NBA Player News

Green, who didn’t play this season due to a foot injury, is expecting a child in August and decided not to sign with a team for family reasons. But there appears to be a pretty good chance he’ll be on an NBA roster at the start of next season.

Thompson played Sunday in an OT loss to the Heat, and his potential absence on Monday could be precautionary on the second night of a back-to-back set. If he’s unable to go, Naji Marshall could slot into the starting five, with Spencer Dinwiddie logging extra minutes off the bench.

Turner may sit out for the second leg of Indiana’s back-to-back set, and this could be a precautionary absence. If he doesn’t go, expect Jarace Walker and Obi Toppin to fill in at center.

Williams logged only 19 games last season and has yet to make his 2024-25 season debut. Richards started at center for the first five games of the season before suffering an injury of his own. Grant Williams and Moussa Diabate will continue to fill in the gaps at center until Williams or Richards return.

“Stormin’ Norman” will miss his fourth straight game, which means Amir Coffey should remain with the first unit. Coffey has averaged 12 points and three boards over his last three starts, making him a lackluster fantasy option outside of deep leagues.

Dick left Sunday’s loss to Cleveland early with the injury, and he’ll miss the second leg of Toronto’s back-to-back set. The severity of Dick’s injury is unknown, but Davion Mitchell should see increased run in his absence.

Kristaps Porzingis will make his season debut Monday, but don’t expect big minutes in his first game back. Instead, look to Neemias Queta to see meaningful playing time at center while Horford and Kornet are sidelined.

Ingram returned from a one-game absence to play Friday against Golden State, but he’s in danger of sitting out a second time in three games. The good news for New Orleans is that CJ McCollum will return Monday, and Dejounte Murray expects to return Wednesday. Help is on the way.

Murray has been sidelined since sustaining this injury in the season opener, but based on recent on-court work and his brief doubtful designation, it appears he’s on track to play again soon. The Pelicans play again Wednesday against the Raptors and Friday against the Grizzlies.

McCollum will make his return following a 13-game absence, and he should see big minutes immediately due to the Pelicans’ injury-laden roster. Missi was sidelined for Friday’s loss to Golden State, but he’s on track to return following a one-game absence.

Porzingis underwent left leg surgery back in June and was expected to return in five to six months. A September update gave him a targeted return date of December, so he’s ahead of schedule based on that timeline. Given his long layoff and extensive injury history, there’s no question Porzingis will face a minutes restriction in his first game back. The Celtics will surely bring him along slowly, meaning Al Horford should continue to play meaningful center minutes at least for the immediate future.