NBA Player News

After playing 36 minutes on Thursday in his return from an illness that sidelined him for two games, Suggs played 26 minutes on Sunday. The nature of the game was the reason, as Orlando was on the wrong end of a 139-87 defeat. The positive for the Magic was that the blowout got Suggs additional rest, given the time he has missed due to injury. They’ll look to bounce back on Tuesday against the Suns.

This was Mitchell’s first game with double digit assists this season. His shooting, however, left something to be desired in the loss to the Thunder. Mitchell had 17 points on 17 attempts, though he did sink four three-pointers. The Cavaliers have three more games this week, beginning with a rematch against the Thunder on Wednesday.

Mitchell appears to be the main beneficiary of the injuries the Thunder are dealing with. The 24-year-old guard took more shots and played more minutes than all of his teammates besides Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Monday. Until the Thunder are back to full strength, fantasy managers can expect that to continue.

Gilgeous-Alexander had only eclipsed 30 points twice in the first six games of the season before dropping 43 points in the win over the Cavaliers Monday. The 28-year-old point guard had a full stat line that also included four rebounds, eight assists, one steal, two blocks and four three-pointers. Given the amount of injuries the Thunder are dealing with, Gilgeous-Alexander is going to continue to have nights like this to keep the team afloat, which is a boon for his fantasy value.

Curry and Green are back after sitting out Sunday’s win over the Clippers. Also, Richard will make his first start of the season. De’Anthony Melton, Georges Niang and Charles Bassey are available off the bench after starting on Sunday.

Jakob Poeltl (shoulder) will miss a second straight game. However, instead of Trayce Jackson-Davis, who started Sunday’s loss to the Lakers, Murray-Boyles moves into the starting five. CMB offers a much higher fantasy ceiling, even though he did struggle on Sunday.

Christie played eight minutes before leaving Monday’s game with a right hip injury. Walter Clayton Jr. replaced him to start the third quarter, and Christie’s absence may also free up minutes for Marcus Sasser.

While Barnes is good to go after initially being questionable, Poeltl will miss a second straight game. Trayce Jackson-Davis started Sunday’s loss to the Lakers but wasn’t productive enough to merit streaming in any fantasy league.

Poeltl did not play in Sunday’s loss to the Lakers, with Trayce Jackson-Davis replacing him in the starting lineup. TJD offered little value in that role, however, so there’s no need to consider streaming him if Poeltl remains out.

Initially questionable for Monday’s game, Barnes is trending toward being available. If cleared to play, he would take on his usual role in the Raptors’ lineup.

Thiero dealt with knee swelling at the end of preseason and has been unavailable since. That could change this week, as the second-year wing has recently ramped up his workout intensity. While this won’t affect fantasy basketball, Thiero’s return will add athleticism on the wing for the Lakers.