Fantasy News

After a 2-for-9 showing from the field during Tuesday's 123-101 loss to Boston, Embiid found more of a groove to help the 76ers improve to 10-3 on the season Thursday. The better news is that he returned after going to the locker room during the first quarter with an apparent right knee injury, seemingly no worse for the wear upon his return. Embiid finished out the victory with minimal fantasy contributions in addition to his scoring, and managers will have to hope he can bring up his efficiency, as he's shooting just 33.3 percent overall through six contests in November.

Edgecombe struggled in Tuesday's 123-101 loss to the Celtics, finishing with an 8/4/5/1/1 line on 4-for-11 shooting and 0-for-4 from behind the arc, but he was sensational Thursday. He tied for the team lead in rebounds and assists while committing zero turnovers, and he racked up four stocks by tallying his third outing with at least three swipes in the last four games. Edgecombe should continue to be a valuable fantasy asset due to his ability to contribute in every category.

Walter poured in a team-high 17 points and five three-pointers in Wednesday's loss to Boston, but he wasn't able to carry that sharpshooting into Thursday's defeat. Walter actually led Toronto in plus-minus at plus-10 in 32 minutes, and although that doesn't typically relate to fantasy production, it means he should continue earning minutes at the very least.

Battle has now scored 12 or more points in three straight games and five of his previous seven overall. He averaged 5.2 points, 1.0 three-pointers and 1.0 steals over five appearances in October, but he's boosted his offensive production to 12.8 points and 3.0 triples in 21.8 minutes across seven November outings. Battle also chipped in across the board to make this an all-around effort, and he's making a case to continue getting minutes even when Scottie Barnes (groin) and Kawhi Leonard (knee) return to the court.

Booker erupted for a game-high 30 points to help Phoenix win the fourth out of the last five games. He's now eclipsed the 30-point threshold in two of his previous three outings and four of his last six overall. Booker led all players in steals and tied teammate Oso Ighodaro with a game-best seven dimes, proving the former can do much more than just score.

Johnson continues to play a sizeable role for Washington, having now logged at least 27 minutes in five straight games. Although his production has been inconsistent, he definitely doesn't lack confidence when it comes to shooting the basketball. He isn't someone who needs to be rostered in all standard leagues, but for those simply needing points and threes, you could do worse.

Davis put together another strong performance despite ultimately fouling out, recording his fourth straight 20-and-10 game. Although the Washington win/loss record is not ideal, Davis appears motivated and, to this point, has been a first-round player in standard leagues. Through 11 games, he has averaged 25.6 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.3 combined steals and blocks.

The Hornets are continuing to ease White back into the mix after he missed the first seven matchups of the season with a calf injury. He's logged 20 minutes in back-to-back appearances, and he managed to lead Charlotte in scoring Thursday despite playing on a restriction. White's 21-point night also marks his best showing of the 2026-27 season to this point, though it wasn't enough to carry his team to a win.

Ayton has now logged fewer than 15 minutes in five of his past six games, continuing what has been a rapid decline. During that six-game period, he has averaged just 3.7 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, making him a non-factor in all standard formats.

Jenkins remained in the starting lineup, scoring at least 21 points for the third straight game. After a relatively strong start to the season, at least when compared to preseason expectations, Jenkins has seemingly assumed a starting role alongside Cade Cunningham. In three games over the past week, he has been a first-round player, averaging 24.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.3 steals and 4.3 three-pointers. Make sure he isn't available in your league.

Despite coming off the bench for the second straight game, Reed closed for the Pistons, recording his second double-double of the season, while also matching his season-high with 38 minutes. While his opportunity was helped by the fact that John Collins had some foul issues, Reed feels like someone who should continue to be rostered in most formats, at least until Jalen Duren returns from his hamstring injury.

Thompson delivered on all fronts Thursday, recording the first triple-double of his career, while also adding a season-high six combined steals and blocks. It was certainly a statement performance by Thompson, who, to this point, has put together a serviceable campaign. In six appearances over the past two weeks, managers have started to see the benefits of drafting Thompson. During that span, he has been a top 60 player in standard leagues, averaging 11.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 2.3 combined steals and blocks.

Murray-Boyles made up for a rough showing in Wednesday's 98-93 loss to the Celtics with a career-high-tying five blocks. However, he did fail to record a rebound despite playing 30-plus minutes, making it the second-year Raptors' first such outing this season. Murray-Boyles will continue providing solid fantasy contributions across several categories, especially if his minutes keep climbing with Scottie Barnes (groin) and Kawhi Leonard (knee) sidelined.

Edwards will continue to develop at the G League level, as he's averaging just 2.8 minutes per game across five outings in 2026-27 with the 76ers.

Philon has struggled to see consistent run with the 76ers, so he'll head to the G League where he'll presumably receive more opportunities. He's averaging 2.4 points and 1.0 rebounds in 6.3 minutes over seven appearances this year with Philadelphia.

Quickley struggled in Wednesday's 98-93 loss to Boston, as he tallied 11 points on 3-for-14 shooting (1-8 3Pt) and four rebounds, four assists and one steal in 28 minutes. He was returning from a two-game absence due to a hamstring injury, but he shook off the rust versus Philadelphia and finished as Toronto's second-leading scorer behind RJ Barrett's 31. Quickley also led his team in assists while not committing a single turnover. The Raptors will continue relying on the 27-year-old to produce at both ends of the court as long as Scottie Barnes (groin) and Kawhi Leonard (knee) are sidelined.

