NBA Player News

Spears points out that Doug Collins’ former assistants are under contract for another year, which means new president and GM Sam Hinkie could have them coach the summer squad while he sorts through what’s left of the coaching market. While this might seem troublesome considering some of the names available, Hinkie reportedly prefers a younger coach to some of the veterans available like Lionel Hollins and George Karl. Both Nuggets assistant Melvin Hunt and Heat assistant David Fizdale have been linked to the Sixers job and each will likely still be available after summer-league play concludes. There’s also been talk of current assistant Michael Curry, who has the support of Jrue Holiday and co., being promoted to head coach.

Cissé, who has provided valuable contributions off the bench when the Mavericks have been shorthanded, is dealing with an illness. How impactful his absence would be depends on Daniel Gafford (ankle), who’s also listed as questionable for Thursday night. If Gafford plays, there may not be much room in the rotation for Cissé, especially if the Mavericks decide to save a game since the rookie is on a two-way deal.

Salaün and Mann were initially probable, with the latter being added to the injury report earlier Wednesday. Both are good to go, but they’re unable to get the playing time needed to affect fantasy basketball. Leave Salaün and Mann on the waiver wire.

Embiid did not play in Tuesday’s loss to the Suns, sitting out as it was the 76ers’ second game in as many nights. Andre Drummond filled the resulting void, grabbing 15 rebounds in 22 minutes, while Adem Bona played 26 minutes off the bench and recorded a double-double.

George has missed the 76ers’ last two games due to left knee injury management, resulting in Kelly Oubre Jr. moving into the starting lineup. Oubre should be rostered in deep leagues, and he’ll have some value in standard leagues if George remains out.

Holiday is dealing with back spasms, which is why he is on the injury report. The guard’s availability does not affect fantasy basketball, as he isn’t guaranteed rotation minutes when healthy.

Mann is a late addition to the injury report, but the probable tag suggests that he’ll be available for Wednesday’s game. His status does not affect fantasy basketball, especially with LaMelo Ball and Collin Sexton being available.

Vukčević will be inactive for a fourth consecutive game as he recovers from a strained left hamstring. His absence does not affect fantasy basketball.

Bagley’s status is more impactful, as he serves as Alex Sarr’s backup while Johnson is not in the Wizards’ rotation on most nights. With Tristan Vukčević (hamstring) out, the Wizards would have to go small if Bagley doesn’t play. However, neither he nor Johnson moves the needle in fantasy basketball.

Middleton is one of three Wizards players listed as questionable for Thursday’s game due to illness. However, he’s the only one who’s a lock to start if available. Who would replace Middleton in the lineup may depend on Bilal Coulibaly, who’s questionable with a lower back strain. If Coulibaly can play after a three-game absence, the Wizards could go small and keep Bub Carrington in the starting five.

Coulibaly has missed Washington’s last three games with a lower back strain, opening up a spot in the starting lineup for Bub Carrington. The second-year guard should remain in the starting five if Coulibaly has to miss a fourth consecutive game.