NBA Player News

Duncan Robinson (back) was ruled out for Game 5. Despite Caris LeVert scoring 24 points in Game 4 on Monday, the Pistons have elected to go with Daniss Jenkins in the starting lineup in place of Robinson. LeVert should still have a significant role off the bench.

LaRavia was initially listed as questionable, but it should be no surprise that he’s been ruled out Friday after he sprained his right ankle in Wednesday’s win over the Warriors. The good news is that the injury isn’t considered serious and he should return to game action soon. Without LaRavia, Quentin Grimes could see enough minutes off the bench to be worth steaming consideration in category leagues.

Podziemski is trending in the right direction after he was initially listed as questionable with a back ailment. He missed Wednesday’s loss against the Lakers with the same injury. Now that he’s been upgraded to probable, Podziemski, who appeared in all 82 games last season, should start alongside Stephen Curry against the Grizzlies Friday.

Monk missed Wednesday’s loss to the Clippers, but was initially listed as probable for Friday’s tilt with the Trail Blazers. He’s since been upgraded to available and will play in tonight’s home opener. Monk should assume his typical role as a reserve guard for the Kings.

Bassey will miss a second consecutive game as he continues to deal with patellar tendinitis in his right knee. Draymond Green started at center for Wednesday’s loss to the Lakers, and he may be asked to do the same against Memphis.

In his official NBA debut, Brazile struggled from the field, missing all four of his three-point attempts. However, the second-round pick out of Arkansas was effective on the glass, leading the Nuggets with 12 rebounds. Brazile played 18 minutes, partly because Spencer Jones (hamstring) didn’t play. However, despite the perimeter shooting struggles, the rookie’s rebounding output was encouraging.

Bradley will be available on Friday after missing Wednesday’s loss to the Grizzlies. While he gives Utah another frontcourt option, the veteran center is unlikely to get the minutes needed to impact fantasy basketball.

Hawkins is available to make his Bulls debut after sitting out Wednesday’s loss to the Raptors. However, as a two-way player, the former lottery pick isn’t guaranteed to see action against the Bucks.

Awaka was also on the injury report ahead of Wednesday’s loss to the Raptors, in which he played 14 minutes. Unless Friday’s game gets out of hand, the undrafted rookie out of Arizona will likely play fewer minutes.

Swain is set to make his official Bulls debut after sitting out Wednesday’s loss to the Raptors. His availability may drop Jaylin Sellers out of the rotation entirely after the undrafted rookie played 14 minutes in the opener.

Collins is available to play after being listed as probable on the initial injury report. Because of the time he missed during the preseason with the quad injury, he’ll likely be limited to 12-16 minutes. Collins played nine minutes in Wednesday’s loss to the Raptors.