NBA Player News

With Cade Cunningham back in the lineup, Beasley came off the bench Friday. He continues to shoot the lights out this season, though, and put up another huge game on Friday. Beasley made 5-of-9 shots from behind the 3-point line on his way to putting up 25 points in 29 minutes. He’s not going to provide much in other categories and it looks like he’ll continue to come off the bench when the Pistons are at full strength, but at some point Beasley becomes more than just a streamer.

Horford played last Friday against the Bucks in the first game of a back-to-back, but sat out Saturday against the Grizzlies. Now off the injury report, he’s set to return to action against the Pistons Thursday.

Hauser injured his adductor in the first half of Saturday’s game against the Grizzlies and didn’t return to action. Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta saw some more minutes, but neither are fantasy viable.

Tatum missed his first game of the season last Wednesday against the Pistons, but suited up Friday against the Bucks. Now he’s questionable again as he continues to deal with a knee injury. Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford would see more usage if Tatum sits as Sam Hauser is doubtful to play.

Harden practiced in full Tuesday and appears ready to go for Friday after missing Sunday’s game against the Rockets with a sore groin. He’ll look to turn the page after a poor shooting effort led to just five points against Minnesota in his last game.

Reaves has missed the Lakers’ last five games, and James sat out Sunday for his first missed game of the season. Both players get the benefit of a short week thanks to NBA Cup action, giving them a shot to return to the court Friday when the Lakers face the Timberwolves.

The severity of the issue is unknown, so fantasy managers should keep an eye on his status ahead of Friday’s tilt with Charlotte.

Strus is coming along a little behind his initial six-week timeline, but he’s not far off the mark. Given the substantial time he’s missed, it wouldn’t be surprising if he returned with a minutes limit.

Barnes’ loss is a massive blow, as he leads the team in assists and is second in scoring and rebounding. Toronto will likely use a committee approach to fill in for Barnes, with Jonathan Mogbo and Davion Mitchell as the primary beneficiaries. RJ Barrett should also see an uptick in playmaking responsibilities for as long as Barnes is sidelined.

Having missed four games due to an illness that has recently affected multiple Mavericks, Marshall was said to be restricted to 20-25 minutes. He blew past that, with his play in the first half likely being a factor. Marshall scored 14 points in 15 minutes, and while he wasn’t as effective in the second half, this was an encouraging performance in Naji’s first game back. With PJ Washington (illness) sidelined, Quentin Grimes (4/3/2/1 in 17 minutes) received the starting nod but struggled. Marshall will be worth rostering if Washington is unavailable for Dallas’ next game, December 15 or 16, against the Warriors/Rockets loser.