NBA Player News

Gobert is questionable with low back spasms. Joan Beringer had 12 points, seven rebounds and two blocks against the Cavaliers earlier this week and would likely start if Gobert is ruled out.

Sheppard is out again with a back injury. With Fred VanVleet (knee) also out, expect Marcus Smart to move into the starting lineup while Bogdan Bogdanovic should also see a boost in minutes.

VanVleet will sit with right knee injury management and it likely won’t be the last time he does so this season. With Reed Sheppard (back) also out, Marcus Smart should move into the starting lineup Saturday against the Thunder.

Şengün is good to go after sitting out Friday’s game against the Mavericks with back soreness. He should be started in all formats. Clint Capela will head back to the bench after picking up a spot start Friday.

Walker has missed the last three games with a knee injury. If he’s out again, Adem Bona should start and see plenty of minutes with Joel Embiid (foot) also out.

Brown missed Friday’s win over the Knicks, which was his first absence of the year. He’s questionable for Saturday’s game against the Hornets with a knee injury. If he’s out again, Dean Wade could move into the starting lineup just as he did Friday.

Embiid had a 10/7/7 line in Friday’s win over the Knicks, but he’ll sit out Saturday on the second night of a back-to-back. With Embiid out, Adem Bona and Jabari Walker are candidates to move into the startling lineup.

James posted as 20/9/8 line in Friday’s win over the Knicks, but he’ll sit out Saturday on the second night of a back-to-back. At age-41, LeBron isn’t going to play every night, but fantasy managers knew that going into the season.

Agbaji was waived by the Knicks earlier this month. Charania reported Friday that he was signed by the Thunder, but Oklahoma City is re-evaluating its open roster spot in light of losing Holmgren (knee) for at least two months. It appears Agbaji will have to catch on with another team.

Kessler has blocked at least five shots in two games this season and at least one in each of the Lakers’ six games. Add in the rebounds and field-goal percentage, and this was a good night for fantasy managers who are rostering the 7-footer. As long as Kessler can stay healthy, he should provide good value for those punting free-throw percentage. The Lakers end their week with a home game against the Raptors on Sunday.