NBA Player News

Lively was reportedly seeking other opinions last week, which is never a positive sign. He’s expected to make a full recovery, but after appearing in just seven games, his third year in the NBA will end up as a lost one. Anthony Davis will be asked to spend more time at center, especially when Daniel Gafford isn’t available. There will also be extra minutes for Moussa Cisse and Dwight Powell, though only as depth pieces. Lively will only be 22 years old at the start of next season and will be an enticing option in fantasy hoops. However, he can be safely dropped in redraft leagues at this point.

No surprise here unfortunately as Martin is yet to appear in a game this season thanks to a sprained right thumb. His continued absence doesn’t impact fantasy basketball, however.

Flagg made it through shootaround and was upgraded to probable for Monday’s game against the Heat. All signs point to the 19-year-old forward returning after a one-game absence. Flagg should be started in all fantasy formats as the week begins.

Smart is set to miss his second game in a row with a forearm injury. Bogdan Bogdanovic saw more minutes in Smart’s absence Saturday against the Hawks, but isn’t worth streaming in most fantasy leagues anyway.

Edwards is listed as questionable with right knee injury maintenance for Monday’s game against the Cavaliers. The 25-year-old guard was unavailable to the media after Sunday’s win over the Raptors because he was receiving medical treatment. With Edwards potentially a long-shot to play at this point, Ayo Dosunmu could move into the starting lineup Monday.

Flagg is still listed as questionable for the matchup against the Heat, but seems to be trending in the right direction. He left Friday’s game against the Pacers with a shoulder injury and subsequently missed Saturday’s game against the Spurs. If Flagg returns Monday, he’ll replace Zaccharie Risacher in the starting lineup after only missing one game.

Reid popped up on the injury report as probable with an illness, but he’s still likely to suit up against the Wizards Monday. After three games with the Hornets, Reid is averaging 20.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 4.0 threes.

The Kings were without Keegan Murray (ankle) for Sunday’s game, so Achiuwa made a spot start. While his foul shooting was a disaster, the positives outweighed that negative in terms of the Kings forward’s production. Achiuwa played 39 minutes against the Grizzlies and recorded a double-double with five “stocks.” Sacramento plays three games in Week 2, starting with the Spurs on Tuesday, and Achiuwa would be a worthwhile pickup if Murray remains out.

After totaling seven assists in his first two games, Acuff matched that number on Sunday. The field-goal percentage wasn’t the best, but the points and assists were encouraging. Tuesday’s matchup with the Spurs will be challenging, given how good their young guards are offensively. It will be fun to see how Acuff takes on that test in the first of three games the Kings will play in Week 2.

After scoring 50 points in Sacramento’s first two games, LaVine recorded his first 30-point game of the season on Sunday. He was efficient, shooting 52 percent from the field. Sunday’s performance was an excellent way for LaVine to end Week 1, as the Kings begin a three-game Week 2 in San Antonio on Tuesday.

The Grizzlies gave Zach Edey the night off, so Beef Stew was inserted into the starting lineup. Stewart’s value was his defense and three-point shooting, but he played just 22 minutes. He missed most of the preseason with a sprained ankle, which likely factored into his playing time. Edey should be back for Monday’s game against the Jazz, which would push Stewart to the bench.