NBA Player News

Begarin came in averaging 16.5 points on 39.7% shooting, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 dimes, 1.5 steals, 0.5 blocks, 1.0 triple and 4.5 turnovers per game in four SL appearances, which is promising, but he clearly still has some issues in a few areas. Begarin most recently played in France and is now fighting for a roster spot somewhere in the league, so he’ll more than likely be a non-factor in the vast majority of fantasy leagues. Mfiondu Kabengele was next up in scoring for Boston with 18 points with a nice all-around effort inclusive of a steal, four blocks and two triples, and JD Davison had another fantastic showing with a 17/6/10 line, but the Celtics are coming off a Finals berth and already know who’s going to be playing heavy minutes on opening night.

LeBron hasn’t missed a game yet this week and is set to play again Sunday against the Rockets. His last missed game was last Saturday, though he was dealing with an illness, not injury management. Expect James to suit up and have his normal workload Sunday.

The Nets are without Cameron Johnson, Cam Thomas, and Ben Simmons for Saturday’s game. With Russell, Keon Johnson, Wilson, and Claxton being holdovers from Thursday’s starting lineup, Williams moves into the lineup to complete the quintet. Cameron Johnson will miss at least three games, so Ziaire may have value in deeper leagues for Week 11.

Horford did not play in Friday’s win over the Rockets, Boston’s second game in as many nights. His place within the rotation for Sunday’s game depends on Jaylen Brown’s availability. If Brown plays, Horford will come off the bench. However, if JB misses a third straight game, Horford will start alongside Kristaps Porzingis.

Brown has missed Boston’s last two games, with Sam Hauser replacing him in the starting lineup. However, with Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford absent from the injury report, the latter will likely start (instead of Hauser) on Sunday if Brown remains out.

With the Nets already missing multiple starters in Cameron Johnson and Cam Thomas, Simmons popped up late on the injury report with a calf injury and has since been ruled out. The 28-year-old point guard had played in seven of eight games before sitting out Wednesday. D’Angelo Russell is going to have a heavy workload in this one with Brooklyn missing a good chunk of its rotation.

The 76ers are again without Kelly Oubre Jr. (hand), but Kyle Lowry isn’t the player replacing him in the starting lineup. Philadelphia will go “big,” with Yabusele starting and Lowry being bumped to the bench. While Embiid’s presence in the lineup limits Yabusele’s upside, he’s worthy of streaming consideration in deep leagues.

Merrill did not play in Friday’s win over Dallas, with Max Strus and Georges Niang absorbing some of the available minutes. Merrill isn’t a great fantasy option when healthy, even with his perimeter shooting ability. He would need to start to be worth the risk in deep leagues.

Embiid actually played in the 76ers’ last game Thursday against the Warriors, though he didn’t play earlier in the week against the Kings. The 30-year-old center isn’t 100%, but he’s going to give it a go against the Nets Saturday. Embiid should have no problem getting his numbers with Brooklyn missing multiple starters.

After being forced to exit Wednesday’s game against the Bulls, Coulibaly did not play in Friday’s loss to the Pelicans. Kyle Kuzma returned to the starting lineup and played well, shooting 7-of-8 from the field and finishing with 14 points, seven rebounds, one assist, and one steal in 28 minutes. Kuzma should remain with the starters for Sunday’s game if Coulibaly cannot play.