NBA Player News

Carter did not shoot the ball well in Sunday’s championship game, but his overall play throughout the summer league may have opened some eyes. Limited last season due to injury, the 2024 first-round pick was effective as a playmaker and defender against the Hornets. With Carter being mentioned in trade rumors earlier this month, he’s someone to keep an eye on as the offseason progresses. Staying in Sacramento could make it difficult for him to impact fantasy basketball next season, especially with the Kings signing Dennis Schröder.

Jones will dress for Tuesday’s game against the Bucks, but he isn’t expected to play, according to a report from Bulls Insider K.C. Johnson. The 26-year-old point guard technically beat his two-week injury timetable. His next chance to actually play will be Thursday when the Bulls take on the Raptors.

Braun is in the starting lineup after missing Denver’s prior 12 games with a left ankle injury. He’ll step in for Spencer Jones, who is inactive to conserve a game on his 50-game limit as a two-way contract player. Those who are rostering Jones need to put him on the bench before tipoff. The other four starters are unchanged.

Furphy and Huff are the two holdovers from the lineup that started Monday’s loss to the Rockets. Jones, Sheppard and Walker move into the lineup, as the Pacers are without Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith and Pascal Siakam. Given the team’s lack of depth, all three will have ample opportunities to contribute, with Walker being the superior streamer.

Reaves is back after sitting out the last 18 Lakers games with a calf injury. Marcus Smart will return to the bench with Reaves back in the starting lineup. The 27-year-old point guard should be on a minutes limit, so Smart will still have a meaningful role off the bench.

Jones has been out since the middle of January with a left hamstring strain. That the 26-year-old point guard was upgraded to questionable Tuesday is a great for his pending return, though it’s still up in the air if he’ll be available against the Bucks. Jones would likely play lite minutes off the bench if he’s active.

Initially questionable, Smith is good to go after a two-game absence. And with the Bulls trading Nikola Vučević to the Celtics earlier Tuesday, there is undoubtedly a need for additional options in the frontcourt. Given the circumstances, Smith is worth slotting into fantasy lineups.

Tuesday’s game against the Bulls will be the sixth Porter has missed due to a strained oblique. However, a return to action isn’t far away, with Rivers saying that KPJ could be back either Wednesday or Friday. His return would provide much-needed help on the perimeter for the Bucks, who are also without Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf). Cole Anthony has entered the rotation, but his production has not been good enough to merit being streamed in fantasy leagues.

While Russell’s availability doesn’t significantly impact fantasy basketball, the Mavericks are down another guard with Brandon Williams also ruled out with a leg injury. Ryan Nembhard could see meaningful usage in the backcourt while Cooper Flagg handles most of the point guard duties.

Downgraded from questionable to doubtful earlier Tuesday, Williams is now officially out. The Mavericks will continue to lean on Cooper Flagg to do more as a playmaker, with Ryan Nembhard providing depth off the bench.

Wednesday’s game is the first of two in as many nights for the Rockets, who face the Hornets on Thursday. As a result, Finney-Smith will not play due to left ankle injury management. His absence may result in increased playing time for Jae’Sean Tate, but there’s no streaming value to be had there.