NBA Player News

Mitchell departed Monday’s game during the fourth quarter due to an unspecified issue, but the proverbial hay was in the barn by then. While the absences of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein did not affect the second-year guard much since they play different positions, he was one of the Thunder players who picked up the slack. Mitchell has been a top-100 player in eight-cat formats over the last two weeks, but his value has taken a hit since Jalen Williams’ return on November 28. Mitchell remains a deep-league option with the ability to offer standard-league value on nights when the Thunder are shorthanded.

Hachimura is on the injury report for right groin injury management reasons. It looks like the 27-year-old small forward will return to the starting lineup, though, given his probable listing. Jake LaRavia will likely head back to the Lakers’ bench with Hachimura back.

Dončić is officially listed as questionable with a leg injury on the Lakers’ injury report. Earlier in the day Wednesday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Dončić is expected to play against the Rockets Thursday. The 26-year-old point guard missed Tuesday’s game against the Suns, but we expect him to return after just a one-game absence.

Finney-Smith hasn’t played yet this season after undergoing offseason ankle surgery. The 32-year-old small forward is getting closer to his season debut, though. He at least has a chance to play Thursday given his questionable listing. Even if Finney-Smith isn’t available on Christmas Day against the Lakers, his return isn’t far off.

Sengun popped up on the injury report as questionable with a calf injury Wednesday night ahead of the Rockets’ Christmas Day matchup with the Lakers. If the 23-year-old center can’t go, it’ll be bad news for Houston. Steven Adams and Clint Capela would handle the center minutes for the Rockets.

McDaniels injured his oblique Sunday against the Bucks and subsequently missed Tuesday’s win over the Knicks. The 25-year-old small forward is questionable to return against the Nuggets on Thursday. With McDaniels out Tuesday, Naz Reid and Bones Hyland each played 25 minutes off the bench.

Washington missed Tuesday’s game against the Nuggets with a knee injury, joining Klay Thompson and Max Christie on the sidelines. With that trio out Tuesday, Caleb Martin played 25 minutes off the bench in the win over the Nuggets. Washington has a chance to return Thursday, which would squeeze Martin for minutes.

Thompson missed Tuesday’s game against the Nuggets with a knee injury. The 35-year-old shooting guard is expected back Thursday against the Warriors given his probable listing. Naji Marshall saw an uptick in usage with Thompson and Max Christie out Tuesday, but won’t have that same setup again Thursday.

A Christmas miracle? Mobley was said to be out for up to four weeks with a calf injury. His questionable listing gives the 24-year-old center at least a chance of returning Thursday against the Knicks. Mobley would be returning in 12 days from a two to four week injury.

Neither player has made much of an impact in the realm of fantasy hoops, so their availability isn’t noteworthy to managers.

Deuce has been out since December 7, and his absence will extend through Christmas. For as long as McBride is on the shelf, Tyler Kolek should see additional run off the bench.