NBA Player News

Henderson has missed six of Portland’s last seven games, with his only action coming on November 27. If Scoot remains sidelined, Dalano Banton will again play a more prominent role off the bench. Banton is only worth a look in extremely deep leagues.

Nurkic has missed Phoenix’s last two games and will also sit out Saturday’s game against the Pistons. According to Budenholzer, the team will decide within the next day or two whether or not the 7-footer will rejoin the Suns during their current road trip. After Saturday, the Suns will play games against Cleveland (Monday) and Brooklyn (Wednesday) before returning home. Nurkic fell out of the rotation before the illness, so his availability does not impact fantasy basketball, especially since the Suns acquired Nick Richards from the Hornets.

Ellis injured his game during Thursday’s loss to the Rockets and did not return after exiting the game. His full participation in Saturday’s practice is a positive sign regarding his potential availability for Sunday’s game against the Wizards. Ellis will be listed as questionable on the Kings’ initial injury report.

Saturday’s game will be the second straight missed by Beal after injuring his ankle during Tuesday’s loss in Atlanta. His absence means the Suns will need more from Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale, with the former being the superior streaming option for managers needing 3-pointers.

Carter did not participate in Saturday’s practice and is expected to be unable to play against the Wizards. Keon Ellis (ankle) is considered questionable, and his return would help the Kings account for Carter’s absence. While the rookie guard has played rotation minutes, he has not impacted fantasy basketball.

Injured during Wednesday’s loss to the Hawks, Horton-Tucker did not play against the Hornets on Friday. While his availability does not impact fantasy basketball, the Bulls have also listed Lonzo Ball (questionable) and Zach LaVine (probable) on the injury report for Sunday’s game.

Duarte has not been in the Bulls’ rotation when available, so his absence will not impact fantasy basketball. Hopefully, he’ll be able to rejoin his teammates soon.

LaVine has patellar tendinitis, but the good news is that he’s probable on the initial injury report. If he can’t play against Portland, Ayo Dosunmu could move into the starting lineup. His minutes have increased since returning from a calf injury, most recently playing 28 in Friday’s loss to the Hornets.

Miller was unavailable for Friday’s win over the Knicks, but his availability does not impact fantasy basketball. Leave him on the waiver wire.

Absent from the initial injury report for Saturday’s game, Ayton’s availability is now questionable. With Donovan Clingan (ankle) already out, Robert Williams would be in line for heavy minutes as the starting center if Ayton can’t play. And with the trade deadline less than three weeks away, Saturday’s game could be a “showcase” for the Time Lord.

Thompson has shined since Jabari Smith Jr.'s broken hand pushed him into the Rockets’ starting lineup. If he’s unable to play against Portland, Houston would likely turn to Jeff Green to fill the void. Green started Thursday’s win over Sacramento, filling in for Fred VanVleet (personal). VanVleet will be available for Saturday’s game.