NBA Player News

Not only was Monday’s game against the Clippers the first for Powell in Inglewood since being traded to Miami during the offseason, but it was his first action after missing three games with a groin injury. The Heat guard looked sharp and showed no ill effects in 28 minutes of action. Powell was nearly on the wrong end of a late comeback, but Kawhi Leonard’s jumper just before time expired fell short. Miami has three more games this week, including a Friday/Saturday home back-to-back. We’ll see if Powell is available for all three.

Williams recently sprained a finger on his left hand, but he’s a right-handed shooter, and the probable tag suggests he’ll be cleared to play on Monday. If so, his role won’t change much, even if Josh Giddey (ankle) is downgraded from questionable to out.

Giddey sprained his right ankle during the second half of Saturday’s loss to the Cavaliers while attempting to guard De’Andre Hunter on the perimeter. His absence would leave a massive hole in the Bulls’ starting lineup, as Coby White is also out. Kevin Huerter could be moved into the starting lineup, and this would also raise Tre Jones’ fantasy ceiling.

Nance was not available for Saturday’s win over the Bulls, which was Cleveland’s second game in as many nights. Dean Wade absorbed most of the minutes that would have gone to Nance, with Tyrese Proctor sneaking into the back end of the rotation. That will likely remain the case if Nance cannot play on Monday.

Middleton is back after sitting out Saturday’s loss to the Mavericks for injury management reasons. His return means Justin Champagnie will head back to the bench, losing his streaming value in the process.

Coulibaly will miss a third straight game as he recovers from a left calf contusion suffered during Washington’s November 5 loss to the Celtics. Rookie Tre Johnson has replaced him in the starting lineup and should retain that role, making him a player worth considering in deep leagues.

While his sore left knee has been an issue for a few games, LeVert is good to go for Sunday’s game. He offers limited fantasy upside coming off the bench, even with Tobias Harris and Isaiah Stewart both out due to ankle injuries.

Stewart, who sprained his ankle during Friday’s win over the Nets, was initially doubtful for Sunday. His absence opens up a spot in the starting lineup, as Tobias Harris is also out with a sprained ankle. Ron Holland started the second half of Friday’s victory, making him the likely candidate to fill the void on Sunday.

Since Ja Morant and Cam Spencer are available, Small’s absence will not impact the Grizzlies’ rotation or fantasy basketball. He should already be on the waiver wire in all leagues.

Aldama is good to go after initially being listed as questionable with a left shoulder issue that’s been a problem recently. He’ll take on his usual role off the bench, providing late-round fantasy value behind starter Jaren Jackson Jr.

Reaves is managing a mild strain of his right groin and has missed the last three games. His status impacts Jake LaRavia the most, as he’ll remain in the starting lineup until Reaves is available to play. Fantasy managers who are streaming LaRavia should hold onto him until it’s clear that Reaves can play.