NBA Player News

Zion popped up on the injury report Tuesday afternoon after not initially being included on it. He had previously been dealing with a hamstring injury, but now it’s the right adductor that will keep him sidelined until at least Dec. 23. Saddiq Bey and Derik Queen should continue to be the main beneficiaries with Zion unavailable for at least a few weeks. Queen should be locked in as a starter for the rest of the season, while Bey should continue to start with Zion out. Bey has averaged 19.8 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 2.6 triples over the last five games and is available in 66 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

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.

Jović exited early on Monday after a hard fall on a dunk attempt, but all testing has indicated this injury isn’t that serious. His status for Thursday’s game in Brooklyn is up in the air, and the team is considering him day-to-day at this point.