NBA Player News

Hayes exited early from Sunday’s game and will remain sidelined against Orlando. Rui Hachimura spent some time as a small-ball center, though Drew Timme should also help fill some of the minutes down low when Deandre Ayton is on the bench.

It has been a rough start to the year for Bam, but after totaling 19 points in Miami’s first two games, he was able to surpass that mark in this one. It wasn’t enough for them to get in the win column, but it was good to see him have a productive outing. He’ll try to build on this performance in their next game, which comes against the Mavericks on Monday.

So far this season, the story for Miami has been that Giannis hasn’t had enough help. Well, his teammates stepped up more in this game, but Antetokounmpo wasn’t quite as productive. They went on a big run without him to tie things up in the fourth quarter. He entered with about four minutes left, committed two fouls in three minutes, and the Hornets took a six-point lead. It was a rough performance for him, but there is no reason for managers to worry. He averaged 35.5 points through their first two games and should get back on track against the Mavericks on Monday.

Following a rough shooting performance against the Pistons on Friday, Thompson was able to find his shot in this one. He set season highs for points and three-pointers, though it wasn’t enough for them to get their first win of the season. For now, Thompson should continue to start and provide floor spacing. If you’re looking for production outside of triples, it’s best to look elsewhere.

The Nuggets are down two rotation wings for Saturday’s game, as Cameron Johnson (ankle) and Alpha Diallo (wrist) will not play. Hopkins gets the starting nod, keeping DeMar DeRozan in the sixth-man role. The other four starters are unchanged.

Green was ruled out ahead of Saturday’s tilt against the Suns due to bilateral low back soreness, adding to the lengthy injury report for the Warriors. Gui Santos will likely get the start in place of Green.

Kennard is set to make his Suns debut after sitting out Wednesday’s loss to the Trail Blazers. His return will likely result in fewer minutes for fellow reserve Jordan Goodwin.

Murray, who played 26 minutes in Friday’s loss to the Trail Blazers, is dealing with left ankle capsulitis. If he can’t play Sunday, the Kings may turn to Precious Achiuwa to fill the void in the starting lineup.

Coward missed Friday’s game against Golden State, which allowed GG Jackson to start in his place. Coward should start if he’s back, but if not, Jackson may start again, though he only played 15 minutes on Friday, while Jerami Grant played 26 minutes.

The Rockets are down two guards for Saturday’s game, as Fred VanVleet and Marcus Smart will sit out the second half of the back-to-back. As a result, Sheppard moves into the starting lineup, and he’s worth slotting into fantasy lineups. The other four starters are unchanged.

Edey will sit out the first leg of this back-to-back, which means he should be back to take on the Jazz on Monday. Expect Isaiah Stewart to start in his place, with Quinten Post filling out the backup minutes.