Ray

Spalding

He exited Monday’s game with an Achilles injury, but we don’t know if he just tweaked it or he ruptured it. Either way, he’s now going to be searching for a new contract and can safely remain on the waiver wire in all formats.

There are no reports yet on whether Spalding ruptured his Achilles, and we certainly hope that’s not the case. He just inked a two-way deal with the Rockets last week and this would be a major blow for Houston and him. We’ll have more after Spalding undergoes an MRI.

He played in his first game one day after signing a two-way deal was but quiet in the Rockets’ blowout loss to the Knicks. And though he only played nine minutes tonight, he should see more time while Christian Wood (ankle) recovers from his injury.

Spalding had arthroscopic left knee surgery back in June. He should be fully recovered and may spend some time in the Rockets’ rotation with Christian Wood (ankle) on the sidelines, but he’s a longshot to establish lasting fantasy value.

He’s on a two-way deal with the Hornets, so Spalding should be healthy enough when it comes time to sign a deal. Spalding didn’t have an impact with the Hornets with no NBA games played in 2019-20, but he did have a hot stretch with the Suns towards the end of the 2018-19 season.

The 6'9" forward has been averaging 15.4 points, 8.4 boards, 2.1 assists, 1.9 blocks, 1.3 steals and 0.6 triples in the G League this season. He’s unlikely to help fantasy owners, but anything can happen. Just keep him in mind if Charlotte drifts further out of the playoff race -- they’re currently at No. 9 but are five games behind the Nets.

Ponds was signed to a two-way deal in early-September. Ponds, Spalding and Maker will all likely end up with Houston’s G-League affiliate.

Spalding was waived by the Hawks on Tuesday, and he’ll give the Rockets some temporary frontcourt depth to replace Anthony Bennett. He’s not a fantasy asset.

No fantasy impact here, as it was considered unlikely that Spalding would make the Hawks final 15-man roster.

The dental pain is nothing to worry about, but the calf strain could cost him time, depending on the severity of the injury. He’s only on a partially guaranteed contract with the Hawks, so if he misses most of the preseason, there’s a good chance he’ll get cut.