RADIO
Jalen Smith Hopes to Play Saturday
Chicago Bulls forward/center Jalen Smith (hand) said he bent back the fingers on his left hand while bracing a fall during Friday's overtime win over Atlanta, according to K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network. Smith intends to try to play Saturday against Minnesota after finishing Friday with 15 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, and three steals. He also scored 23 points against San Antonio on Wednesday. With Caleb Wilson (hand) already sidelined, Chicago can ill afford another frontcourt absence. Nic Claxton would be in line for more center minutes if Smith sits, while Patrick Williams could also see additional work.
Source: K.C. Johnson
Source: K.C. Johnson
Morez Johnson Jr. Likely to Play Saturday
Dallas Mavericks forward Morez Johnson Jr. (shin) is probable for Saturday's matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers due to a left shin/tibia contusion. Johnson returned Thursday after a one-game absence but went scoreless on 0-for-4 shooting with two rebounds in 13 minutes against Minnesota. The rookie is averaging 6.9 points and 4.8 rebounds in 16.7 minutes through 11 appearances, highlighted by a 13-point, 17-rebound effort against Utah. Dereck Lively II (foot) remains sidelined, but Johnson still has to compete with Santi Aldama for reserve frontcourt minutes behind Daniel Gafford.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Nolan Traore Probable Against Memphis
Brooklyn Nets guard Nolan Traore (calf) is probable for Saturday's matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies after missing Wednesday's win over New Orleans with right calf tightness. It was his first absence of the season after appearing in each of Brooklyn's first 10 games, including seven starts. The 20-year-old is averaging 12.9 points, 2.6 assists, 1.8 threes, and 1.4 steals while shooting 51.6% from the field. Egor Demin scored 22 points in his return Wednesday, so Traore may not immediately reclaim the same starting role. He should still have a steady place in the rotation, especially if Mikel Brown Jr. (illness) remains out.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Mikel Brown Jr. Iffy for Saturday
Brooklyn Nets guard Mikel Brown Jr. (illness) is questionable for Saturday's matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies and could miss a third straight game. Brown sat Wednesday against New Orleans due to the illness after previously being held out at Dallas for back injury management. The No. 6 pick is averaging 12.9 points and 3.9 assists in 23.1 minutes through seven appearances, all off the bench, while shooting 34.6% from the field. Brooklyn's backcourt is getting healthier with Nolan Traore (calf) probable and Egor Demin back in the mix, so Brown may have to fight for his usual touches once he returns. Keon Ellis would be one of the players in line for extra minutes if Brown remains out Saturday.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Kingston Flemings Exits with Back Tightness
Atlanta Hawks guard Kingston Flemings (back) was ruled out for the remainder of Friday's matchup with the Chicago Bulls due to back tightness. The rookie had entered the game questionable with a lumbar spasm after starting each of Atlanta's previous four contests. Flemings is averaging 8.5 points and 4.4 assists this season and has carved out a steady role in the backcourt. If the injury keeps him out Sunday against Milwaukee, CJ McCollum would be the leading candidate to return to the starting lineup after recently shifting to a reserve role.
Source: Hawks PR
Source: Hawks PR
Jaxson Hayes Exits with Left-Knee Injury
Utah Jazz center Jaxson Hayes (knee) was ruled out for the remainder of Friday's matchup with the Houston Rockets due to a left knee injury. Hayes was productive before exiting, recording 12 points, five rebounds, and one assist on 5-for-6 shooting in 13 minutes. Utah is already thin up front with Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee) and Jusuf Nurkic (foot) sidelined, so another absence would leave even more work for Mo Bamba. Bamba has shown some defensive-stat upside in limited minutes and would be the main fantasy name to watch if Hayes can't return Sunday against San Antonio.
Source: Ben Anderson
Source: Ben Anderson
Devin Vassell Returns From Two-Game Absence Friday
San Antonio Spurs guard/forward Devin Vassell (groin) is available for Friday's matchup with the Golden State Warriors after missing the last two games with left adductor tightness. Vassell played in each of San Antonio's first 10 contests, averaging 11.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. Julian Champagnie filled in with 11 and 12 points across two starts, but Vassell's return should push him back toward a smaller role. Carter Bryant could also lose some of the extra wing minutes he picked up during Vassell's absence.
