Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
RJ Barrett (knee) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Pacers, marking his second consecutive absence due to a sprained right knee. The star forward is considered day-to-day and his status will be re-evaluated ahead of Saturday's contest against Charlotte.
Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta will miss Wednesday's game against the Pistons due to a sprained left ankle. This marks his first absence of the year. Queta sustained the injury during Sunday's victory over the Magic and is currently considered day-to-day, with his status to be re-evaluated before Saturday's matchup against the Timberwolves. In his absence, Chris Boucher and Luka Garza are expected to share minutes at the center position.
Miami Heat's Andrew Wiggins is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Bucks due to a hip flexor strain. He has already missed the past three games. The team faces multiple frontcourt injuries, with Jaime Jaquez (hip tightness), Dru Smith (hip contusion), and Nikola Jovic (hip impingement) also listed as questionable. If shorthanded, Pelle Larsson and Simone Fontecchio could see increased roles.
Miami Heat's Jaime Jaquez is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Bucks, battling right hip tightness. With the Heat facing several frontcourt injuries, his status is uncertain. Should he sit out, Pelle Larsson and Simone Fontecchio are potential candidates for increased playing time against Milwaukee.
The Los Angeles Lakers announced Tuesday they have signed forward Drew Timme to a two-way contract. Timme, a 6-10 Gonzaga product, previously played for the Lakers’ G League team, the South Bay Lakers. In six G League games, he averaged 25.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 25.5 minutes. Timme expressed excitement, stating, "I was just super excited. It’s super cool." This signing comes as the team also waived two-way center Christian Koloko.
The Los Angeles Lakers announced Tuesday that they have waived two-way center Christian Koloko. This move comes as the team also signed forward Drew Timme to a two-way contract. Timme had played for the Lakers’ G League team, the South Bay Lakers, averaging 25.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 25.5 minutes during six games.
Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes is set to start tonight's game against the Clippers at Crypto.com Arena. He will be filling in for Deandre Ayton, who is sidelined due to a bruised right knee. The Lakers also announced signing forward Drew Timme to a two-way contract and waiving two-way center Christian Koloko. Timme averaged 25.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in six G League games for the South Bay Lakers.
Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton will miss Tuesday night's game against the Clippers at Crypto.com Arena due to a bruised right knee. Jaxson Hayes is slated to start at center in Ayton's place. The Lakers also announced they signed forward Drew Timme to a two-way contract and waived two-way center Christian Koloko. Timme, who played for the South Bay Lakers, averaged 25.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 25.5 minutes over six G League games.
Miami Heat's Norman Powell is probable for Wednesday's game against the Bucks despite a groin injury. This is positive news, as imaging indicates a minor strain after no previous timetable for his return. Powell is enjoying a breakout season, averaging 25.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 3.2 three-pointers per game.
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga is nearing his return from bilateral knee tendinitis, despite missing his seventh consecutive game Wednesday. Kuminga participated in 3-on-3 drills and full practice Tuesday, and is scheduled for a 5-on-5 scrimmage Wednesday evening, typically the final hurdle before game action. Coach Steve Kerr provided an encouraging update after previously noting Kuminga was 'not moving well.' Before his injury, Kuminga averaged 17.2 points in his first 12 starts, though his production dropped to 6.0 points in the four games prior to being sidelined.
Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (ankle) has been downgraded from probable to out for Tuesday's game against Orlando. This marks his 14th missed contest in the first 17 games of the season. With George sidelined, Dominick Barlow, Trendon Watford, and Justin Edwards are expected to see increased usage and playing time against the Magic.
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has missed the last seven games. This season, he's averaging fewer than 20.0 points per game for the first time in his career and a career-low 5.5 rebounds. The team's priority is likely his health for a playoff run. Fantasy managers are advised to consider Andre Drummond as an insurance option given Embiid's current absence and reduced production.
Trae Young has seen his role as the Atlanta Hawks' primary franchise player shift, as Jalen Johnson has officially supplanted him. Johnson's emergence as a dangerous finisher and facilitator has led to this change in team hierarchy, indicating a significant transition in leadership and on-court focus for the Hawks. Young's previous status as the undisputed star has been redefined by Johnson's elevated performance.
Jalen Johnson has officially supplanted Trae Young as the Atlanta Hawks' franchise player, showcasing a remarkable evolution in his game. Johnson has become equally dangerous as both a finisher and a facilitator, demonstrating a comprehensive skill set that positions him as a pivotal force for the team's future. His elevated performance has redefined the team's primary star.
Stephen Curry led the Golden State Warriors to a 134-117 win over Utah on Monday, pouring in a game-high 31 points (12-24 FG, 6-17 3Pt, 1-1 FT) in 29 minutes. He also contributed four rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and one steal. This performance marks his third consecutive start with over 30 points and his fifth such game in his last six outings. Over this recent six-game stretch, Curry has been averaging an impressive 34.5 points, 6.2 threes, 4.2 assists, 3.8 boards, and 1.3 steals, shooting 52.3 percent from the floor and 42.0 percent from beyond the arc.
Cade Cunningham (+5000 MVP odds) has been the driving force behind the Detroit Pistons' impressive 13-game winning streak, which has given them the best record in the East and second-best in the NBA. In 10 of those 13 games, Cunningham averaged 27.1 PPG (14th), 6.0 RPG (T-55th), and 9.6 APG (2nd). He scored at least 30 points in five of those 10 games, adding eight double-doubles and one triple-double. The Pistons face a challenging schedule with upcoming games against Boston, Orlando, Miami, Atlanta, and Milwaukee.
Jake LaRavia, the Lakers' "No. 12" who recently went viral, is proving invaluable, averaging 10.3 points and 4.3 rebounds. He posted 27 points, 8 rebounds, 10-of-11 FG, and 5-of-6 3PT in a recent win. LaRavia's versatile game, including defense, pace, and secondary playmaking, fits perfectly alongside Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James, who even set him up for a specific cut. The Lakers face the Clippers in a critical NBA Cup game Tuesday, with a win advancing them to the quarterfinals, a prospect LaRavia notes is motivated by a $500,000 bonus.
Golden State Warriors star Jimmy Butler showcased his value as Steph Curry's co-star, dominating in a 134-117 win over the Utah Jazz. Butler recorded 18 points on 8-of-11 shooting, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists, finishing with a plus-19 in 28 minutes. He significantly outplayed Lauri Markkanen, who managed only 17 points on 31.6% shooting. The trio of Butler, Curry, and Draymond Green boasts a +61 differential and a 15.0 net rating in 14 games, while the Curry-Butler duo is +50 in 15 games with a 120.6 offensive rating, propelling the Warriors to a 10-9 record.
Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves delivered a complete performance, scoring 43 points (16-29 FG, 5-11 3Pt, 6-8 FT) along with seven rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block in 40 minutes during Tuesday's 117-112 overtime loss to the Kings. This marks his second consecutive 40-point game, a strong rebound after a brief cold stretch where he shot 32.4 percent from the field in his two prior appearances.
Jaren Jackson Jr. recorded 16 points (7-16 FG, 1-8 3Pt, 1-1 FT), six rebounds, and four assists in 29 minutes during Monday's 125-115 loss to the Nuggets. His performance was described as 'adequate' as the Memphis Grizzlies suffered their sixth loss in eight games. Despite being relatively healthy, Jackson Jr. has struggled to gain momentum this season, averaging 17.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, and 1.6 three-pointers through 16 games, placing him outside the top 100 in standard fantasy formats.
