Zach Edey Questionable To Make Season Debut
The Memphis Grizzlies may be getting their starting center back soon. Zach Edey (ankle) has been deemed questionable for Saturday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The sophomore underwent offseason surgery on his right ankle and has yet to play this season. This marks the first time he's been listed as questionable. He was doubtful for the Grizzlies' last game on Wednesday. If he suits up on Saturday, he'll almost certainly be on a minutes restriction. Jock Landale has started at center for all of Memphis' games up until this point. Edey averaged 9.2 points, 8.3 points, and 1.3 blocks in 21.5 minutes per game in his rookie season.
Source: Memphis Grizzlies
Source: Memphis Grizzlies
Cedric Coward Doubtful For Saturday's Game In Cleveland
Memphis Grizzlies guard/forward Cedric Coward (foot) is listed as doubtful for the team's Saturday afternoon game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The team's official injury report notes that the rookie is dealing with soreness in his right foot. If Coward is unable to suit up, it will be the first game he has missed in his professional career. The 11th overall pick has been one of the more exciting rookies in the league, averaging 14.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 26.8 minutes of action per game. However, he has struggled with his shot as of late, and the foot soreness could be to blame.
Source: Memphis Grizzlies
Source: Memphis Grizzlies
Ja Morant Off The Injury Report, Will Play Saturday
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (ankle) is off the injury report and expected to start when the team visits the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday afternoon. Morant missed Wednesday's blowout loss to the Boston Celtics after head coach Tuomas Iisalo said the two-time All-Star injured his ankle during Tuesday's loss to the New York Knicks. Morant's struggles on the court have been much publicized. He's averaging 18.9 points, the lowest mark since his rookie season, along with 8.1 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in about 30 minutes per game.
Source: Marc Stein
Source: Marc Stein
Jaden Ivey Participates in Pistons Morning Shootaround on Friday
Natalie Kerwin of FanDuel Sports Network Detroit reports that Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey (knee) started on-court work as part of his rehabilitation process after an arthroscopic knee procedure. Friday's shootaround was the first time Ivey has participated in on-court work in front of the media since the procedure on his right knee on October 16, per Kerwin. The 23-year-old averaged 17.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.0 assists across 29.9 minutes per contest in 30 games last season.
Source: Natalie Kerwin
Source: Natalie Kerwin
Coby White Nearing A Return?
Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (calf) fully practiced on Friday, according to head coach Billy Donovan. White has yet to play this season as he manages the calf issue. Donovan now wants to see how he responds to a contact practice before making a ruling on his availability. Chicago next plays Sunday night in Utah, so the Bulls and White have some extra time to determine whether he can make his season debut. Once he's back up to speed, White should start next to Josh Giddey (ankle) in Chicago's backcourt. White averaged 20.4 points, 4.5 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 0.9 steals in 74 games last season.
Source: K.C. Johnson
Source: K.C. Johnson
Josh Giddey Fully Practices On Friday
Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (ankle) fully practiced Friday, according to the team's head coach, Billy Donovan. Fellow guard Coby White (calf) also fully practiced. Giddey has missed the last two games, both losses, due to the ankle ailment. Donovan now wants to see how Giddey responds to a contact practice before making a ruling on his availability. The Bulls don't play again until Sunday night, but it's trending toward Giddey returning to the lineup. The 23-year-old is playing at an All-Star level this season, averaging 21.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, 9.3 assists, and one steal per game. Kevin Huerter has been starting in Giddey's place, and should pick up another start if Giddey isn't ready to return.
Source: K.C. Johnson
Source: K.C. Johnson
Day'Ron Sharpe Available to Play on Friday
Brooklyn Nets center Day'Ron Sharpe (glute) will play on Friday night when the team visits the Orlando Magic for an NBA Cup contest. Sharpe missed one game while managing a left glute contusion. The 24-year-old has appeared in 10 games for the 1-10 Nets, averaging 6.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 0.9 steals per game. He only sees about 15 minutes per game, playing behind starting center Nic Claxton. With minimal usage, Sharpe doesn't offer much fantasy value. Fantasy managers can likely find a better option to get into their lineup for Friday's nine-game slate.
