NBA Player News

Having done more than enough damage in the first half, Brown did not play at all after halftime in Wednesday’s preseason opener. Having undergone an arthroscopic procedure on his right knee in June, the Celtics wing is in a spot where his already-large role will expand this season. The Celtics will be without Jayson Tatum (Achilles) for most of the season, meaning it will be up to Brown and Derrick White to lead the way. That will undoubtedly raise their fantasy ceilings, but percentages have been an issue for Brown in the past.

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.

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.