NBA Player News

Smart’s Lakers deal will include a player option for 2026, according to Charania, which would allow him to test free agency. The 31-year-old point guard was pursued by the Lakers, Bucks and Suns once the Wizards granted him permission to explore other options. An 11-year NBA veteran, Smart spent nine years with the Celtics before spending time with the Grizzlies and Wizards over the last two seasons. Smart won the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year award and has been named to the All-Defensive first-team three times. In joining the Lakers, Smart not only is back on a contending team, but also has a clear path to significant playing time.

Powell was the leading scorer for Miami, but the Heat offense, which has been one of the best in the league this year, faltered once again, leading to a fourth straight loss. Still, even if this was a slightly subpar shooting performance for Powell, he has been a consistent source of offense for them this season. Even with Tyler Herro (toe) back in the lineup, Powell was still able to get his typical shot attempts. Powell should remain a fantastic option for fantasy managers for the remainder of the season.

Following a two-game absence, Herro was back in the lineup for Tuesday’s NBA Cup matchup with Orlando. He was able to score at least 20 points for a 16th straight game, which dates back to the end of last season. However, for the second time in six appearances this year, Herro failed to knock down a three-pointer, which has been one of his strongest categories over the last few seasons. That won’t happen often, but he wasn’t alone in struggling from deep. As a team, the Heat shot 8-of-33 from beyond the arc, while the Magic shot 15-of-32, which was one of the deciding factors in this game. With the loss, Miami will play on Monday against the loser of the Raptors-Knicks quarterfinal matchup, meaning this was the Heat’s final game of this week. Herro will look to bounce back then, but this ends up being just a one-game week for Miami.

Kleber’s role has been minimal when the rest of the roster is healthy, which is the case for Wednesday’s game. His absence won’t have much of an impact on the rest of the rotation.

Following a six-game absence, Smart will return to the lineup for Wednesday’s NBA Cup quarterfinal game. Smart had previously said he planned to play in this game, so this lines up. He’ll play a large reserve role, though that won’t be enough time for him to make much of an impact in fantasy basketball. However, with only two games being played that day, he is at least worth consideration.

McLaughlin has a chance to return after missing over a month. However, with De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper all healthy, his role will be minimal, if he sees the floor at all.

Wemby had a chance to play against Los Angeles after practicing this past weekend, but the Spurs will wait at least one more game. Luke Kornet will start at least one more game, where he hasn’t met expectations as a streamer.

Shead will start for the first time this season in place of Immanuel Quickley, who is sidelined with an illness. Agbaji, who scored a season-high 11 points off the bench on Sunday, will replace Ja’Kobe Walter in the starting lineup. Walter had been starting in place of RJ Barrett, so Agbaji could maintain that role moving forward.

Towns missed Sunday’s game against Orlando, which allowed Mitchell Robinson to move into the starting unit. He’ll head back to the bench with Towns back. KAT was able to practice on Monday, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that he’ll be available with a trip to Las Vegas on the line.

As expected, Battle will miss a second straight game. He hasn’t played a large role this year, so his minutes will likely be divided up between Sandro Mamukelashvili and Collin Murray-Boyles off the bench.

Shead will be good to go despite the initial questionable tag. With Immanuel Quickley (illness) sidelined, Shead will have a chance to start in his place at point guard, though he should see a massive bump in minutes regardless.