Source: Erik Slater
Source: Erik Slater
Julian Champagnie Questionable For Rematch Against Warriors
San Antonio Spurs guard/forward Julian Champagnie (hip) is questionable for Friday's NBA Cup game against the Golden State Warriors. Champagnie, who is managing a hip contusion, recently moved to the bench with the return of guard De'Aaron Fox, but played 20 minutes against the Warriors on Wednesday. The 24-year-old is used as a floor spacer and three-point shooter in San Antonio's rotation, and isn't on the radar for fantasy basketball purposes. Forward Jeremy Sochan, who played just six minutes on Wednesday, and guard Lindy Waters III would see an increase in minutes if Champagnie can't suit up.
Source: Matthew Tynan
Source: Matthew Tynan
Jonathan Kuminga Sitting Out Friday's NBA Cup Game
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (knee) will be inactive on Friday when the team faces the San Antonio Spurs. Kuminga entered Wednesday's game with a questionable tag for a knee injury and didn't make it through the entire game. The Warriors believe this will be a short-term injury and want to give Kuminga rest to help with his bilateral knee tendinitis. Kuminga was removed from the starting lineup for the first time on Wednesday. Moses Moody and rookie Will Richard should get starts again. Gary Payton II saw increased minutes in the second half on Wednesday after Kuminga left the game.
Source: Anthony Slater - ESPN
Source: Anthony Slater - ESPN
Dereck Lively II Expected To Return To Action Friday
Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (knee) is expected to play on Friday night versus the Los Angeles Clippers, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Lively himself didn't confirm the report, however, telling reporters, with a grin, that "time will tell" if he's back in the lineup. The Mavericks' center has been in street clothes since October 26th. The former first-round draft pick was a starter in all three games he's played this season. Typically, he splits his minutes with Daniel Gafford. He holds fantasy value due to a high field goal percentage, rebounding rate, and shot-blocking skills. Lively's fellow frontcourt members, Anthony Davis (calf) and P.J. Washington (shoulder), are also questionable for tonight's NBA Cup game.
Source: Shams Charania - ESPN
Source: Shams Charania - ESPN
Kawhi Leonard Out on Friday vs. Mavs
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (ankle) will miss Friday's game against Dallas, marking his sixth straight absence. With Leonard out, James Harden remains a must-start after averaging 29.0 points, 9.0 assists, and 6.0 rebounds over his last two games, including a 35-point triple-double against Atlanta. Derrick Jones Jr. and Bogdan Bogdanovic may benefit with additional scoring opportunities on the wing, while Kris Dunn, Cam Christie, and Nicolas Batum will continue to see increased minutes but remain fringe fantasy options for now.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Lauri Markkanen Drops 40 Points Against Hawks
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen did everything he could, but the team fell short on Thursday to the Atlanta Hawks by a score of 122-132. The ninth-year pro finished with 40 points on 15-for-25 shooting overall and 6-for-12 from deep with only four free throws. He also chipped in seven rebounds, two assists, one steal, and four turnovers. Markkanen has had an incredible start to this season, with averages of 29.3 points (career high), 6.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 3.6 threes per game (career high). As long as Markkanen can stay healthy compared to his last few season, he'll remain a top fantasy option in all formats.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Onyeka Okongwu Posts Double-Double in Win Over Jazz
Atlanta Hawks center Onyeka Okongwu led the team in scoring on Thursday as they beat the Utah Jazz 132-122. The big man registered 32 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, two steals, and three blocks while shooting 11-for-18 overall and 8-for-14 from deep. He moved into the starting lineup for this game which was his fourth start of the season. In his time as a starter this season, he averages 18.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game while collecting over two blocks per contest too. He's currently a great choice in any fantasy format, but especially for managers looking for some added three-point production from the center spot.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jalen Johnson Produces Huge Triple-Double
Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson posted a monster game in their win over the Utah Jazz on Thursday. The Duke product finished with 31 points, 18 rebounds, 14 assists, seven steals, and six turnovers while shooting 10-for-19 from the floor and 4-for-5 from beyond the arc. Johnson has taken full control of the Hawks' offense since Trae Young (knee) has been out, and the results speak for themselves. In the seven games since then, Johnson averages 22.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 2.0 steals, 1.4 threes, and 3.1 turnovers per game while shooting a red-hot .578 overall.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Kel'el Ware Ready to Suit Up on Friday
Miami Heat center/forward Kel'el Ware (hip) is listed as available for Friday's NBA Cup game against the New York Knicks. The second-year big man has been has started in all but three games so far this season, and will continue to see a lot of opportunities while Bam Adebayo (toe) is sidelined. His rebounding numbers have especially been huge for fantasy managers in category leagues. Over his last three games, he's averaged 12.7 points, 15.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game. Which puts him in play for both points and category leagues for the time being.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
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