NBA Player News

After spending last season with the Knicks on a two-way deal, Toppin will remain with the team on similar terms in 2024-25. Undrafted out of Kentucky, the younger brother of former Knick Obi Toppin appeared in nine NBA games as a rookie. Given how deep New York is at the forward positions, Toppin is unlikely to get the minutes needed to be worthy of consideration in any fantasy leagues.

Payton Pritchard might not start but will likely be in line for a much more significant role with Holiday out of the picture after scoring 25 points off the bench in his latest performance.

Tatum will not be available after the Celtics listed him as questionable on the initial injury report. Al Horford and Sam Hauser will figure more prominently in the rotation, with the former moving into the starting lineup. Hauser will be worth streaming in deep leagues.

Jones is set to miss a second straight game after returning from an ankle injury for two games. He hasn’t been present enough this season to affect the rotation.

Wembanyama appears to have to have tweaked his back during his double-double performance against the Suns. Zach Collins an Charles Bassey will get a chance t take on larger roles against Chicago.

Bridges has not played since November 19, but he resumed on-court activities on November 27. He’ll miss at least one more game, keeping Tidjane Salaun in the starting lineup. While the opportunities have been there, Salaun hasn’t been consistent enough to merit being streamed in most leagues.

Cancar injured his knee during a November 19 game against the Grizzlies and has not played since. Part of the concern was that this was the same knee he injured (torn ACL) in the summer of 2023 that cost Cancar the entire 2023-24 campaign. His absence will not impact fantasy basketball.

He was also questionable ahead of Tuesday’s win over the Pacers, a game Gradey ultimately missed. If cleared to play, he’ll bump Ja’Kobe Walter to the bench.

Giddey is a little banged up after recording his first Bulls triple-double. Coby White has already been ruled out, so Ayo Dosunmu could be in line for a larger role.

Jerome sat out Tuesday’s win over the Wizards, a blowout that included Darius Garland exiting with a head injury. However, with Garland absent from the injury report for Thursday, Jerome will be in his usual backup role if cleared. Caris LeVert may spend more time on the ball if Jerome remains sidelined, and the Cavs can also stagger the minutes of starters Garland and Donovan Mitchell.

During Tuesday’s win over the Wizards, Garland was injured when he collided with Jonas Valanciunas. His absence from the initial injury report means he’s been given a clean bill of health for Thursday night. Ty Jerome, questionable with an illness, would have been next in line if Garland could not play.