Desmond Bane Available for Game 1
Orlando Magic guard/forward Desmond Bane (illness) will play in Sunday's Game 1 against the Detroit Pistons. He missed the morning shootaround due to illness, but the team has upgraded Bane's status from probable to available. The 27-year-old will make his third appearance of the week. After erupting for 34 points in Wednesday's Play-In Tournament opener against Philadelphia, Bane was limited to just 13 points by Charlotte on Friday, finishing 4-for-14 from the field. He must do a lot better for the Magic to have a shot at taking down the Eastern Conference's first seed. Bane produced 22.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game during the regular-season series against Detroit.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Grayson Allen is Available for Game 1 on Sunday
Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen (hamstring) is available to play ahead of Sunday's Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Allen is back in the mix following a three-game absence due to a hamstring injury. It's unclear if Allen will have his minutes monitored or if he'll be a full-go for this one. Regardless, his presence on the court should mean reduced roles for Jordan Goodwin, Collin Gillespie, and Haywood Highsmith. Allen is a hit-and-miss fantasy option, so he won't be the most trustworthy DFS option for Sunday's slate. His return to the court will make Goodwin a less attractive option as well.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Kristaps Porzingis Unsure About Returning to Golden State
Golden State Warriors center Kristaps Porzingis is unsure about his future with the organization. Porzingis is an unrestricted free agent, which allows him to sign with any organization. The 30-year-old admitted to enjoying his time with the Warriors, but he wants to take time to look at the whole picture. He wants to prioritize his health, which has been a problem for Porzingis throughout his career. In 15 games with the Warriors, Porzingis averaged 16.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists across 23.7 minutes per game. Given his injury history, it's going to be tough for any organization to give him a long-term deal. A return to Golden State makes sense, but the oft-injured center will likely take his time deciding on his future plans.
Source: Melissa Rohlin
Source: Melissa Rohlin
Mark Williams is Ruled Out for Game 1 on Sunday
Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams (foot) has been downgraded to out ahead of Sunday's Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Williams missed Friday's Play-In victory over the Golden State Warriors due to a lingering foot issue. Now, Williams is set to miss the beginning of this series. Oso Ighodaro figures to see an increased role in the rotation with Williams unable to go. He finished with 10 points and six rebounds across 26 minutes of action on Friday. He'll likely play a similar role on Sunday, which could make him an interesting low-cost DFS option. Khaman Maluach could see more minutes off the bench, but it won't be enough to warrant looking at him as a DFS option.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Hornets Want to Bring Back Coby White
Charlotte Hornets guard Coby White is set to test the open market this offseason. Although Charlotte will look into bringing back White on a long-term deal. After trading for White at the deadline, Charlotte inherited his Bird rights. That means Charlotte could technically exceed the salary cap to retain White. Given the Hornets' current financial situation, they shouldn't need to do that to re-sign White to a long-term deal. In 21 games with the Hornets, White averaged 15.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists with nearly a 40 percent shooting performance from deep. It's unclear what kind of role White would have on this team long-term, but his presence could certainly be an asset. White is from the North Carolina area and appears to have enjoyed his time with the organization. It sounds like a reunion could happen, but it depends on what kind of deal White is seeking in free agency.
