NBA Player News

Embiid and George are good to go after being listed as probable on the initial injury report. While the latter’s availability does not necessitate a change to the lineup, since he played in Friday’s win over the Bucks, Embiid’s return means Andre Drummond will come off the bench. Also of note, Edgecombe’s minutes restriction should be lifted soon, but it probably won’t happen on Sunday.

Following a two-game absence, Herro was back in the lineup for Tuesday’s NBA Cup matchup with Orlando. He was able to score at least 20 points for a 16th straight game, which dates back to the end of last season. However, for the second time in six appearances this year, Herro failed to knock down a three-pointer, which has been one of his strongest categories over the last few seasons. That won’t happen often, but he wasn’t alone in struggling from deep. As a team, the Heat shot 8-of-33 from beyond the arc, while the Magic shot 15-of-32, which was one of the deciding factors in this game. With the loss, Miami will play on Monday against the loser of the Raptors-Knicks quarterfinal matchup, meaning this was the Heat’s final game of this week. Herro will look to bounce back then, but this ends up being just a one-game week for Miami.

Kleber’s role has been minimal when the rest of the roster is healthy, which is the case for Wednesday’s game. His absence won’t have much of an impact on the rest of the rotation.

Following a six-game absence, Smart will return to the lineup for Wednesday’s NBA Cup quarterfinal game. Smart had previously said he planned to play in this game, so this lines up. He’ll play a large reserve role, though that won’t be enough time for him to make much of an impact in fantasy basketball. However, with only two games being played that day, he is at least worth consideration.

McLaughlin has a chance to return after missing over a month. However, with De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper all healthy, his role will be minimal, if he sees the floor at all.

Wemby had a chance to play against Los Angeles after practicing this past weekend, but the Spurs will wait at least one more game. Luke Kornet will start at least one more game, where he hasn’t met expectations as a streamer.

Shead will start for the first time this season in place of Immanuel Quickley, who is sidelined with an illness. Agbaji, who scored a season-high 11 points off the bench on Sunday, will replace Ja’Kobe Walter in the starting lineup. Walter had been starting in place of RJ Barrett, so Agbaji could maintain that role moving forward.

Towns missed Sunday’s game against Orlando, which allowed Mitchell Robinson to move into the starting unit. He’ll head back to the bench with Towns back. KAT was able to practice on Monday, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that he’ll be available with a trip to Las Vegas on the line.

As expected, Battle will miss a second straight game. He hasn’t played a large role this year, so his minutes will likely be divided up between Sandro Mamukelashvili and Collin Murray-Boyles off the bench.

Shead will be good to go despite the initial questionable tag. With Immanuel Quickley (illness) sidelined, Shead will have a chance to start in his place at point guard, though he should see a massive bump in minutes regardless.

Quickley was able to play through an illness on Sunday, but it will keep him on the sidelines against New York in the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup, Jamal Shead, who is available after being listed as questionable with a quad injury, should start in his stead.