NBA Player News

Portland insisted this injury won’t be a long-term issue, but Grant will miss a ninth consecutive game on Saturday. Hopefully the time off will prevent this from being a long-term issue, but Kris Murray should remain a starter for at least one more game.

Banchero went 9-of-16 for 26 points in Thursday’s win, but he couldn’t match that efficiency on Sunday. Fortunately for fantasy managers, Banchero was solid as a rebounder and facilitator, which he has been throughout the 2025-26 campaign. He’ll look to get back on track in the scoring department when the Magic host the Hornets on Thursday.

Landale shifted to the bench in favor of Santi Aldama, but the latter delivered a pitiful 9/5/3 line with no defensive contributions. The points represent Landale’s second-highest total of the season, and he should remain active in Memphis’ rotation until Zach Edey (ankle) returns, whether as a starter or with the second unit.

Morant returned from a six-game injury and looked no worse for wear as he went off for 20 points, 10 dimes and four boards in the first half. Memphis cruised to victory in this one, and Morant could have had an even bigger night had this one been more competitive. The Grizzlies will travel home from their European road trip, and they won’t play again until Wednesday. Keep an eye on Morant’s status moving forward, as he’s been forced to miss significant time, and his name is still on the trade block.

The Clippers lost to the Raptors in OT on Friday, and they’ll finish up their three-game road trip with matchups against the Wizards on Monday and the Bulls on Tuesday. Leonard’s absence will free up more playing time for Kobe Sanders and Jordan Miller.

Aldama hasn’t missed a game this season, and Sunday’s matchup in London won’t be any different. Expect him to handle his normal allotment of minutes against the Magic.

Morant will be available following a six-game absence, but it’s unclear if he’ll face a minutes restriction after a lengthy absence. Cam Spencer may retreat back to the bench, but given Morant’s recent availability and trade rumors, Spencer remains a hold.

Howard will not be available for the final game of Orlando’s two-game European trip. He hasn’t been in the rotation recently, picking up a DNP-CD in Thursday’s win over the Grizzlies in Berlin. Howard’s absence does not affect fantasy basketball.

With Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes out due to injury, there were going to be opportunities for Timme to contribute. He didn’t start, as Maxi Kleber (11/5/1/1 with one three-pointer) received the nod, but that didn’t keep the third-year forward from having a career night. Timme recorded his first 20-point game as a pro, shooting 75 percent from the field. If Ayton and Hayes can’t play on Sunday against the Raptors, Timme will be worth considering in deep leagues.

Smart limped off the court during the fourth quarter, heading to the locker room briefly before returning to the bench. He had an excellent night before the lower-body injury, with the 25 points being a season-high. There was no announcement from the Lakers regarding Smart’s injury, which may bode well for his availability for Sunday’s game against the Raptors. And if Luka Dončić (groin) can’t play, Smart will be worth streaming.

With no Luka Dončić in the lineup, the Lakers had to rely on James more than they would prefer to in Portland. While he kept turnovers in check, committing only four, the added responsibility made it more challenging for James to get going offensively. He still finished with a complete stat line, and the field-goal percentage was the only issue. The question now is whether LeBron will be available for Sunday’s game against the Raptors.