Source: Bobby Marks
Source: Bobby Marks
Desmond Bane Considered Probable for Game 1
Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (illness) is listed as probable ahead of Sunday's Game 1 against the Detroit Pistons. Bane is a new addition to the injury report due to what is being considered a minor illness. Barring any setbacks, Bane should be good to go for Sunday's contest. If he's unable to play, Anthony Black would likely be asked to step up on Sunday. Black could be an interesting DFS option if he is given an expanded role. Bane finished with 13 points, seven rebounds, and three steals across 35 minutes of action during Friday's win over the Charlotte Hornets. He struggled from the floor, going 4-for-14, so he hopes for better results on Sunday.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Dylan Harper is Ready for Sunday's Game
San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (thumb) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Sunday's Game 1 against the Portland Trail Blazers. Harper was forced to exit the regular-season finale due to a left thumb injury. It doesn't appear to be serious enough to force Harper to miss the beginning of the playoffs. Harper should resume his role as the backup guard to De'Aaron Fox. The rookie guard averaged 11.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists across 22.6 minutes per game during the regular season. He won't be an ideal DFS option with Fox and Stephon Castle healthy. The 20-year-old is an important part of the Spurs rotation, so they'll be glad to have him back for the beginning of this series.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Grayson Allen is Questionable for Sunday's Game
Phoenix Suns guard/forward Grayson Allen (hamstring) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Allen has been dealing with a lingering hamstring issue, but was available for Friday's game against the Golden State Warriors. Despite being available, Allen didn't suit up for Friday's Play-In victory. Jordan Goodwin, Collin Gillespie, and Haywood Highsmith stand to gain the most value if Allen remains on the sideline for Sunday's contest. Goodwin is by far the best streaming choice between the three players, but he could lose value if Allen does end up playing.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Mark Williams is Questionable for Game 1 on Sunday
Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams (foot) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Williams was able to play 22 minutes during Tuesday's loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. The big man was unable to suit up for Friday's win over the Golden State Warriors due to a lingering foot issue. Oso Ighodaro finished with 10 points and six rebounds across 26 minutes of action on Friday. He figures to play a similar role once again if Williams misses a second straight game. Khaman Maluach could see an expanded role as well, but Ighodaro is the better streaming option if Williams gets downgraded.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Reed Sheppard Moves into Starting Five on Saturday
Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard will move into the starting five ahead of Saturday's Game 1 against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Rockets will be without Kevin Durant (knee), which will shift Sheppard into the starting unit. The Rockets are hopeful that this will only be a one-game absence for the superstar forward. Sheppard will be asked to take on a larger role offensively without Durant available. He should be a focal point on offense along with Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson. Tari Eason, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Jae'Sean Tate could all see increased run as well. Among the bench, Sheppard is the best DFS option with Durant missing at least Game 1.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Kevin Durant is Ruled Out for Game 1 on Saturday
Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Saturday's Game 1 against the Los Angeles Lakers. Durant will be downgraded from questionable to out due to a right knee contusion. Head coach Ime Udoka is hopeful that this will be a one-game absence for Durant. His absence from the rotation will mean that Reed Sheppard will move into the starting five on Saturday. Tari Eason, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Jae'Sean Tate are all candidates to see increased run as well. Among the bunch, Sheppard is the best DFS option ahead of Saturday's slate. He should be a focal point on offense along with Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
LaMelo Ball Scores 23 Points in Season-Ending Loss
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball recorded 23 points (7-for-17 on field goals, 3-for-8 from three, and 6-for-6 on free throws), five assists, and two rebounds in 25 minutes during Friday's Play-In loss to Orlando, ending the Hornets' season. Ball averaged 20.1 points, 7.1 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in 28.0 minutes across 72 games, maintaining strong per-game production despite reduced minutes. His usage remains secure entering next season, with offense flowing through him. Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges should continue handling secondary scoring roles alongside Ball's playmaking.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Jordan Goodwin Fills Stat Sheet in Play-In Win
Phoenix Suns guard/forward Jordan Goodwin recorded 19 points (7-for-11 on field goals, 4-for-7 from three, and 1-for-1 on free throws), nine rebounds, two assists, and six steals in 34 minutes during Friday's win over Golden State, helping Phoenix secure the West's eighth seed. Goodwin averaged 12.6 points, 3.0 three-pointers, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.0 steals over his last five games, showing multi-category upside. His defensive production and rebounding give him DFS value if minutes hold, though his role could shift if Grayson Allen (hamstring) returns. Devin Booker and Jalen Green continue to lead usage, limiting Goodwin's scoring ceiling.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Paolo Banchero Powers Magic Into Playoffs
Orlando Magic forward/center Paolo Banchero recorded 25 points (9-for-17 on field goals, 2-for-6 from three, and 5-for-8 on free throws), five rebounds, six assists, two steals, and one block in 33 minutes during Friday's Play-In win over Charlotte, sending Orlando into the playoffs as the East's eighth seed. Banchero averaged 20.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 6.8 assists over his last five games with a 30.7 usage rate, continuing to drive the offense. His all-around role keeps him firmly in play for DFS despite a tougher matchup against Detroit, while Franz Wagner should continue handling a steady secondary role.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Jalen Green Drops 36 Points to Clinch Playoff Spot
Phoenix Suns guard/forward Jalen Green delivered 36 points (14-for-20 on field goals, 8-for-14 from three), six rebounds, four assists, three blocks, and two steals in 40 minutes during Friday's win over Golden State, sending Phoenix into the playoffs as the West's eighth seed. Green has now scored at least 35 points in back-to-back games and is averaging 22.2 points over his last five outings. His scoring-heavy profile boosts his DFS ceiling, but a first-round matchup against Oklahoma City introduces efficiency risk. Devin Booker should continue sharing primary usage, while Dillon Brooks provides secondary wing support.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
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