NBA Player News

Though it was Ochai Agbaji that started in place of Jakob Poeltl (back) against the 76ers, it was CMB and Sandro Mamukelashvili that filled the void. Agbaji was held scoreless in 15 minutes, while CMB was able to turn in a complete line in 22 minutes, and Mamu added 10 points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block in 17 minutes. This was the second leg of a back-to-back, which is why Poeltl was unavailable. Toronto’s next back-to-back isn’t until November 29 and 30, so Poeltl should be available for the next few weeks.

Butler is back after a two-game absence, which is good news for a team that remains without Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. His return likely means fewer minutes for Gary Payton II and Buddy Hield, with both players offering limited fantasy value in their respective roles.

The Hornets are without LaMelo Ball and Collin Sexton for Sunday’s game, so Simpson has received the starting nod. While his season-long production has not made him worth the risk in fantasy leagues, the opportunity to start raises Simpson’s fantasy ceiling. The other four starters are unchanged, and Kalkbrenner’s playing time may increase with Moussa Diabaté unavailable.

The Trail Blazers are without their top two centers for Sunday’s game, as Donovan Clingan (leg) and Robert Williams (illness) are inactive. As a result, Yang will make his first start as an NBA player. While the opportunity is a good one for the rookie, matching up with Zach Edey will not be easy. The other four starters are unchanged.

Williams and Terry have been upgraded from probable to available. While both will be part of the Bulls’ rotation, neither has been productive enough to merit being rostered in most redraft leagues.

White has been upgraded from probable to available and will take his usual place in the Bulls’ starting lineup. Those who have him rostered must ensure that he’s in their active lineups before tipoff.

Jones will miss a third consecutive game, resulting in more playing time for Dalen Terry and Jevon Carter. However, that does not make either player worth streaming in fantasy leagues.

Sunday’s game will be the eighth that Okoro has missed, which opens up a spot in the starting lineup. While Julian Phillips was the most recent replacement, it was because the Bulls did not have Ayo Dosunmu. Dosunmu is probable to play on Sunday, so he’ll likely move into the starting lineup if cleared.

Sunday’s game will be the fifth that Smith has missed with a strained left hamstring. Zach Collins will once again fill the backup center role, with Lachlan Olbrich being available in case of emergency.

Kornet did not play in Friday’s game against the Cavaliers, resulting in Bismack Biyombo moving into the starting lineup. With Biyombo and Kelly Olynky combining to play 16 minutes on Friday, neither will be worth the risk if Kornet remains out on Monday. San Antonio was willing to go small for extended periods, with Jeremy Sochan spending some time at the five.

Initially doubtful for Sunday’s game, Morant is officially inactive. Vince Williams Jr. will continue to replace him in the starting lineup, with Cam Spencer playing additional minutes off the bench. While Williams is a solid option for managers needing assists, his low percentages have opened the door for Spencer to emerge as a solid deep-league option.