NBA Player News

Thompson finished Saturday’s defeat with his second double-double in five games and third of the season. Over the past two weeks, the second-year wing has been a sixth-round player in eight- and nine-cat formats. While Thompson may not be a star within the Pistons’ lineup, he’s a “connector,” which has ensured he provides solid fantasy value. For Thompson managers whose leagues run through Week 23, the Pistons play four games, and Monday’s matchup with the Kings will be excellent for streaming purposes.

Porziņģis has been sidelined for the last two games and will miss at least one more. However, following Monday’s game, he will be considered “day-to-day.” That means there is a chance he returns to play the Timberwolves on Wednesday, though Onyeka Okongwu will continue to start until that happens.

Bitadze is in danger of missing a fourth straight game. If he does, Jonathan Isaac will fill the backup center minutes, with Wendell Carter Jr. filling out a larger role as the starter without another true center available.

Suggs is expected to miss a sixth straight game, which means another starting opportunity for Tyus Jones. However, Anthony Black will remain the more appealing streaming option for fantasy managers as the starter in place of Franz Wagner.

Barrett will make his return after a 15-game absence. He will be on a minutes restriction, which will limit his production. However, his return will likely push Ochai Agbaji back to the bench. The only way it won’t is if head coach Darko Rajakovic opts to bring Barrett off the bench to ensure he’ll be available to close the game despite the restriction. That would only be temporary, and Agbaji will lose minutes regardless.

This will officially be a second straight absence for Hayes after he was initially listed as doubtful. Jarred Vanderbilt should fill out the backup center minutes behind Deandre Ayton, though that won’t make him worth streaming.

Adebayo is expected to be back following a two-game absence. Pelle Larsson has started the last two games in his stead but will likely return to the bench with Adebayo back in the lineup. Kel’el Ware should continue to start, but he may take a production hit.

Knueppel exited early from Friday’s game, but Lee said he wanted to practice on Sunday. This should be a good indicator that he won’t miss much time. The injury report ahead of Monday’s game against the Bucks will be a better indicator of Knueppel’s status, and if he ends up missing the game, Sion James will likely start in his place.

Murray-Boyles was downgraded to doubtful Sunday morning, so his now official absence isn’t surprising. This will be a second straight absence for CMB, which means Jonathan Mogbo and Jamison Battle will take on a few extra minutes off the bench.

Jackson-Davis is a late addition to the injury report, and there is a chance he misses this game. Quinten Post and Al Horford should take on extra minutes if Jackson-Davis is unavailable.

George has been downgraded after initially being listed as questionable. Justin Champagnie is the likely candidate to start in his stead, and with this being the first of a back-to-back, Champagnie could see multiple starts.