NBA Player News

James was one of several key Lakers who couldn’t get going on the offensive end on Monday. He took only 10 shots, had his most inefficient shooting performance thus far, and recorded a season-low in points as a result. The versatile forward had little impact in another area of the game — he failed to grab a rebound, only produced a few assists, and didn’t register any stocks for the game. Overall, it was a forgettable performance from both the Lakers and James. He’ll look to turn the page and bounce back against the Raptors on Thursday.

Wembanyama still had 22 points and nine rebounds in 21 minutes in his return from a calf injury on Saturday against the Thunder. The 21-year-old’s minutes will look a lot like that again against the Knicks on Tuesday, according to Johnson. Luke Kornet started at center and played 24 minutes Saturday, but had just two points and eight rebounds.

Clarke could make his season debut Wednesday after recovering from right knee surgery. The 29-year-old power forward is listed as questionable, which at least gives him a chance of suiting up against the Timberwolves. Clarke could see rotation minutes with Zach Edey (ankle) sidelined if he’s available.

Morant has played in two straight games after missing time with a calf injury, but now finds himself on the injury report for Wednesday’s game against the Timberwolves. The 26-year-old point guard is questionable with a left ankle sprain. The good news is the injury isn’t expected to be a long-term issue for Morant. Cam Spencer would likely move into the starting lineup with Vince Williams seeing additional minutes off the bench if Morant is out.

Conley is set to miss his third consecutive game with right Achilles tendinopathy. Rob Dillingham played 12 minutes off the bench Sunday against the Kings with Conley out. Dillingham isn’t worth rostering in fantasy leagues even with Conley still sidelined.

Edwards has missed the last two games with a foot injury. The 24-year-old shooting guard wasn’t an active participant in Tuesday’s practice, though he did player development work off to the side. Timberwolves coach Chris Finch told reporters Edwards is progressing well and getting closer to playing. His questionable status at least gives him a chance of returning Wednesday. Bone Hyland had 18 points in 36 minutes against the Kings on Sunday and could move into the starting lineup again if Edwards remains sidelined.

Dosunmu has missed the last two games, but participated in the Bulls’ shootaround Tuesday. The 25-year-old point guard had both of his thumbs taped as he explained to reporters that he has a bone bruise on his right thumb and a grade-one strain on his left thumb. Dosunmu was otherwise in good spirits and hopes to play Wednesday. Kevin Huerter will continue filling in if Dosunmu is ruled out.

Spencer had been starring for Golden State, but with the team healthy for their last game, Spencer only played seven minutes. His absence will hurt their depth, but it shouldn’t impact fantasy basketball.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr said Horford has healed, but he isn’t expected to be back to take on Phoenix. When he returns, he’ll occupy his typical role as a reserve center, which will be too limited for him to be a standard-league option.

Sabonis has been sidelined for almost a month due to a torn meniscus, but the report is that he missed this practice because of an illness. That implies his knee could be better, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for more updates in the coming days. This lines up with the initial three-to-four week re-evaluation timeline, so he could be back soon, which would push Maxime Raynaud to the bench.

Lavine exited early from Sunday’s game, and he’ll now miss at least three more games. Nique Clifford started in place of LaVine when he missed Thursday’s game, and he could start again for a few games, though Malik Monk should also see a bump in minutes.