NBA Player News

Hours after multiple outlets reported that the Jazz were waiving Taevion Kinsey, the team confirmed that move while announcing who would take over that two-way slot. Tshiebwe, who was not selected in the 2023 NBA Draft, spent last season on a two-way deal with the Pacers and played most of his minutes in the G League. Making 21 appearances for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, Tshiebwe earned G League Rookie of the Year honors and was also a first-team All-G League selection. This move will not significantly impact fantasy basketball next season unless Utah moves Walker Kessler.

Washington is back with the team after missing the last two games for personal reasons. His return likely means that Caleb Martin will head to the bench, where he offers minimal fantasy value.

LeVert will not be available for Wednesday’s game, leaving the Pistons down two rotation guards since Cade Cunningham is also out. LeVert’s absence will not have a significant impact on fantasy basketball, but it should lead to more minutes for Ron Holland II.

Added to the Pistons’ injury report on Wednesday afternoon, Cunningham will not play due to a left hip contusion. Jaden Ivey filled in the last time Cunningham missed a game, but he did not play starters’ minutes. With Daniss Jenkins and Marcus Sasser also in the mix for rotation minutes, Ivey isn’t worth the risk in this spot.

A late scratch for Dallas’ January 17 game against the Jazz, Russell also sat out Monday’s win over the Knicks. His availability may affect Ryan Nembhard, who is still on a two-way contract. If the Mavericks make the undrafted rookie inactive, there will be rotation minutes for Russell. That said, there’s no need to roster him.

Gafford has missed the Mavericks’ last three games with a sprained ankle. While Dwight Powell started Monday’s win over the Knicks, reserve Moussa Cissé was more productive. That will likely be the rotation on Thursday if Gafford remains out, but Cissé is also questionable due to an illness.

Cissé, who has provided valuable contributions off the bench when the Mavericks have been shorthanded, is dealing with an illness. How impactful his absence would be depends on Daniel Gafford (ankle), who’s also listed as questionable for Thursday night. If Gafford plays, there may not be much room in the rotation for Cissé, especially if the Mavericks decide to save a game since the rookie is on a two-way deal.

Salaün and Mann were initially probable, with the latter being added to the injury report earlier Wednesday. Both are good to go, but they’re unable to get the playing time needed to affect fantasy basketball. Leave Salaün and Mann on the waiver wire.

Embiid did not play in Tuesday’s loss to the Suns, sitting out as it was the 76ers’ second game in as many nights. Andre Drummond filled the resulting void, grabbing 15 rebounds in 22 minutes, while Adem Bona played 26 minutes off the bench and recorded a double-double.

George has missed the 76ers’ last two games due to left knee injury management, resulting in Kelly Oubre Jr. moving into the starting lineup. Oubre should be rostered in deep leagues, and he’ll have some value in standard leagues if George remains out.

Holiday is dealing with back spasms, which is why he is on the injury report. The guard’s availability does not affect fantasy basketball, as he isn’t guaranteed rotation minutes when healthy.