NBA Player News

With Turiaf, Udonis Haslem (stomach virus) and Wade (rest) all out, Joel Anthony is getting the start for Miami and is a decent last-minute plug-and-play if you need rebounds in a deeper league.

Neither of Dallas’ starting guards shot the ball well on Thursday, with Irving and Luka Doncic going a combined 15-of-42 from the field. But they were impactful in other ways, with the latter nearly recording a triple-double and Irving posting a full stat line. Kyrie will clean up the efficiency moving forward; availability is his most significant concern in fantasy basketball this season.

Doncic didn’t have a great night shooting the basketball, but he still finished two assists shy of a triple-double. And the chemistry between him and Klay Thompson appeared solid in the latter’s official Mavericks debut. That’s no small feat, considering Doncic did not play during the preseason due to a calf injury. The sharpness will come as Doncic shakes off the “game rust” that likely accumulated while sidelined.

Dallas’ significant offseason addition, Thompson didn’t waste any time making a positive impression on his new team. One of the game’s all-time great 3-point shooters, Klay established a new Mavericks record for most 3-pointers made in a debut for the team with six. Playing off of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving should guarantee Thompson ample catch-and-shoot opportunities, and fantasy managers will undoubtedly take the three steals as well.

The initial diagnosis is good news for Carrington and the Wizards. The first-round pick injured his ankle on a layup attempt during the fourth quarter and did not return. Fantasy managers should consider Carrington doubtful for Saturday’s game against the Cavaliers until the Wizards provide an official designation. Corey Kispert and fellow rookie Kyshawn George may play more minutes if Carrington misses time.

Recently removed from the injury report after suffering a sprained ankle, Williams is in the starting lineup for Thursday’s season opener. The other notable starter is Joe, who receives the nod with Isaiah Hartenstein (hand) sidelined. Alex Caruso, acquired from the Bulls this summer, will figure prominently off the bench, but that role limits his fantasy potential.

The lone change from the preseason is Huerter, who was recently cleared after having his 2023-24 season end prematurely due to a shoulder injury. Red Velvet’s return means Keon Ellis will come off the bench, limiting his fantasy value. Also, this is DeRozan’s official Kings debut after being acquired from the Bulls this summer.

George didn’t offer much value to fantasy managers on Thursday, but the good news is that he’s firmly in the rotation. That may change once Malcolm Brogdon (thumb) is cleared to return, but that’s still a few weeks away. Depending on the status of Bub Carrington (leg), who was injured during the fourth quarter, George may take on additional responsibilities in the short term.

Valanciunas came off the bench in his first official game with the Wizards, backing up lottery pick Alex Sarr. The veteran center made good use of his time on the floor, scoring 18 points and grabbing five rebounds. Fantasy managers know the defensive numbers will be meager, but Valanciunas still has value in deep leagues.