NBA Player News

With Nickeil Alexander-Walker now a member of the Atlanta Hawks, Shannon is well-positioned to earn consistent rotation minutes next season. The 27th pick in the 2024 draft played well on Thursday, recording a near-complete stat line while only committing three turnovers. Shannon did score 15 points in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals, but that was a contest that Minnesota controlled throughout, resulting in more minutes for the team’s non-rotation players. With Alexander-Walker gone, the Timberwolves will need Shannon to step forward. While “it was only summer league,” Thursday’s performance was a step in the right direction.

Gordon has been upgraded from probable to available for Wednesday’s game. His role will not change, however, with the forward coming off the bench and remaining under a minutes restriction. Spencer Jones will continue to serve as the starting power forward.

Braun missed Monday’s game, which was the second night of a back-to-back after he made his return on Sunday. He’ll be back in the lineup against Boston, which will push Bruce Brown to the bench.

Williams returned after an eight-game absence on Tuesday, so it’s unsurprising that he would be ruled out for Wednesday’s game. Cam Spencer’s place within the rotation depends on Ja Morant, who is a game-time decision. If Ja plays, Spencer will come off the bench. If not, Spencer will start while Javon Small provides depth off the bench.

Mitchell sat out against Indiana on Tuesday, which allowed Dean Wade to start in his place. Wade exited early with a knee contusion and will remain out against Minnesota, so Mitchell will occupy his typical starting spot without having to bump anyone to the bench.

After a four-game absence, LeVert is available to play. Given the time off, he may not be in a position to benefit too much from the minutes that are available with Cade Cunningham (hand) ruled out. There isn’t much to gain from rostering LeVert in most leagues.

Cunningham was originally listed as probable for this game but was downgraded to questionable earlier in the day. He has now officially been ruled out, which will open up plenty of minutes and shots for Jaden Ivey, Daniss Jenkins and Marcus Sasser.

Initially probable for Wednesday’s game, Robinson will occupy his usual place in the Pistons’ starting lineup. Cade Cunningham is out, so Detroit may look to the sharpshooter for more scoring. And in this particular matchup, there should be more opportunities for Robinson to knock down shots.

Wednesday’s game will be Watford’s first since November 25. Like Kelly Oubre, he will have his playing time restricted, and Watford is not expected to play much. While there may be rotation minutes available to Watford, fantasy managers can afford to hold off on adding him until it’s known how the playing time will be distributed.

Jones made his return from a seven-game absence on Tuesday, so it isn’t shocking that he’ll miss the second night of the back-to-back. With both Jones and Trey Murphy (back) out, there will be plenty of wing minutes open for Bryce McGowens, Micah Peavy and Jordan Hawkins.

After scoring a career-high 42 points against the Lakers on Tuesday, Murphy will be sidelined for the second night of this back-to-back. With Herb Jones (ankle) also sidelined, Bryce McGowens and Micah Peavy should see a big bump in minutes for the shorthanded Pelicans.