NBA Player News

Tatum ruptured his Achilles tendon during Game 4 of the Celtics’ second-round series against the Knicks last May. Given the reports out of Boston and some of the videos, it appeared that there was a good chance that Tatum would try to come back before the end of the regular season. However, that may not be the path he takes, with the star forward now re-evaluating his options. Given how well the Celtics have played this season, that may be one of the factors that Tatum is considering. Fantasy managers who have been stashing Tatum in an IL spot can hold onto him for now, but be ready to pivot.

A late addition to the injury report, Carter is good to go for Monday’s game. Combined with Franz Wagner returning from an ankle injury, Anthony Black is the odd man out of the Magic starting lineup. Joining Carter and Wagner are Jalen Suggs, Desmond Bane and Paolo Banchero.

Thompson could get the night off despite not dealing with an injury. He has played roughly 20 minutes per game off the bench over the Mavericks’ last three games and should see a similar role if he’s available. Khris Middleton is expected to make his debut for Dallas, so he would soak up Thompson’s minutes.

Absent from the injury report, Middleton is on track to make his Mavericks debut on Tuesday. With Dallas being best served to strengthen its draft lottery odds, the veteran forward may not log heavy minutes anytime soon. As was the case in Washington, Middleton does not qualify as a must-roster player in most fantasy leagues.

Duren will be back after a one-game absence, which isn’t surprising since he was initially listed as probable. Isaiah Stewart moved into the starting lineup in his place but will return to playing a reserve role with Duren back.

The Hawks will be without two starters for Monday’s game, with Daniels and All-Star Jalen Johnson sitting due to injury. In the case of the former, his absences free up additional minutes for Corey Kispert and CJ McCollum. The former has started five games since being traded to the Hawks, while the latter has only started one. This may also be a spot where Buddy Hield or Gabe Vincent makes their Hawks debut after both received DNP-CDs in Saturday’s loss to the Hornets.

Johnson was a late addition to the injury report, and now he will be unavailable for this game against Minnesota. He has been on a tear over his last four games, and Atlanta will have plenty of available usage and minutes. Mouhamed Gueye and Asa Newell should both play larger roles with Johnson sidelined.

When asked about Herro’s rib injury and a potential return timeline, all Spoelstra would say was that the guard is making progress in his recovery. With the All-Star break just days away, Herro could be out until after the team returns. While Pelle Larsson has been his replacement in the starting lineup, the second-year wing is also out for Monday’s game against the Jazz. Simone Fontecchio and Myron Gardner have seen their minutes increase recently, with the latter playing 21 minutes as the starter in Sunday’s win over the Wizards.

Jones will miss a tenth straight game on Monday has be continues to recover from a strained left hamstring. With the Bulls’ additions at the trade deadline and Collin Sexton now part of the bench unit, Jones’ absence won’t have a significant impact on fantasy basketball.

This will be a second straight absence for Smith, who also missed Saturday’s game against Denver. Guerschon Yabusele started in his place in that game, with Nick Richards filling out the reserve minutes. Yabusele should remain a starter for at least one more game.

Initially doubtful for Monday’s game, Giddey will be sidelined for a seventh consecutive contest with a strained left hamstring. Since the trade deadline, the Bulls have started Jaden Ivey and Anfernee Simons in the backcourt. That’s unlikely to change against the Nets.