NBA Player News

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.

Brown still is not physically able to return to game action, so he won’t play on Thursday. His continued absence has ensured that young players like Gradey Dick and Ochai Agbaji will be able to play starters’ minutes in their current roles.

Thursday’s game will be the fourth Poeltl misses due to his strained groin. Jonathan Mogbo should remain in the starting lineup, but Chris Boucher and Kelly Olynyk are better streaming options despite coming off the bench.

Shead was a late scratch for Monday’s loss to the Knicks, with his absence freeing up additional minutes for fellow rookie Ja’Kobe Walter. While he isn’t a “must-add” player yet, Walter will have added fantasy value down the line, as the Raptors do not look like a playoff team.

With KJ Martin (foot) sidelined by a stress reaction, Caleb Martin (no relation) moves into the starting lineup. KJ will be re-evaluated in two weeks, so Caleb deserves streaming consideration in deep leagues. That’s the lone change to Philadelphia’s starting lineup.

Drummond is out after injuring his thumb during Monday’s win over the Spurs. His absence means more time off the bench for Guerschon Yabusele as Joel Embiid’s backup.

Gordon will miss a second straight game after undergoing oral surgery. This will not impact fantasy basketball, however, as the veteran guard was not guaranteed rotation minutes when healthy.

After missing two games last week with a left heel contusion, Doncic injured his calf during the second quarter of Sunday’s game. While he could walk back to the locker room without assistance, the Mavericks star did so gingerly. Spencer Dinwiddie filled in for Doncic during the two games he missed, but Quentin Grimes started the third quarter. Dinwiddie is the better streaming option if Luka misses time. Doncic finished Wednesday’s game with 14 points (5-of-9 FGs, 1-of-1 FTs), five rebounds, two assists, one steal, and three 3-pointers.

Nesmith last played on November 1, and his continued absence raises concerns about the severity of his injury. Bennedict Mathurin has admirably replaced him in the starting lineup.

Turner lands on the injury report, which is bad news for a team lacking depth at the center position. The recently acquired Thomas Bryant and Obi Toppin would be asked to contribute more if Turner cannot play against the Thunder, with Toppin being the far safer streaming option.

Tatum is back in the lineup after being a late scratch for Monday’s loss to the Magic. He and White being available is countered by Jrue Holiday (shoulder) sitting, so Al Horford will remain in the starting lineup.