NBA Player News

It’s unclear why Portland is wasting anybody’s time by upgrading Simons to doubtful, since he hasn’t played in weeks and that won’t change for the season finale. Walker exited early from their last game, and Justin Minaya should see extra minutes with Walker sidelined for this one.

Due to his hip injury, Caruso will miss a seventh straight game on Sunday. With Ajay Mitchell (toe) also out, Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Joe, and Cason Wallace may pick up a few additional minutes. While none have been consistently reliable fantasy options, whichever one starts will be worth a look in deep leagues due to the injuries.

Friday was the first game the Pistons played since Jaden Ivey broke his leg and Wendell Moore Jr. started in his place. Moore Jr. played just 15 minutes and failed to score in his starting debut. Detroit is going with Ausar Thompson into the starting lineup Saturday. The starting position only adds to the 21-year-old small forward’s fantasy value, though we’ll have to wait and see if he sticks with the starters going forward.

Beal is available for Saturday’s game, but the Suns will be without Tyus Jones (illness). Booker and Beal will shift up a spot in the rotation, with Dunn filling the void in the starting lineup. Look for Booker, Beal, and Durant to do much of the playmaking, with Monte Morris providing depth off the bench.

Fontecchio will miss a third consecutive game for personal reasons, and it’s unknown when he can rejoin his teammates. His absence does not impact fantasy basketball.

Minott isn’t a significant part of the Timberwolves’ rotation. He’s played 11 minutes at most over the last three games. Minott’s absence is immaterial as far as fantasy basketball is concerned.

Cunningham is officially available after being listed as probable on the initial injury report. He’ll take on his usual responsibilities as the focal point of the Pistons’ offense, which is increasingly important with Jaden Ivey (leg) sidelined.

Dosunmu attempted to ramp up his recovery process recently but still has soreness in his calf muscle. While there wasn’t a setback, according to Bulls coach Billy Donovan, Dosunmu could not clear the next step in his rehab process. Dalen Terry, Lonzo Ball, and Talen Horton-Tucker are all available to absorb the minutes that would have gone to Dosunmu.

During his pregame availability, Bulls coach Billy Donovan said Craig “will be out for a little while.” That means Saturday’s game won’t be the only one he misses. Craig is not a fantasy asset when healthy, so his absence will not impact fantasy basketball.

Green is a more important real life player than he is a fantasy player. The 25-year-old shooting guard is a valuable shooter who helps space the floor for Milwaukee, but he isn’t fantasy relevant.

Middleton was initially probable for Saturday’s game, so this was the expected outcome. However, the Bucks are taking a measured approach to his playing time, so fantasy managers should not expect to see him play starters’ minutes. Middleton will be in the lineup and may play 30 minutes, but that’s about it.