NBA Player News

The Rockets, who finished the 2024-25 regular season with the second-best record in the Western Conference, have four starters locked into their spots ahead of training camp. Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Kevin Durant and Alperen Şengün will start, but who joins them? While the assumption of many has been that Jabari Smith Jr. will regain that role, Udoka has not made a decision. “It’s to be determined. I do think Jabari showed tremendous growth this offseason, and obviously he started the majority of his time here, before the injury,” Udoka told Rockets Wire’s Ben DuBose. “But we’ll take a look at everything. We feel we have incredible depth this year and a lot of versatility, so we could go a number of different ways, as far as that. I think some of that will be proven in training camp.” As a starter last season, Smith averaged 11.8 points and 6.7 rebounds per game, but he offered higher averages (13.2 points, 7.7 rebounds) coming off the bench. And the Rockets have options to fill the fifth starting spot. Dorian Finney-Smith and Tari Eason are two other possibilities, and Houston had some success during the first round of the playoffs when playing Steven Adams alongside Şengün.

Kornet has missed six consecutive games, but at least has a chance to return Saturday against the Pelicans. Kelly Olynyk (heel) is also questionable, but would be the backup center if he’s available and Kornet isn’t. If Olynyk is out, that honor would fall to Bismack Biyombo.

Nance is questionable for Saturday’s game against the Bulls with a knee injury. Jaylon Tyson and Dean Wade (eye) if he’s available could see extra minutes if Nance is out. Nance got one start while Jarrett Allen was out with a finger injury, but he doesn’t have much fantasy value in his bench role.

Wade left Wednesday’s game against the 76ers with an eye injury and was ruled out Friday against the Wizards. The 28-year-old power forward is questionable for Saturday, which is a good sign as his return to the court isn’t far off. Jaylon Tyson could see some extra minutes with Wade and Larry Nance Jr. (knee) questionable.

Larsson is still likely to play given his probable designation. He would even have some fantasy value in deeper formats if Norman Powell or Jaime Jaquez Jr. are unable to suit up after suffering injuries on Friday night. Larsson is coming off a 20-point game on Friday night as well.

Gafford left Friday’s game against the Grizzlies with right ankle soreness and didn’t return. His status for Saturday is up in the air as he’s listed as questionable. Gafford joins Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II on the injury report as the Mavericks frontcourt has been decimated. Dwight Powell could see more minutes depending on who is available in the Mavericks frontcourt against the Wizards.

Lively has missed the last five games with a knee injury. The good news is his doubtful injury designation for Saturday against the Wizards indicates he’s getting closer to a return to the court. Even if he’s ultimately ruled out, this represents progress for the 21-year-old center who should return soon.

Jaquez left Friday’s game against the Hornets with an ankle injury. The 24-year-old shooting guard sprained his ankle with just minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. His status is up in the air given his questionable designation. If Jaquez is ruled out, Nikola Jovic figures to see additional minutes.

Powell briefly left Friday’s game against the Hornets with a sprained ankle. The 32-year-old point guard finished the game with a team-high 25 points in 27 minutes. Powell is on the injury report for Saturday, but he’s likely to suit up given his probable designation.

Garland had 20 points and nine assists in the Cavaliers’ victory over the Wizards on Friday night, but he’ll sit out the second game of the back-to-back against the Bulls on Saturday. The 25-year-old point guard made his season debut on Wednesday against the 76ers after missing time with a toe injury and isn’t quite ready for a full workload just yet.

Adebayo was diagnosed with a big toe sprain earlier this week. While the 28-year-old center is set to miss his second consecutive game, it’s a relief for fantasy managers that he avoided a major injury. Kel’el Ware should continue to start in place of Adebayo until he returns.