RADIO
Austin Rivers Expected to Sign with Memphis
12/18:Phoenix Suns guard Austin Rivers is expected to sign with the Memphis Grizzlies once his buyout with the Suns is complete. Rivers was traded to Phoenix along with Kelly Oubre in a deal that sent Trevor Ariza to Washington. Rivers should see around 20-25 minutes behind Mike Conley in Memphis. He's worth considering in deep leagues, but Rivers won't help out too much in fantasy leagues.Source: Shams Charania
Dennis Smith Jr. Won't Play Against Denver
12/18:Dallas Mavericks guard Dennis Smith Jr. (wrist) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Denver Nuggets. Smith was listed as doubtful on Monday, so it's not surprising to see him sidelined for his second straight game. J.J. Barea (ankle) is expected to play, so he'll see increased playing time along with Jalen Brunson. Both players are cheap options for DFS contests and worth adding in deep leagues.Source: Eddie Sefko
J.J. Barea Will Play on Tuesday
12/18:Dallas Mavericks guard J.J. Barea (ankle) is available for Tuesday's game against the Denver Nuggets. He's missed the last two games due to an ankle issue, but is good to go on Tuesday. Dennis Smith Jr. (wrist) has been ruled out for this game. That means Barea and Jalen Brunson should see extra minutes coming their way.Source: Eddie Sefko
Kyle Lowry is Questionable for Wednesday
12/18:Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (thigh) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Indiana Pacers. Lowry has missed the last two games due to a left thigh contusion. Fred Vanvleet (back) missed Sunday's game, but is expected to return on Wednesday. Delon Wright saw almost 40 minutes with both Lowry and VanVleet sidelined. Fantasy owners should check back for an update on Wednesday.Source: Josh Lewenberg
Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet Practice on Tuesday
12/18:Toronto Raptors forward/center Pascal Siakam (back) and guard Fred Vanvleet (back) returned to practice on Tuesday and are listed as probable for Wednesday's game against the Indiana Pacers. Siakam was unable to play on Sunday due to back stiffness, but it sounds like it will just be a one game absence. C.J. Miles will go back to his normal role once Siakham returns. VanVleet didn't play on Sunday, but should be fine for Wednesday's contest. Kyle Lowry (thigh) is questionable for Wednesday, so if he sits out expect VanVleet to draw the start.Source: Josh Lewenberg
Jaylen Brown is Questionable for Wednesday
12/18:Boston Celtics guard/forward Jaylen Brown (hand) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Detroit Pistons. It's unclear how serious this problem is, but Brown is dealing with a bruised right hand. Marcus Smart and Gordon Hayward should see more playing time if Brown is sidelined on Wednesday.Source: Brian Robb
Al Horford Ruled Out for Wednesday
12/18:Boston Celtics forward/center Al Horford (knee) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Detroit Pistons. Horford continues to miss games due to left knee soreness. It's unclear when he'll be back on the court, but fantasy owners are just going to need to stay patient. Aron Baynes, Daniel Theis, and Robert Williams will gain playing time in his absence.Source: Jay King
Josh Richardson, Justise Winslow Miss Tuesday's Practice
12/18:Miami Heat guard/forward Josh Richardson (hip) and forward Justise Winslow (ankle) did not practice on Tuesday, but are considered probable for Thursday's game against the Houston Rockets. This appears to be a minor issue for Richardson, so he's expected to suit up for Thursday. Winslow injured his right ankle on Sunday and was unable to finish the game. It doesn't appear to be serious and he'll get a few days off to rest up. Both players are expected to be fine for Thursday.Source: Anthony Chiang
Julius Randle Ruled Out for Wednesday
12/18:New Orleans Pelicans forward/center Julius Randle (ankle) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Randle is dealing with a sprained right ankle and is considered day-to-day. Nikola Mirotic (ankle) has also been ruled out for Wednesday's contest. That means Cheick Diallo should see plenty of playing time and could be a cheap DFS option for Wednesday's contests.Source: Andrew Lopez
JaVale McGee is Questionable for Tuesday
12/18:Los Angeles Lakers center JaVale McGee (illness) is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. McGee was able to play on Saturday despite dealing with flu-like symptoms. However, McGee didn't play on Sunday which led to Tyson Chandler drawing the start at center. Chandler and Moritz Wagner would see increased playing time without McGee in the rotation.Source: NBA Injury Report
David Nwaba Could Start on Tuesday
12/18:Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward David Nwaba could draw the start instead of Alec Burks on Tuesday, according to head coach Larry Drew. It sounds like Drew would only make the change if Nwaba's knee is 100 percent. On Monday, Nwaba said his knee wasn't 100 percent yet, but he'll play through it. Burks will likely see less playing time regardless because Nwaba is back in the rotation.Source: Joe Vardon
Omari Spellman is Likely Out Next Three Games
12/18:Atlanta Hawks forward Omari Spellman (hip) will likely miss the next three games for the Hawks. Spellman has missed the last five games and is already ruled out for Tuesday. He's been making progress, but it doesn't sound like he's ready for game action yet. John Collins is playing solid, so he'll continue to soak up some extra playing time. Spellman can be left on the waiver wire. He won't see enough minutes, especially with Collins playing this well.Source: Kevin Chouinard
Trevor Ariza Will Start on Tuesday
12/18:Washington Wizards guard/forward Trevor Ariza will make his team debut with the Wizards on Tuesday, according to head coach Scott Brooks. Ariza was traded to Washington in a deal that sent Kelly Oubre and Austin Rivers to Phoenix. Otto Porter (knee) is still sidelined, so Ariza should see plenty of playing time. He should be owned in all leagues, but he could be risky for DFS contests on Tuesday. It's unclear what kind of chemistry he'll have with his new teammates right away.Source: Candace Buckner
Andrew Wiggins Scores 17 Against Kings
12/18:Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins scored 17 points on 4-for-10 shooting in Monday's win over the Sacramento Kings. He also added five rebounds, two assists, and a steal while shooting 1-for-3 from deep. Wiggins played his fewest minutes of the season (minus an October 22nd game that he exited early with an injury) as the Wolves cruised to the victory. Things won't be so easy on Wednesday when Minnesota takes on the Pistons, who hold teams to the 13th-fewest points per game. Wiggins, who recently had a streak of four consecutive games of 20 or more points, is unlikely to light the scoreboard up in that meeting.Source: Basketball Reference
Robert Covington Effective Against Kings
12/18:Minnesota Timberwolves forward Robert Covington scored 13 points on 4-for-9 shooting in Monday's win over the Sacramento Kings. He also added five rebounds and a pair of assists to go along with two steals and a block. It was an efficient night for Covington, who led Minnesota in minutes as they took advantage of a 30-point halftime lead to give some rest to a few other key pieces. Covington is a great jackknife for fantasy owners, a player capable of fitting into most builds and providing value. The Timberwolves play the Pistons on Wednesday, who've done a good job limiting points and rebounds this season to around the league average. While this keeps Covington on the radar in season-long formats, it does make him a risk in DFS lineups, though his ability to do so much on the defensive end gives him what should be a good floor.Source: Basketball Reference
