RADIO
Makai Lemon is Streaming Option with Larger Role Looming
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Makai Lemon is quickly moving up the depth chart on this roster. Both DeVonta Smith (hamstring) and Dontayvion Wicks (ankle) have been ruled out ahead of the Week 7 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. With neither of them active, Lemon will move into the top spot on the depth chart ahead of this juicy matchup against the Cowboys' secondary. The 22-year-old hasn't done much this season, but he should be counted on more frequently this weekend. Fantasy managers in deep leagues who are looking for a possible streaming option should consider Lemon for this weekend.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Mike Washington Jr. has Stash Value After Getting More Involved
Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. (foot, back) is currently listed as questionable ahead of the Week 7 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Washington missed back-to-back practices this week, but head coach Klint Kubiak said they expect Washington to play this weekend. The rookie back saw a season-high 35 percent snap share during last week's game against the Buffalo Bills. Washington carried the ball nine times for 43 yards in the loss. Ashton Jeanty remains the top back in Las Vegas, but it seems like Washington is going to have a decent role when he's healthy. The 23-year-old is worth stashing in deep leagues at the minimum right now.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
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
Christian Kirk is an Intriguing Pickup Ahead of Week 7 Return
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Christian Kirk (calf) has been activated from the Injured Reserve ahead of the Week 7 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. Kirk has been sidelined since suffering a calf injury during training camp in late July. He's set to make his season debut this weekend after missing the first six games of the regular season. Kirk could immediately become a top target with Mike Evans (ribs, Achilles) and Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) both ruled out. The veteran wideout might end up becoming the top target in the offense during his first game back in the mix. Fantasy managers in deep leagues looking for a possible flex option should consider adding Kirk.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Dameon Pierce is Worth Stashing Ahead of Week 7
Philadelphia Eagles running back Dameon Pierce could be the lead back once again this weekend against the Dallas Cowboys. Last week, Pierce carried the ball 12 times for 35 yards and scored one touchdown in the loss to the Carolina Panthers. He also hauled in four of his five targets for 15 additional yards through the air. Lead back Saquon Barkley (hamstring) is listed as questionable ahead of this game after missing each of the last two games. If he returns, Pierce won't be an ideal streaming option as the No. 2 back in Philly. However, Pierce could be someone worth streaming if Barkley is unable to go against the Cowboys' horrendous run defense.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
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
