Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Domantas Sabonis has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Clippers due to lower-back soreness. While Friday is the first game of a back-to-back, there's a possibility the Sacramento Kings' star big man could play Saturday against the Cavaliers. In his absence, Maxime Raynaud is expected to jump into the starting lineup, splitting center minutes with rookie Dylan Cardwell.
Ja Morant remains with the Memphis Grizzlies despite trade speculation, with GM Zach Kleiman stating "outside noise" is overblown and the team has been "incredibly supportive." Morant is currently rehabbing a left elbow sprain that has sidelined him for the last seven games, and his return this season is a "medical determination." He is averaging 19.5 points and 8.1 assists in only 20 games this season, which has been marked by injuries and past suspensions, including a 25-day ban for conduct detrimental to the league.
DeMar DeRozan, veteran shooting guard for the Sacramento Kings, is a key topic for fantasy basketball managers assessing his value and considering trade options, with his recent performance being a significant factor. He's currently on a "classic heater," averaging 23.4 points over his last five games and exceeding 30 points twice in that span. His point total for tonight's game is set at a modest 16.5, which is seen as an exploitable number against a regressing Clippers defense that has surrendered 122+ points in three of their last four games and ranks 21st in defensive rating. Managers are encouraged to weigh his recent impact for informed roster decisions.
Darius Garland (toe/recently traded) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Kings and Sunday's game against the Timberwolves. His next opportunity to debut for the Los Angeles Clippers will be Tuesday against the Rockets. Garland is still recovering from a right toe sprain, which complicates his timeline for a return. In his absence, Kris Dunn, Kobe Sanders, and Jordan Miller are expected to handle a sizable workload for the Clippers.
Bennedict Mathurin, recently traded, will not make his debut for the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday against Minnesota. He is scheduled to join the team in Minnesota, but his first game with the Clippers is now slated for Tuesday against Houston. Mathurin is anticipated to take on an expanded role with the team, especially after the Clippers dumped James Harden at the trade deadline, signaling a potential increase in his responsibilities.
Kyle Kuzma has been scratched from Friday's game against the Pacers due to left calf soreness, a surprising update after his absence from Milwaukee's initial injury report. The 30-year-old forward is now considered day-to-day, with his status uncertain for Monday's game against the Magic. With Kuzma sidelined and the Bucks already facing other absences, Gary Trent and Pete Nance are expected to see increased opportunities.
Mike Conley is set for a surprising return to the Minnesota Timberwolves, rejoining the team after being traded twice and subsequently waived this week. He plans to exploit a unique CBA loophole, which allows him to re-sign with Minnesota after being traded from the Wolves to the Bulls, then to the Hornets, and then waived. This move provides significant roster reinforcement for the Wolves, bringing the veteran guard back. While beloved by the organization, he is expected to see limited minutes, likely as the last point guard on the bench, with Ayo Dosunmu taking on more playing time. Conley, 38, has averaged 4.4 points, 2.9 assists, and 1.8 rebounds this season, limited by back spasms and Achilles tendinopathy.
Peyton Watson is expected to miss at least four weeks due to a Grade 2 right hamstring strain, as reported by Michael Scotto of USA Today. This injury is a significant blow for the Denver Nuggets, who have faced numerous injury challenges this season. Watson was having a breakout year, averaging 14.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 1.0 steals, while shooting 41.7 percent from beyond the arc. His absence will create increased opportunities for Julian Strawther, Spencer Jones, Tim Hardaway, and potentially Zeke Nnaji.
Cooper Flagg is a hot topic for fantasy basketball managers, who are debating whether to retain him or explore trade possibilities, with managers advised to consider his current performance and future potential. The Dallas Mavericks view Flagg as central to their future, having made trades to orient their roster around him, and see strong long-term potential in pairing him with Kyrie Irving. The organization considers Flagg their best passer, with his comfort handling the ball and making early reads validating pre-draft projections. He is envisioned to handle much of the early offense and playmaking duties, allowing Irving to focus on scoring. Flagg is shouldering the Mavericks franchise in the aftermath of Luka Doncic’s trade to L.A. and Anthony Davis’s trade to Washington. Kyrie Irving is embracing a mentor role for Flagg.
Saddiq Bey's fantasy basketball value is currently under review by managers, who are weighing options to either keep him on their roster or consider trading him. This discussion is part of a wider assessment of player performance and potential, which also includes players like Cooper Flagg and DeMar DeRozan. Fantasy managers are encouraged to analyze Bey's recent output and projected role to make informed decisions regarding his place on their teams.
