NBA Player News

The Frenchman stands nearly seven feet tall and has a 7’4.5” wingspan, which could translate into dominant defensive production. He won’t turn 19 until November, and he’s an incredibly raw prospect as he didn’t start playing basketball until 2021. He played a limited role in Slovenia this past season, so the numbers aren’t pretty, with averages of 5.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 18.2 minutes per game. It may take some time for him to figure things out, but he could turn into an impactful player on defense that can provide traditional center stats for fantasy managers. He’ll get to learn the position from fellow French big man Rudy Gobert, which could be a big boon to his development in the Association.

Green missed Phoenix’s last game, but there is a chance he returns for this one. He has had his minutes severely limited when he’s been available recently, so he will likely play around 15-20 minutes off the bench if he is available. Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin may lose out on a few minutes.

Holiday missed Sunday’s game, but he could be back after just a one-game absence. Sidy Cissoko and Jerami Grant both entered the starting unit in Portland’s last game with Deni Avdija (back) and Holiday out. Avdija is doubtful, so if Holiday returns, Cissoko will likely return to playing a reserve role.

Avdija missed Sunday’s game and is expected to remain out for at least one more game. Jerami Grant moved into the starting unit in his stead and will likely remain in that role for at least one more game. He scored 15 points in 28 minutes and should be a solid source of points once again.

Henderson went through a full workout on Monday, and while he isn’t expected to make his season debut against Phoenix, he should be back soon. His next chance to play will come against the Grizzlies on Wednesday. Henderson will likely be brought along slowly, but he should eventually play enough to make an impact for fantasy managers that can deal with the inefficiencies.

Both Chet Holmgren (back) and Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) are questionable as well, so Williams has a chance to start if he plays and the other don’t. However, that is the only path to fantasy relevance for him, and he shouldn’t be streamed in unless that scenario occurs.

Hartenstein joins Chet Holmgren (back) and Jaylin Williams (shoulder) as questionable for this game, which is the first of a back-to-back. It’s unclear if the Thunder will choose to stagger the availability of their bigs or ensure all are healthy against the Spurs on Wednesday. Hartenstein returned to the starting lineup in his last game and will likely occupy that role in whichever game he suits up for since he will likely sit one after missing a month with this calf injury.

Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) and Jaylin Williams (shoulder) are all questionable for the first game of this back-to-back, and the second game being against the Spurs could certainly be a factor there. The center rotation is certainly up in the air, with the only one guaranteed to be healthy is Branden Carlson, who could play a significant role if more than one of the aforementioned bigs is sidelined.

Huff came off the bench in favor of Jarace Walker against the Thunder on Friday, but they’ll revert back to the typical starting unit for this game. That was likely a matchup-based decision, and head coach Rick Carlisle will ensure that Huff will be in the opening group to help slow down Alperen Sengun.

JJJ missed Saturday’s game against Minnesota, but after being upgraded to probable earlier in the day, he will officially be available for the rematch. Vince Williams Jr. should return to the bench, and GG Jackson will lose out on minutes after a productive outing on Saturday.

Caruso is expected to miss a seventh straight game, but he wasn’t immediately ruled out, so he could be getting closer to returning. For now, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins should continue to occupy the reserve minutes on the wing.