NBA Player News

A few hours after Mitchell was announced as questionable for Thursday’s game, he has been officially ruled out. With Scottie Barnes returning from a sprained ankle, Mitchell’s absence will have a minimal impact on fantasy basketball. Jamal Shead may pick up a few more minutes, but he is not worth streaming in this spot.

Dru Smith suffering a season-ending Achilles tendon tear during Monday’s win over the Nets has prompted two roster changes. Undrafted rookie Keshad Johnson’s two-way contract will be converted to a standard deal, opening up a two-way slot. Stevens, who had a standout college career at Colorado State and has been with Miami’s G League affiliate, will fill the void. This transaction doesn’t impact fantasy basketball.

Ryan was on a standard deal with the Knicks until Sunday, when he was waived to make room for Landry Shamet. The New York native didn’t have to wait long for his next opportunity, as the Knicks will reportedly sign Ryan to a two-way contract. To free up a spot, the Knicks are waiving guard Boo Buie. These moves will not impact fantasy basketball.

After he was not selected in this summer’s draft, the Heat signed Johnson to a two-way contract. The forward out of Arizona, who began his college career at San Diego State, played well for Miami’s G League affiliate in Sioux Falls. His “promotion” occurred one day after Dru Smith suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon tear during Monday’s win over the Nets.

Booker has missed two straight, and a missed practice means his status for Wednesday’s tilt with Denver is up in the air. Allen sat out Monday, and he’s in danger of missing a second straight contest. Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal will handle the scoring load if Booker is sidelined, and players like Royce O’Neale and Ryan Dunn could pick up the slack for Allen.

Alvarado last played on November 11, but he’s nearing a return to action. We should get a better update on his status once he starts practicing again.

The hits don’t stop coming for Philly as the team loses another key rotation player to injury. In KJ’s absence, Caleb Martin should see increased run.

If Drummond is ruled out, expect Guerschon Yabusele to absorb his backup minutes behind Joel Embiid.

Williamson hasn’t played since November 6, and he’s appeared in only six games this season. With a 5-25 record and their playoff hopes dwindling, the Pels are unlikely to rush the injury-prone Williamson back.

Ingram was dubbed ‘out indefinitely’ as of December 8, so this update on his status at least gives us some sort of timeline for an eventual return. Expect Brandon Boston Jr. and Trey Murphy III (day-to-day with a left ankle injury) to continue seeing extended run in Ingram’s absence.

The third-year man appeared in 14 games for the Heat this season and posted career highs across the board. It’s a gut-wrenching injury for a player so close to earning a standard contract. Smith averaged just over 19 minutes per game for Miami, and that playing time could be absorbed in part by Pelle Larsson.