Source: Tom Orsborn
Source: Tom Orsborn
De'Aaron Fox Upgraded to Available Against Golden State
San Antonio Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox (hip) is available for Friday's matchup with the Golden State Warriors after being listed as questionable with left-hip soreness. Fox is coming off 17 points, nine assists, four rebounds, and three steals in Wednesday's win over Chicago. The 28-year-old is averaging 14.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 6.2 assists through 12 games while shooting 51.4% from the field. Dylan Harper handed out 10 assists Wednesday, giving San Antonio another capable creator, but Fox remains firmly in his usual lead-guard role now that he's been cleared.
Source: Tom Orsborn
Source: Tom Orsborn
Dejounte Murray Requests a Trade From the Pelicans
New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray has requested a trade, with agent Rich Paul and team officials working toward a resolution, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Murray is averaging 13.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.6 steals through nine games, well below his usual offensive production. Phoenix has reportedly shown interest, though no trade talks have developed yet. Jeremiah Fears would stand to gain the most if Murray is moved or held out, after averaging a larger playmaking role during Murray's three-game personal absence and handing out a career-high 13 assists against Sacramento. Herbert Jones could also move back into the starting five.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Quentin Grimes Expects to Play Sunday in Phoenix
Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward Quentin Grimes (finger) expects to play Sunday against the Phoenix Suns after missing the last two games with a right finger sprain, according to Benjamin Royer of the Orange County Register. Grimes is averaging 8.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists through 11 appearances, though he's shooting just 24.2% from three. Collin Sexton (head) stepped up with 18 points and six assists off the bench Monday against Atlanta, but Grimes' return would add another option to the Lakers' perimeter rotation. Until his jumper comes around, Grimes remains a limited fantasy option.
Source: Benjamin Royer
Source: Benjamin Royer
Luka Doncic Expected to Suit Up Sunday Against Phoenix
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (ankle) is expected to be available for Sunday's matchup with the Phoenix Suns, according to head coach JJ Redick. Doncic tweaked his right ankle late in Wednesday's win over Milwaukee but still finished with 32 points, five rebounds, five assists, and two steals in 32 minutes. ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the 27-year-old woke up Thursday without pain, another encouraging sign ahead of Sunday. Doncic is averaging a league-leading 38.6 points with 7.5 rebounds and 7.6 assists. If Austin Reaves (heel) sits, even more of the Lakers' offense should run through Doncic.
Source: Mark Medina
Source: Mark Medina
Austin Reaves Considered Day-to-Day
Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward Austin Reaves (heel) is considered day-to-day after suffering a left heel bruise in Wednesday's win over Milwaukee. Reaves finished with 18 points, five assists, three rebounds, and three steals in 25 minutes before exiting in the third quarter. X-rays were negative, and head coach JJ Redick said the injury is minor enough that Reaves and the team decided against further imaging. The 28-year-old is averaging 24.7 points and 4.7 assists while shooting 40.9% from three. If he can't play Sunday at Phoenix, Collin Sexton (head) and Quentin Grimes (finger) could take on larger backcourt roles.
Source: Marc Stein
Source: Marc Stein
Precious Achiuwa Sidelined Against Portland on Friday
Sacramento Kings forward/center Precious Achiuwa (ankle) has been ruled out for Friday's matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers due to left ankle soreness. Achiuwa exited Tuesday's loss to Orlando in the third quarter and will miss his first game of the season. The 27-year-old is averaging 10.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.1 blocks through 11 appearances, giving Sacramento useful production on both ends. Keegan Murray could move back into the starting lineup, while Dylan Cardwell should also have a chance to pick up additional frontcourt minutes with Achiuwa unavailable.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Aaron Nesmith Active on Friday
Indiana Pacers guard/forward Aaron Nesmith (knee) is available for Friday's NBA Cup matchup against the New York Knicks despite dealing with right knee soreness. The 27-year-old is averaging 11.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 25.2 minutes through 10 appearances. His three-point shooting and defensive contributions give him some fantasy value in deeper leagues.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Pelle Larsson Ruled Out on Friday
Miami Heat guard/forward Pelle Larsson (illness) has been ruled out for Friday's matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 25-year-old has started Miami's last two games, recording 14 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and one steal in Tuesday's win over Utah. Larsson is averaging 11.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.3 steals in 29.5 minutes per game this campaign. With Klay Thompson (ankle) also sidelined, Andrew Wiggins and Tim Hardaway Jr. should see expanded roles.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
