NBA Player News

The Illinois guard is only 19 years old and one of the best playmakers in the draft. At 6’6”, he was also effective on the glass in college, and while he wasn’t able to get one during his time at Illinois, Jakucionis was able to approach triple-double territory on multiple occasions. He averaged 15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.6 three-pointers per game for the Fighting Illini. The turnovers (3.7) were certainly concerning, and he didn’t contribute much on the defensive end. Still, there is a lot to be excited about when it comes to Jakucionis as a tall playmaker. Miami is still looking for an answer at multiple positions, so Jakucionis should get his fair share of minutes right out of the gate.

If there’s a positive to Santos appearing back on the Warriors’ injury report, it’s that his ankle is the issue and not a lingering knee issue. If he can’t play on Monday, the Warriors would have to rely a bit more on Georges Niang.

Youngblood’s continued absence won’t impact fantasy basketball, but it does free up additional minutes for Sidy Cissoko and Scoot Henderson.

Adams is available after missing time with a calf injury suffered during the Rockets’ season opener. With Washington starting Anthony Davis and Alex Sarr, Houston (which won’t have Fred VanVleet or Marcus Smart) will counter by starting Adams alongside Alperen Şengün. According to Rockets head coach Ime Udoka, Adams will play approximately 15 minutes. Joining Adams and Şengün in the starting lineup are Amen Thompson, Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr.

The Mavericks won’t have Kyrie Irving (knee) for Sunday’s game, which necessitates a change to the starting lineup. Marshall will fill the void, which also means even more on-ball playmaking opportunities for Flagg.

Injured during Saturday’s loss to the Bulls, Clark has been diagnosed with a right hamstring strain and will be re-evaluated in two weeks. While he hasn’t been productive enough to be rostered in most fantasy leagues, Clark’s injury should free up additional minutes for Bones Hyland and Terrence Shannon Jr.

Barnes is back after a four-game absence, but it won’t be Murray-Boyles who heads to the bench. Jakob Poeltl will be replaced in the starting lineup, which is good news for those who have CMB rostered.

Johnson’s absence will likely free up additional minutes for Bilal Coulibaly and Will Riley. Of the two, Coulibaly is the safer streaming option because of his defensive production.

Aldama will not play on Sunday after logging 16 minutes in Saturday’s loss to the Cavaliers. Morez Johnson Jr. is available and can absorb those minutes.

Injured during Saturday’s loss to the Cavaliers, Gafford is good to go after being listed as probable on the Mavericks’ initial injury report. He’ll take on his usual role as the starting center.

After going undrafted this past summer, Castro signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Rockets in late September. Waived on October 1, the former George Washington center signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Lakers on October 9, then was waived eight days later. Given the Hawks’ frontcourt injuries, Castro gives them another option to call on if needed. To open a two-way slot for him, the Hawks are waiving injured guard Keshon Gilbert.