Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Norman Powell has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against Washington due to a right groin strain. This marks his sixth consecutive missed contest, and he currently lacks a definitive timetable for his return. Powell is considered doubtful for Thursday's game against the Bucks. In his absence, the Heat are expected to rely on Pelle Larsson, Dru Smith, and Kasparas Jakucionis to absorb his vacated minutes.
Andrew Wiggins has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Wizards due to a left big toe injury. This will be his third consecutive game on the sidelines. His next opportunity to return is Thursday against Milwaukee. With Wiggins unavailable, the Heat look to Myron Gardner and Simone Fontecchio—who is listed as probable—to see increased playing time in the rotation.
Ausar Thompson will miss his third consecutive game Tuesday against the Nets due to a right ankle sprain. His next opportunity to return to the court is Thursday's matchup against the 76ers. Marcus Sasser is expected to continue starting for the Pistons while Thompson remains sidelined for recovery.
Kyshawn George will not play in Tuesday's game against the Miami Heat due to an elbow injury. George is among several Wizards players currently sidelined, including Anthony Davis, Cam Whitmore, Tristan Vukcevic, and Jamir Watkins, as the team prepares for the road matchup.
Jamir Watkins has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Miami Heat due to an ankle injury. Watkins is part of a depleted Wizards roster that is missing several key contributors, including Anthony Davis, Cam Whitmore, Tristan Vukcevic, and Kyshawn George, as the team seeks to break a nine-game losing streak.
Tristan Vukcevic will miss Tuesday's game against the Miami Heat due to a thigh injury. The Wizards are currently managing a significant injury list, including Anthony Davis, Cam Whitmore, Jamir Watkins, and Kyshawn George, as they attempt to end their current losing streak.
Cam Whitmore is listed as out for Tuesday's game against the Miami Heat due to a shoulder injury. He joins a lengthy injury report for the Wizards, who are looking to snap a losing streak. The team will also be without Anthony Davis, Kyshawn George, Tristan Vukcevic, and Jamir Watkins for the contest.
Anthony Davis is ruled out for Tuesday's road game against the Miami Heat due to hand and groin injuries. The Wizards are currently struggling, aiming to avoid a ninth consecutive loss. Davis remains sidelined alongside several other teammates, including Kyshawn George, Tristan Vukcevic, Jamir Watkins, and Cam Whitmore.
Jalen Smith, a former trainer who helped recruit players into a sprawling NCAA basketball betting scheme, pleaded guilty Monday in federal court to wire fraud and bribery charges. Prosecutors allege Smith recruited players to purposefully underperform during games in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons to facilitate betting fraud. The charges are part of a larger investigation that has targeted 17 former college players and four active players.
Jalen Brunson enters Monday's matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers in strong form from beyond the arc, shooting 40.4% on 5.7 attempts over his last 10 games. Analysts highlight his potential to exceed 2.5 three-pointers, citing the Clippers' 24th-ranked opponent 3-point shooting percentage. Brunson remains the focal point of the Knicks' offense as they look to bounce back from recent inconsistent performances.
Jarrett Allen has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers due to right knee tendonitis. This marks his second consecutive absence, and it remains unclear if the star big man has resumed practicing. In his absence, Sam Merrill and Jaylon Tyson are expected to play expanded roles for the Cavaliers.
Rookie VJ Edgecombe is sidelined for a third consecutive game due to a back contusion sustained from a hard fall against the San Antonio Spurs last week. He was unable to shake his questionable tag for Monday's matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. With Edgecombe unavailable, the shorthanded 76ers are expected to rely on expanded roles for players like Cameron Payne, Quentin Grimes, and Jabari Walker.
Jabari Walker is a top waiver wire priority for Week 20 as he benefits from a depleted Philadelphia roster and a rare five-game schedule. Over his last three games, Walker has averaged 17 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.3 triples in 21.3 minutes. With Joel Embiid and Paul George sidelined, Walker is expected to maintain significant rotation minutes, making him a high-upside add for fantasy managers looking for production across multiple categories during this busy week.
Luka Dončić continues to lead the Lakers with elite production, recently posting 44 points, nine rebounds, and five assists in a win over the Pacers. While his on-court arguments with officials draw significant media criticism, his performance remains central to the Lakers' 39-25 record. Coach Rick Carlisle recently praised Dončić's sheer ability, noting that his fiery competitiveness is a hallmark of his status as an elite, special talent in the league.
Josh Hart, limited to 8 points in 22 minutes during Sunday's loss, is projected to bounce back for the New York Knicks against the Clippers on Monday. Known for his energy, Hart averages 13.5 points in games following sub-10-point efforts. With Mitchell Robinson doubtful, Hart is expected to see increased minutes and is forecasted for over 10.5 points and potentially 7.6 rebounds, driving the Knicks' offense.
The Cavaliers assigned Max Strus to the G League's Cleveland Charge on Monday as part of his ramp-up process. While Strus will remain sidelined for Monday's game against the 76ers, the assignment indicates he is nearing his 2025-26 debut. Head coach Kenny Atkinson noted that Strus must undergo one final checkup with his doctor before receiving official clearance for game action. He is expected to rejoin the parent club following his practice sessions with the Charge.
Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokić has seemingly put an end to future free agency speculation, stating his clear intention to remain with the team. Eligible for free agency in 2027, Jokić recently explained in an interview why he wants to continue his career in Denver, reaffirming his commitment to the franchise and its long-term plans. This declaration provides stability for the Nuggets as they look ahead.
Joel Embiid remains sidelined for the Philadelphia 76ers' Monday night game against the Cleveland Cavaliers due to a right oblique strain. His continued absence, combined with Tyrese Maxey (right fifth finger sprain) and Paul George (suspension), leaves the Sixers 'wildly shorthanded' as they struggle to maintain their playoff position in the Eastern Conference.
Paul George remains sidelined for the Philadelphia 76ers' Monday night game against the Cleveland Cavaliers due to a suspension. His absence, along with Joel Embiid (right oblique strain) and Tyrese Maxey (right fifth finger sprain), leaves the Sixers 'wildly shorthanded' as they begin a back-to-back, struggling to maintain playoff contention in the Eastern Conference.
Derik Queen played a key role in the New Orleans Pelicans' 20-point victory over the Washington Wizards on March 8, 2026. Queen logged 25 minutes of action, finishing with a PPA of 128 and an offensive rating of 139. His performance was part of a balanced team effort that saw the Pelicans dominate the paint and generate 47 free throw attempts. Queen, acquired by the Pelicans in a 2025 draft-day trade, continues to develop as part of a New Orleans squad that has gone 11-9 in their last 20 games.
