NBA Player News

Lopez ended two separate dry spells during Saturday’s NBA Cup semifinal, much to the delight of fantasy managers. In addition to blocking two shots after three straight games without one, the veteran center reached double figures in points for the first time since November 30. With decreased production in those categories, Lopez is ranked outside the top 200 over the past two weeks. He’ll look to build on Saturday’s effort when the Bucks play in Tuesday’s NBA Cup final.

Towns injured his right leg during the fourth quarter of their loss on Saturday, and now there is a chance that he misses their matchup with the 76ers because of a knee issue in the same leg. Precious Achiuwa would likely move into the starting lineup if Towns is sidelined, with Jericho Sims filling the backup center minutes.

McBride has missed their last two games, but there is a chance that he is back in the lineup for this one. If he remains out, Cameron Payne and Landry Shamet will continue to be the main guard options off the bench.

Brunson has been able to suit up in each of their last two games after missing the previous one with this calf issue, which was his first absence of the season. He should be good to go, though Cameron Payne would likely start if he can’t.

After serving a two-game suspension, Thompson will slide into the starting unit for this game, which is a role he should maintain moving forward due to Jabari Smith’s hand injury. Jeff Green started in their last game, but he’ll be pushed back to the bench.

Eason was initially listed as doubtful and has now officially been ruled out. Head coach Ime Udoka was optimistic that this isn’t a season-ending injury for Eason, but this will be a 9th straight absence, which isn’t encouraging. Cam Whitmore should continue to play extra minutes off the bench.

Curry is a very late addition to the injury report, but with Brandon Miller (ankle) back in the lineup, Curry was going to come off the bench anyway. There should be a few extra minutes for guys like Cody Martin and KJ Simpson off the bench.

This will be a fourth straight absence for Grant, which means that Deni Avdija should remain in the starting unit. Avdija has recorded two straight double-doubles and will look to keep that streak going on Monday.