NBA Player News

Kenny Hustle has yet to play in 2024-25 while recovering from knee surgery, but he’s poised to make his season debut Monday. With Chet Holmgren (hip) now out 8-10 weeks and no other options at center, Williams could see substantial minutes right out of the gate.

Bam Adebayo (calf) is questionable, and if he’s not available, Ware could see additional playing time.

Wiggins played through a jaw injury on Wednesday, but now he is on the injury because of a right ankle sprain. If he is forced to miss this matchup, Duncan Robinson, who scored 24 points on Wednesday, will have a good chance of replacing Wiggins in the starting lineup. Jaime Jaquez Jr. will be another candidate for more minutes.

Adebayo played through this calf injury against Atlanta on Wednesday, but there is a chance that it keeps him sidelined on Friday. Kel’el Ware will likely see a boost in usage and minutes if that happens, while Kyle Anderson and Kevin Love will be among the candidates to replace Adebayo in the starting unit, with Anderson having started in Bam’s most recent absence.

Schroder is set to return from a one-game layoff while Fontecchio missed the Pistons’ previous two games after suffering a finger injury. Both players should assume their usual backup roles.

Ball didn’t play against the Warriors on Tuesday but is back on the injury report after being taken off it on Wednesday. KJ Simpson started against the Dubs and could be in line for another start if Ball can’t go.

Nurkic notched a DNP-CD on Tuesday against the Warriors and has now been ruled out with an illness. It appears like Moussa Diabate will serve as Mark Williams’ primary backup on Thursday.

Beal has averaged 24.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game since returning from the All-Star break but the Suns aren’t winning. Grayson Allen could get a bump in exposure if Beal sits on Thursday.

Hukporti tore his meniscus in his first-ever start on Wednesday. His absence shouldn’t affect fantasy basketball, as Karl-Anthony Towns is dealing with a minor knee injury and Mitchell Robinson is nearing his 2024-25 debut. Precious Achiuwa could log a spot start or two in the back half of the week.

Anthony didn’t return after hurting his knee against the Cavaliers on Tuesday but went through shootaround Thursday. He’s been starting at point guard lately but could be replaced by Anthony Black if he’s not healthy enough to play.