (foot) already sidelined, Josh Green could move into the starting lineup, while Ace Bailey and Brice Sensabaugh may also have more offense available.
Source: Eric Spyropoulos
Source: Eric Spyropoulos
Keegan Murray Carries Questionable Tag Versus Miami
Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's matchup with the Miami Heat, according to FOX40's Sean Cunningham. Murray has not played since Oct. 23 after soreness and stiffness developed in the ankle that required surgery in May, with the issue later diagnosed as capsulitis. The 26-year-old averaged just 7.0 points and 3.0 rebounds on 29.4% shooting through his first two games. If cleared, Murray will likely have his minutes monitored. Precious Achiuwa has filled in effectively, averaging 10.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.0 steals, and 1.7 blocks, but his workload figures to shrink as Murray works his way back into the rotation.
Source: Sean Cunningham
Source: Sean Cunningham
Brandon Ingram Remains Out for Sunday
Los Angeles Clippers guard/forward Brandon Ingram (Achilles) remains out for Sunday's matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans, according to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. Ingram has yet to make his Clippers debut after undergoing heel surgery in May that also addressed a partially torn Achilles tendon, but he has progressed to full-contact basketball work. The 29-year-old averaged 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists over 77 games with Toronto last season. His eventual return would give a 1-7 Clippers team, currently 26th in scoring, another proven shot creator alongside Darius Garland.
Source: Ohm Youngmisuk
Source: Ohm Youngmisuk
Gary Payton II Good to Go on Saturday
Golden State Warriors guard/forward Gary Payton II (calf) is available for Saturday's matchup with the Orlando Magic, according to ESPN's Anthony Slater. Payton entered the day questionable with tightness and soreness but will avoid an absence and remain part of Golden State's bench rotation. The 33-year-old is averaging 5.1 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.7 steals in 13.4 minutes through nine games. He played just 10 minutes in Thursday's win over Miami, so even with a clean bill of health, his limited workload leaves most of his fantasy appeal tied to steals and efficient scoring in short bursts.
Source: Anthony Slater
Source: Anthony Slater
Gui Santos Back in the Lineup Saturday
Golden State Warriors forward Gui Santos (knee) is available for Saturday's matchup with the Orlando Magic, according to ESPN's Anthony Slater. Santos missed the past two games with knee tendinitis but practiced Friday before receiving clearance. The 24-year-old is averaging 7.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 20.1 minutes through six appearances. He could be eased back into action, though his return likely pushes Will Richard back to the bench. With Jimmy Butler III (knee) and Moses Moody (knee) still sidelined, Santos should have a path to steady wing minutes once he is fully up to speed.
Source: Anthony Slater
Source: Anthony Slater
Jaylon Tyson Misses Fifth Straight Game
Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Jaylon Tyson (ankle) is out for Saturday's matchup with the New York Knicks, marking his fifth consecutive absence. Tyson has resumed on-court work, and head coach Kenny Atkinson said he is "progressing well" and that the injury is not expected to be long-term. The 23-year-old averaged 7.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while shooting 22.7% from three over his first five games. Mario Hezonja, Tyrese Proctor, and Meleek Thomas should continue seeing opportunities while Tyson is sidelined, but that group could face a tighter rotation once he returns.
Source: Chris Fedor
Source: Chris Fedor
Sam Merrill Misses First Game of the Season
Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Sam Merrill (elbow) is out for Saturday's matchup with the New York Knicks after leaving Friday's win over Philadelphia after 13 minutes. Merrill has dealt with the elbow issue since the preseason, and Cleveland is taking a cautious approach after it flared up again. The 30-year-old is a career 39.5% shooter from deep but has connected on just 32.6% of his threes through nine games this season. His absence should create a few more chances for Meleek Thomas and Tyrese Proctor, with Thomas especially worth watching after knocking down 46.9% of his three-point attempts over his first six appearances.
Source: Chris Fedor
Source: Chris Fedor
Isaiah Joe Practices, Nears Return from Hip Injury
Detroit Pistons guard/forward Isaiah Joe (hip) practiced and is nearing a return after missing five games, according to Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press. Joe has already been ruled out for Sunday against the Lakers, putting Monday's matchup with Washington in play for his return. The 27-year-old is averaging 7.3 points in 14.0 minutes while shooting just 23.1% from deep through three games with Detroit. That number should improve after he hit 42.3% of his threes for Oklahoma City last season. Once Joe is cleared, Kevin Huerter and Daniss Jenkins could have a little more competition for perimeter minutes.
Source: Omari Sankofa II
Source: Omari Sankofa II
Lauri Markkanen Carries Questionable Tag for Sunday
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (wrist) is questionable for Sunday's matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Markkanen originally sprained the wrist Oct. 26 against Memphis and missed one game before returning, but he was seen favoring it again late in Friday's 112-100 loss to Dallas. The 29-year-old still knocked down eight three-pointers and finished with 24 points, so the issue did not slow his perimeter shooting that night. If Markkanen sits, Utah could spread his minutes across several wings and forwards, with Brice Sensabaugh and Josh Green among the players who could take on larger roles. Kyle Filipowski might also see additional frontcourt work with Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee) already sidelined.
Source: Eric Spyropoulos
Source: Eric Spyropoulos
Jalen Johnson Cleared to Face Nets Saturday
Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (ankle) is available for Saturday's matchup with the Brooklyn Nets, according to Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network. Johnson missed the past three games after spraining his ankle Oct. 31 against New Orleans, a stretch Atlanta went 3-0 without him. The 24-year-old is averaging 18.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 7.9 assists, though he is shooting just 42.1% from the field and 25.8% from deep. Luguentz Dort should shift back to the bench, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Onyeka Okongwu could see fewer touches with Johnson back handling a large share of the offense.
Source: Brad Rowland
Source: Brad Rowland
Desmond Bane Ruled Out Against Warriors
Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (illness) has been ruled out for Saturday's matchup with the Golden State Warriors. Orlando will be without three members of its opening-night starting five, as Paolo Banchero (ankle) and Jalen Suggs (knee) are also sidelined. Bane has averaged 17.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting 38.9% from the field through eight games. Jase Richardson, Jamal Cain, and Jevon Carter could all pick up extra minutes, while Anthony Black should have more opportunities to create offense for a depleted Magic lineup.
Source: Orlando Magic
Source: Orlando Magic
