NBA Player News

With the Hawks resting their regulars for Monday’s game, Toppin’s playing time increased substantially. He played 41 minutes in the overtime victory, leading all scorers with 26 points. Toppin is on a two-way contract, so his opportunities will be limited once the regular season begins. However, performances like Monday’s can grab the attention of league decision-makers, be it in Atlanta or elsewhere. There’s no need to consider selecting him in redraft leagues, but managers in deep dynasty leagues can consider using a late-round pick on Toppin.

Shead, who played 22 minutes off the bench in Sunday’s loss to the Celtics, is dealing with a quad contusion. While Shead’s availability won’t impact Immanuel Quickley’s status as the starting point guard, the Raptors may need to look to Scottie Barnes to handle more playmaking responsibilities when Quickley is not in the game. Also, Ja’Kobe Walter may see his minutes increase if Shead can’t play. He logged 12 minutes on Sunday despite once again replacing RJ Barrett in the starting lineup.

Battle did not play in Sunday’s loss to the Celtics and appears likely to remain out for Tuesday’s NBA Cup quarterfinal. His absence does not directly impact fantasy basketball, but it will mean that the Raptors rely even more on Sandro Mamukelashvili and Collin Murray-Boyles off the bench.

Herro, who has missed Miami’s last two games, participated in Monday’s practice. As a result, he’s on track to return to the starting lineup for Tuesday’s NBA Cup quarterfinal in Orlando. If Herro plays, Kel’el Ware will likely be the player who returns to the bench.

They also reported the Warriors will waive 2025 second-round pick Alex Toohey to make room for Leons. After going undrafted in 2024, Leons spent time with the Thunder and made six appearances for them in November, 2024. He was with OKC this past summer and during the preseason but didn’t make the final roster. He’ll likely spend more time in the G League than in Golden State.

Herro has missed Miami’s last two games but has a chance to return for Tuesday’s NBA Cup matchup with the Magic. If he does, Kel’el Ware will likely be pushed back to the bench, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. should lose out on a few minutes off the bench.

Franz landed awkwardly on his left leg during Sunday’s game, and while Charania’s report doesn’t include an official timeline from the team, managers should expect a multi-week absence. Anthony Black and Tristan da Silva both stepped up when Paolo Banchero missed time, and both should get a similar boost with Wagner unavailable.

Bulls coach Billy Donovan said it was a non-contact practice, but Dosunmu didn’t participate. Dosunmu also went to a doctor after Sunday night’s loss because his thumb was bothering him. He already missed one game with the sprained thumb, so it’s possible he aggravated the injury. More updates should be provided closer to Chicago’s next game, which isn’t until Friday.

Barrett will miss at least at least two more games, including Tuesday’s NBA Cup matchup with Miami. Barrett has been progressing and received a PRP injection to help his knee. Ja’Kobe Walter will continue to start in his place, though Jamal Shead started in his stead to open the second half of Toronto’s last game. That may or may not continue.

Smith was the only Heat player to not practice, which puts his status for Tuesday’s game against Orlando up in the air. With both Pelle Larsson and Davion Mitchell back, Smith won’t get the opportunity to start a second game in a row regardless of his health.

Larsson said he will be back after a one-game absence. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra could go back to starting Larsson and bringing Kel’el Ware off the bench to match up better with the Magic frontcourt, but Larsson should play a large role regardless.