Ty Jerome is currently a point of discussion among fantasy basketball managers, who are evaluating his standing and considering whether to retain him on their roster or explore potential trade opportunities. This assessment is part of a broader analysis of player values, alongside names such as Cooper Flagg and DeMar DeRozan. Managers are advised to carefully consider Jerome's recent contributions and future outlook when making critical roster decisions for their fantasy teams.
Anthony Edwards, despite being in a shooting slump, is expected to continue his aggressive offensive play, having still shot over 40% from beyond the arc and draining four-plus threes in eight of his last 14 games. Tonight, the Minnesota Timberwolves star faces the New Orleans Pelicans, a team with the 27th defensive rating that particularly struggles on the perimeter, surrendering the second-most attempted and made threes per game. The Over 3.5 threes prop bet is highlighted as a strong play for Edwards.
Donovan Clingan, center for the Portland Trail Blazers, is an absolute must-start for fantasy this weekend and is expected to dominate the glass against a severely depleted Memphis Grizzlies frontcourt. Clingan ranks fifth in rebounds per game this season at 11.2, averaging 13.6 boards over his last eight games and 14+ over his last three home games. The Grizzlies, who just traded Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jock Landale, and have Santi Aldama and Zach Edey sidelined, are projected to have a "tiny lineup" that Clingan should "feast" on. Memphis has surrendered the ninth-most total rebounds and second-most offensive rebounds over their last 10 games. Clingan has averaged 10.8 points, 14.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2.0 blocks during Portland's recent six-game losing streak.
Nikola Jokić returned to the Denver Nuggets over a week ago after a month-long absence due to a bone bruise and hyperextended knee, but the team has since lost three straight games. While averaging 23.3 points, 12 rebounds, and 7.3 assists, Jokić's shooting percentages (45.5% FG, 25% 3Pt) are significantly below his season averages. Coach Dave Adelman attributes the struggles to redefining roles and chemistry amidst constant injuries to other starters. This has been Jokić's longest career injury absence, impacting his rhythm and timing, though he remains confident his shooting stroke will return. Patience is emphasized as the team works to integrate him and other returning players.
Victor Wembanyama led the San Antonio Spurs to their second consecutive win, dominating the Mavericks with 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks. The Spurs outlasted a short-handed opponent, showcasing Wembanyama's strong vision and chemistry with teammate Stephon Castle. There is also speculation about his potential participation in the 2026 3-Point Contest, with interest in him "creatively finding a way to gain an advantage."
Kawhi Leonard has been identified as a player to watch on the trade market this summer, following the conclusion of the 2026 NBA trade deadline. He is among 15 names listed as potential candidates for upcoming offseason moves, signaling that teams are already looking ahead to the summer for significant roster adjustments.
Austin Reaves has made a significant return to form for the Los Angeles Lakers, leading a comeback win against the 76ers with 35 points (21 in the second half) in his second game back after missing 19 games with a strained left calf. He played 25 minutes, exceeding his restriction. Off the court, the Lakers' chances of re-signing Reaves this offseason are strong, with other teams having burned through cap space. Reaves, who will be an unrestricted free agent after declining his $14.9 million player option, has shown no indications of leaving, and a mutual understanding of his next contract's cost likely exists. The Lakers plan to utilize his lower cap hold to spend cap space first, then re-sign him over the cap.
Austin Rivers was mentioned in the title of an article discussing the Lakers' efforts to retain Austin Reaves. However, the content of the article primarily focuses on Austin Reaves' free agency outlook and the impact of recent trade deadline moves on the Lakers' ability to re-sign him, rather than providing specific news or updates about Austin Rivers himself.
Rumors of LeBron James returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers are "heating up," with reports suggesting he's unlikely to return to the Los Angeles Lakers next season. The Athletic columnist Jason Lloyd believes Cleveland is his only option if he continues to play, though he's not expected to take a league-minimum deal. James and the Lakers are reportedly at odds, and the acquisition of Luka Doncic further alienated him. While James was sidelined for the first 14 games this season due to sciatica, it was only the 10th time through 50 games that he, Doncic, and Austin Reaves played together. The Cavaliers have made moves to create salary cap flexibility, potentially allowing them to accommodate James's contract demands if both sides are willing.
LaMelo Ball posted 20 points (7-19 FG, 5-12 3Pt, 1-2 FT), six rebounds, and four assists over 29 minutes during Thursday's 109-99 victory over the Rockets. Despite not having a highly efficient night from the field, Ball managed to sink five triples, extending his streak of multiple threes to eight consecutive games. Now in his sixth year, Ball is averaging 19.1 points per game, which is his lowest since his rookie season, while his rebounding and assist numbers remain nearly identical to last season.
