NBA Player News

Larsson set the tone for the Heat on Monday, getting off to a hot start before foul trouble forced him to the bench. While the fouls and turnovers (five) weren’t great, the second-round pick played well overall, with the title being a fitting capper to Larsson’s summer. He’s a player the Heat expect to contribute this season; the question is whether or not the minutes will be enough for Larsson to achieve fantasy relevance. At a minimum, he’s worth tracking during the preseason, and Jimmy Butler’s recent availability issues may also boost the former Arizona guard’s fantasy value.

Theis was initially listed as questionable after not being with the team in their previous game, but he’ll be available for this one. He’ll fill out the backup center minutes behind Yves Missi, but Theis won’t be worth rostering.

Suggs was initially listed as probable to play after injuring his ankle on Thursday, but now there is a chance that he sits out. If he ends up missing this game, Anthony Black and Cole Anthony will likely take on the point guard minutes. Black had 23 points in 31 minutes off the bench in their last game and would be worth streaming.

Booker had already been ruled out for Saturday’s game, which means that he will also sit out Monday’s game in Denver. A re-evaluation will give a better timeline for when he could return, though the next chance that he will have to play will be on Wednesday, with the Nuggets coming to town. Royce O-Neale and Grayson Allen should both see extra minutes in his place.

Morant was listed as doubtful on the initial injury report, but he has now officially been ruled out. Scotty Pippen Jr. should get the starting nod at point guard in his place, where he has been effective this season.

George was initially listed as questionable for this game, but the odds of him playing have decreased significantly. The Jazz have also called Isaiah Collier up from the G-League, which gives an even stronger indication that George won’t suit up. Collier and Jordan Clarkson should be the primary playmaking options, though Patty Milles may also play a role.

DFS wasn’t initially on the injury report, but there is now a chance that he is sidelined for this game. Jalen Wilson should make a return to the starting unit if Finney-Smith is forced to sit out.

Craig wasn’t on the initially injury report, but there is now a chance that he is sidelined for this game. However, he didn’t see the floor despite being healthy for their last game, so his potential absence will not impact fantasy basketball.

From an accuracy standpoint, Robinson didn’t have the best night, shooting 3-of-11 from three. However, the six assists were a positive for managers who have him rostered. That matched his season-high, but Robinson has a long way to go before he becomes anything more than a specialist in most fantasy leagues. Rostered in 11% of Yahoo leagues, he only has value where there’s a clear need for points and 3-pointers.

Adebayo took an inadvertent elbow from teammate Jaime Jaquez Jr. during Friday’s game, with the resulting cut requiring seven stitches. The Heat center did return, finishing with his 206th career double-double to move into second on the franchise’s all-time list (Rony Seikaly holds the record with 221). Adebayo still hasn’t reached his Yahoo ADP (32) but is closing in on top-50 value in 9-cat formats.

Jaquez’s stat line was nondescript, with his starting the third quarter being more notable. The Heat lost Jimmy Butler (illness) during the first half, and he also sprained his left ankle. If Butler cannot play in Saturday’s game against the Magic, Jaquez may be Erik Spoelstra’s choice to fill the resulting void in the starting lineup.