NBA Player News

Aaron Gordon is set to miss 2-4 weeks with a calf strain, and Watson got the start in his place in this game. It wasn’t a spectacular first day, but it should be his job for a few weeks. He came up with a big block on a Shai Gilgeous-Alexander layup attempt on the final play that sealed the win for Denver, which came right after he missed two free throws that would’ve put the game away. He showed great resilience on that play, and he should continue to provide defensive numbers in an increased role for the next few weeks.

Gafford played 27 productive minutes off the bench in Friday’s win over Denver, and a potential absence would undoubtedly impact the Mavericks’ rotation and fantasy basketball. While Dereck Lively II would pick up a few minutes, he isn’t guaranteed to shoulder most of the workload. Maxi Kleber and Dwight Powell would also be in position for rotation minutes, limiting Lively’s fantasy ceiling.

Carter will miss an 11th straight game due to injury, meaning Goga Bitadze remains in the starting lineup. He should be rostered until the Magic clear WCJ to return.

Dillingham injured his ankle during Thursday’s loss to the Raptors, exiting after playing a shade under 10 minutes. With Mike Conley (toe) sidelined, a few minutes may be available to the rookie, but he’s unlikely to impact fantasy basketball.

Conley will miss a second consecutive game, meaning Nickeil Alexander-Walker remains in the starting lineup. NAW didn’t play well in Thursday’s loss to Toronto, but Minnesota’s lack of options at point guard makes him a must-stream. Donte DiVincenzo’s fantasy value will also be boosted with Conley sidelined.

Fernando has missed Toronto’s last two games, but his absence has not significantly impacted the Raptors rotation or fantasy basketball. He surpassed 11 minutes in just one of his seven games before the ankle injury. Starting center Jakob Poeltl will continue to play most of the minutes, with Chris Boucher and Jonathan Mogbo available to absorb what’s left.

Horford did not play in Friday’s win over the Wizards, with Neemias Queta replacing him in the starting lineup. Queta’s performance in the nation’s capital was underwhelming, with Luke Kornet and Sam Hauser having better nights. All three would be worth a look in deep leagues if Horford remains sidelined.

Hood-Schifino’s continued absence will not have an impact on fantasy hoops or the team’s rotation.

Both players missed practice on Saturday and have now officially been ruled out for Sunday’s game. Sam Merrill will be back after a one-game absence, and Isaac Okoro has a chance to return as well. They’ll fill most of the minutes that LeVert and Wade would normally see, though with the core four, doing most of the production, their upside as streamers is limited.

Merrill was able to practice on Saturday and now has officially been cleared to play in Sunday’s game after a one-game absence. He’ll have a chance to start and provide some triples if Isaac Okoro (ankle) remains out for one more game.

Tom Thibodeau said that McBride is close to returning, but this will be a fifth straight absence for him. Cameron Payne amd Tyler Kolek will continue to fill his role, though Payne will see more minutes.