NBA Player News

Eason and Adams have suffered lower-body injuries in recent seasons, with the former dealing with a leg issue and the latter undergoing knee surgery. Potentially resting them for part of back-to-backs is certainly understandable, especially with Houston’s depth in the frontcourt. However, with the Rockets’ first back-to-back not until December 5-6, the team will have time to assess the health of Eason and Adams before making a final decision. Adams’ availability won’t significantly impact fantasy basketball, as Alperen Şengün will play most of the minutes at center, and Houston added Clint Capela in free agency. However, Eason has top-100 fantasy potential, especially in points-punt team builds. He’s expected to be in the running for a place in the Rockets’ starting lineup, along with Jabari Smith Jr.

Davis missed Friday night’s game against the Grizzlies with Daniel Gafford getting the start at center and P.J, Washington at power forward. Davis is questionable for Saturday, which at least gives him a chance of not missing his fifth game in a row. Washington will continue to have fantasy value while the Mavericks deal with frontcourt injuries.

Kennard missed Friday night’s game against the Raptors with an illness as well. With the Hawks running low on point guard options with Trae Young also out, expect Keaton Wallace and Vit Krejci to play more minutes, though neither are likely to be good a good streaming option.

Alexander-Walker is dealing with a low back strain. The Hawks suddenly have a long list of injuries with Trae Young, Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kennard already ruled out and Jalen Johnson questionable as well as Alexander-Walker. Expect Dyson Daniels to handle to ball quite a bit here and Keaton Wallace could see additional minutes if Alexander-Walker is ruled out.

Porzingis had 17 points on 16 shots in Friday’s loss to the Raptors, but made his presence known with four blocked shots on the defensive end. The 30-year-old center has been a top-50 player in nine-category leagues so far this year. Without Porzingis on Saturday, it’s likely the Hawks turn to Onyeka Okongwu to get the start.

Johnson is dealing with a right quad contusion. While he’s questionable, the Hawks are going to need him to play to have any chance against the Lakers with Trae Young and Kristaps Porzingis already ruled out. Johnson has taken his fantasy production up a notch since Young went down with the injury.

Poeltl had 12 points and 10 rebounds in the Raptors’ 109-97 victory over the Hawks on Friday night. The 30-year-old center will sit out the second game of the back-to-back. Poeltl missed a game last week with a back injury and Collin Murray-Boyles and Sandro Mamukelashvii handled the center duties in his absence.

Dosunmu missed Tuesday’s game against the 76ers with a quad injury. The 25-year-old shooting guard returned Friday night against the Bucks and had seven points and three assists in 20 minutes. The Bulls want to avoid giving Dosunmu heavy minutes while he’s still dealing with the quad injury and that lowers his fantasy ceiling.

Middleton had four points in 22 minutes in the loss to the Cavaliers on Friday, but he’ll sit out the second game of the back-to-back. The 34-year-old small forward’s absence won’t impact fantasy basketball as much as it’ll impact the Wizards’ overall depth with Bilal Coulibaly (leg) out and Kyshawn George (illness) questionable.

George missed Friday’s game against the Cavaliers with an illness and his questionable listing has his status up in the air for Saturday. Bub Carrington and Tre Johnson could end up playing a lot if George is ultimately ruled out in addition to Bilal Coulibaly (leg), who is set to miss another game.

Coulibaly left Wednesday’s game against the Celtics with a leg injury and then missed Friday’s game against the Cavaliers. The 21-year-old shooting guard is set to miss another game Saturday against the Mavericks. Bub Carrington and Tre Johnson will continue to pick up minutes in his absence.