NBA Player News

Edey reinjured the left ankle that he sprained during the regular season, resulting in the center undergoing surgery to stabilize the area. The Grizzlies announced on Tuesday that the procedure was successful, and he will be re-evaluated in four months. With Edey not expected to be ready for the start of the 2025-26 season, Memphis can either slide Brandon Clarke into the starting lineup or move Jaren Jackson Jr. to the five as part of a smaller quintet. Edey’s surgery may also impact Memphis’s approach to Santi Aldama, who will be a restricted free agent next month.

Neither player has made much of an impact in the realm of fantasy hoops, so their availability isn’t noteworthy to managers.

Deuce has been out since December 7, and his absence will extend through Christmas. For as long as McBride is on the shelf, Tyler Kolek should see additional run off the bench.

Anunoby will return following a one-game absence, and he should be expected to slot back into the starting five. With Guerschon Yabusele (illness) questionable, Anunoby could be leaned on more heavily.

Johnson’s injury will open up additional playing time for the likes of Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. Brown and THJ are both worth adding off the waiver wire, though Brown offers more across-the-board production compared to Hardaway Jr.'s skillset as a three-point specialist.

Brunson will be back in action following Tuesday’s absence, and he should handle his typical workload. Tyler Kolek played well on Tuesday in his first career start, but he’ll head back to the bench in favor of New York’s usual starting PG. Brunson is fresh off a tremendous, 47-point performance in Sunday’s win over Miami, and he’ll look to build on that momentum on the national stage for the Christmas Day slate.

Dončić will return following a one-game absence, and his return should mean reduced roles for Dalton Knecht, Nick Smith and Jake LaRavia. Not counting 2024 when he left early due to injury, Dončić has averaged 36.3 points, 10.3 assists and 6.3 rebounds across three career Christmas games.

Love’s role with Portland has bene inconsistent, but the undrafted guard has had some big scoring nights. This was his sixth game scoring in double figures this year, and he also got it done on the defensive end in this one by blocking the first three shots of his career. It’s a fun success story for the two-way guard that had a decorated college career, but he isn’t worth rostering outside of dynasty leagues.

This was a third straight start for Murray, who has replaced Jerami Grant while he is sidelined with Achilles tendonitis. It isn’t expected to be a long-term absence for Grant, but Murray should continue to start until he returns. Murray had been quiet as a starter, but he was able to match his season high for scoring in this one. However, it came as a result of a hot shooting night, not an increase in volume. He still isn’t worth streaming with Grant sidelined.

Avdija’s field goal percentage has suffered recently, but he has still been able to pour in the counting stats. Over his last six games, he has shot 40 percent or worse in five of them. His percentages haven’t been great this year, but this is a step down for him. Still, he has had an excellent season. He is joined by Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic as the only players averaging at least 25 points, seven rebounds and six assists per game this season.

Black continues to start for Orlando with Franz Wagner (ankle) sidelined, and with Jalen Suggs (hip) also out, he has seen a jump in production. His field goal percentage hasn’t been great, but over the last four games, Black has averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.3 triples per game. As long as Wagner is out, Black will be worth streaming.