NBA Player News

After spending his rookie campaign on a two-way contract, Bates will return to the Cavaliers on similar terms. He appeared in 15 NBA games in 2023-24, averaging 2.7 points and 0.9 rebounds in under nine minutes. Even if Cleveland does not bring back Isaac Okoro, who remains a restricted free agent, Bates is unlikely to get the run needed to make a dent in fantasy basketball.

Fantasy managers should be used to this by now. Look for Antetokounmpo to play against the Bulls, as he’s been cleared after each instance of showing up on the injury report due to the right knee issue.

Maxey has been out for two weeks with the hamstring injury, but now he’s close to returning. If he can’t go on Wednesday, Jared McCain will continue to see decent usage with Kyle Lowry also out.

Mann didn’t play Sunday on the second night of a back-to-back, but he’ll suit up on Tuesday against the Nets. Vasilije Micic will be bumped from the rotation as Mann steps in as the backup point guard.

Lowry injured his hip during Monday’s loss to Miami, in which he played 19 minutes as a starter. With Tyrese Maxey (hamstring) potentially returning as soon as Wednesday, he can resume his duties as starting point guard once cleared to play.

Merrill moves into the starting lineup with Isaac Okoro (ankle) out on Tuesday. With Caris LeVert (knee) also set to miss the game against the Celtics, Merrill figures to play a lot tonight. He’s firmly on the streaming radar tonight and should some 3-point production for fantasy managers in deeper formats.

Edey injured his ankle during Sunday’s win over the Nuggets, exiting during the third quarter. His extended absence opens up additional minutes for Santi Aldama and Jay Huff, with the former offering a higher fantasy ceiling.

Merrill is back in the lineup after a three-game absence, and the timing could not be better due to Cleveland’s injuries on the wing. With Caris LeVert (knee) and Isaac Okoro (ankle) sidelined, Merrill should play more minutes. He’ll have value in deep leagues among managers needing 3-point production.

Cleveland’s depth will be tested on Tuesday. Already down Max Strus, the Cavaliers will be missing Isaac Okoro and LeVert on Tuesday against Boston. Sam Merrill is a decent streaming option with plenty of bench minutes up for grabs in the big game against the Celtics.

Okoro will sit after injuring his ankle during Sunday’s win over Charlotte. With Caris LeVert and Dean Wade also sidelined, the Cavaliers will be short multiple bodies on the perimeter. Those absences may push rookie Jaylon Tyson into the back end of the rotation, but he’s unlikely to get the minutes needed to impact fantasy basketball.