NBA Player News

The United States found itself in trouble during the fourth quarter for the second straight exhibition. As was the case in Saturday’s one-point win over South Sudan, James shouldered the load to help lead the Americans to victory. He scored a team-high 20 points in just 18 minutes of action and has shown no signs of slowing down despite being 39 years old. Next up for the United States is their first group play game in Paris against Serbia on July 28. However, before that game is played, LeBron will be one of the flag bearers leading the United States delegation during the Opening Ceremony.

Rozier should continue to be available despite this knee issue sticking around. He was sidelined two games ago, but Rozier was able to log 29 minutes off the bench in their last game. He hasn’t been playing to his standards, but with Jimmy Butler sidelined, he’ll have the ball in his hands often.

Ball has missed Chicago’s last two games, but his absence does not significantly impact fantasy basketball. Talen Horton-Tucker may pick up a few minutes off the bench, but he is not worth streaming in this spot. Also, Josh Giddey (ankle) could return to the lineup after missing four games.

Poole hasn’t miss a game since late November, but there is a chance that he is sidelined against the Knicks. If that happens, Malcolm Brogdon will likely make a return to the starting unit, with Jared Butler and Johnny Davis potentially seeing some minutes off the bench. However, only Brogdon will play enough to make any impact in fantasy basketball.

Giddey has missed Chicago’s last four games, with Patrick Williams replacing him in the starting lineup. Williams has reached double figures in all four starts, but the production has not blown anyone away. He’s worth streaming until Giddey returns, but fantasy managers should not expect too much.

Dosunmu is headed toward a second consecutive absence after sitting out Thursday’s loss to the Hawks. While Dalen Terry started against Atlanta, Jevon Carter came off the bench and hit his first six 3-point attempts. Expecting similar output from Carter would be a mistake, but he offers a higher ceiling than Terry.

It has been about a month since Kuz last suited up, and he will remain sidelined this weekend. Justin Champagnie should continue to start in his place, where he has been a top-100 player over the last two weeks.

Jovic injured his ankle during the fourth quarter of Thursday’s win over Orlando and did not return. With Jimmy Butler and Josh Richardson ruled out, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Alec Burks will play more minutes regardless of Jovic’s availability. If Jovic sits, there may also be room in the rotation for Pelle Larsson, who did not play against Orlando.

Richardson hasn’t played in about six weeks, so his continued absence will not have much of an impact on the team’s rotation or fantasy basketball.

Miller missed three games due to his sprained ankle before returning and playing 36 minutes in Thursday’s loss to the Wizards. If he cannot play against the Thunder, Cody Martin is the most likely replacement in the starting lineup. Martin isn’t the scorer that Miller is, but he would be worth streaming if forced to start.

Williams reported some soreness after Thursday’s game, but he was still able to participate in practice on Friday. If he were to miss this weekend’s game, Nick Richards would likely return to the starting lineup in his place, with Moussa Diabate filling out the reserve minutes down low.