NBA Player News

Exum injured his finger during Australia’s preparations for the Paris Olympics, sitting out the team’s group play opener against Spain. He played the remainder of the Boomers’ games without issue and is a full go for Mavericks training camp. While Exum wasn’t a significant fantasy asset last season, he did have a run in December in which he scored 11 points or more in 11 of 12 games. During this stretch, Exum averaged 16.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.9 3-pointers in 31.5 minutes. He isn’t a player who needs to be drafted in most leagues, but there could be times during the season when Exum offers solid streaming value.

With Brandon Williams (hamstring) sidelined for this game, Exum will make a return to the starting lineup. Spencer Dinwiddie will still play a significant role off the bench. Dinwiddie was seen as a priority addition after Kyrie Irving (knee) went down, but he has only started once since then.

Castle is officially available for Monday’s game after his status was upgraded throughout the afternoon. He’ll remain one of the Spurs’ key contributors off the bench and should be rostered in standard leagues.

The Pacers are without Tyrese Haliburton for a third straight game, and Rick Carlisle will use his third different lineup on Monday. Mathurin will receive the starting nod, with Ben Sheppard headed to the bench. Being allowed to start raises Mathurin’s ceiling, making him a player worth rostering for Monday’s 12-game slate.

With Zach Edey (ankle) and Vince Williams Jr. (foot) both sidelined, Jackson and Huff will enter the starting unit. This will be Jackson’s first time in the starting lineup this season, while it will be Huff’s first start since November.

With Monday’s game being the Suns’ second in as many nights, Bradley Beal (calf) will not play. Jones returns to the starting lineup in a change that raises his fantasy ceiling considerably. The other four starters are unchanged.

With Aaron Gordon sidelined, Westbrook will make a return to the starting lineup. In his most recent start, Westbrook contributed 25 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals, two blocks and four three-pointers in 35 minutes.

Kawamura has been out with shoulder and hamstring injuries recently, but he’ll be available for Monday’s game if needed. The rookie is not in the rotation on most nights when healthy.

Morris was initially doubtful to play, so his third-straight absence doesn’t come as a surprise. However, even when he’s been healthy, Morris hasn’t seen the floor in over a month, so his absence won’t alter the Suns’ rotation.

With Khris Middleton (ankle) sidelined for the first leg of Washington’s back-to-back, Carrington will make a return to the starting lineup. The Wizards will play in Detroit on Tuesday, so Carrington will likely be pushed back to the bench for that game, though he has been productive as a starter.

Rhoden, who is currently on a two-way contract after initially signing with Toronto on a 10-day deal, will make the first start of his career. He’ll replace AJ Lawson in the opening group after he started Toronto’s last two games. Robinson will also return to the starting lineup in place of Jakob Poeltl, who is getting a rest night.