Risacher saw more action than usual due to the Timberwolves jumping out to a large lead. He took full advantage of the opportunity by setting season highs in points and made threes. Risacher has struggled to consistently produce in his current bench role, though Thursday's showing could help convince the Dallas coaching staff that he's deserving of more minutes in the frontcourt going forward, especially as he's watched his playing time dwindle since the start of November.

Ball posted a stellar shooting performance on the way to an overpowering victory by the Timberwolves. He drilled a team-high six treys and also led Minnesota in points and assists. Ball has put up 20 or more points in five straight matchups and continues to facilitate at a high level, averaging 6.2 assists over this same stretch.

Young struggled from two-point range, but he was productive from downtown and didn't miss a shot at the charity stripe, finishing with a team- and season-high scoring total. The star floor general also dished out a game- and season-best 14 assists, securing his fifth double-double of the campaign. The 28-year-old has reached the 20-point mark in three of his last five outings and has knocked down at least three triples in four of them.

After averaging 15.5 points per game while shooting just 41.9 percent from the floor and 10.0 percent from downtown in his previous two games, Cunningham turned in an extremely efficient shooting performance Thursday. He erupted for a game- and career-high 52 points, 18 of which came in the fourth quarter. Additionally, the 25-year-old didn't commit a single turnover, becoming the first player in NBA history to record at least 50 points and 10 assists without committing a turnover. He reached the 40-point threshold before overtime and scored at least 30 points for the third time this season. The superstar guard also tied for the team lead in assists, securing his second double-double of the campaign.

Carrington played 16 minutes before exiting the contest due to a chest contusion. He had two points (1-6 FG, 0-3 3Pt) and two assists before being ruled out. Washington will provide an injury update when available.

Maxey continues to give fantasy managers efficient production in almost every statistical category. He led his team in scoring for the second straight outing while matching VJ Edgecombe for the team lead in assists with eight. Maxey excelled at getting to the free throw line, too, setting a new season high in makes and attempts. He'll keep working as the primary scorer on most nights, and when LeBron James (back) is out of the lineup, Maxey can step in as an elite playmaker.

Barrett delivered season highs in scoring and rebounds while leading all players in both categories. He was efficient in his effort to keep Toronto from a third consecutive loss, but the Sixers stood tall in a balanced performance. Barrett should continue to operate as the top offensive threat for as long as Kawhi Leonard (knee) and Scottie Barnes (groin) remain sidelined.

Kalkbrenner started Charlotte's previous two games, but he'll return to his usual bench role Thursday due to Moussa Diabate returning from a quad injury. Kalkbrenner is averaging 4.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.0 blocks in his last four appearances as a reserve.

Sorber is still recovering from knee surgery and remains without a timetable to return. He can be considered week-to-week until the Thunder offer an update on his status.

Youngblood is in line for a second straight absence due to a bone bruise in his right foot. His next opportunity to run the floor will arrive Monday in Minnesota.

Christie will be available to return from a one-game absence Friday. However, the two-way player isn't guaranteed to see the floor.

Mitchell is in danger of missing a second straight game while nursing a left ankle sprain. He'll likely need to test the ankle out during shootaround and warmups to determine whether he can go Friday night.

Embiid managed to avoid a significant injury and missed only a few minutes of game action while in the locker room. He looked to be moving well after checking back in, though it wouldn't be a surprise if the 76ers kept a close eye on him for the rest of the night given his injury history.

Embiid looked to bump knees while setting a screen and went down hard after the play. The medical staff attended to him on the court before he eventually got up and limped to the locker room under his own power. Embiid can be considered questionable to return until further notice.

Achiuwa is dealing with left ankle soreness after exiting Tuesday's 107-100 loss to Orlando in the third quarter. He was unable to return to the contest, and his questionable designation suggests there's a chance he'll be forced to sit out against Portland. If Achiuwa is sidelined, Dylan Cardwell and Keegan Murray should earn the vacated minutes, with Murray being the likeliest candidate to join the starting unit.

The team stated in July that the big man would remain sidelined for the next 3-to-4 months after undergoing surgery to repair a fractured left foot, and he's continuing to make progress in his rehab. A timetable for Gueye's 2026-27 debut has yet to be established, though a date could come into focus following his next evaluation in mid-December.

With LeBron James (back) unavailable, Wade will return to the starting five. As a member of the first unit this season (four games), he's averaged 4.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 3.3 combined steals-plus-blocks in 30.5 minutes per showing.

Embiid managed to make it through shootaround without issue, and he's officially been cleared to suit up after initially being added to the injury report as questionable. He's averaging 16.2 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 28.6 minutes over his last five appearances.

As expected, the rookie forward is shedding a probable designation with a bruised left shin. Johnson is returning from a brief one-game absence, leaving fewer minutes on the table for Santi Aldama and Walter Clayton.

Post will miss a second straight game while in the league's concussion protocol, and his next opportunity to play will come Saturday against Brooklyn. With Zach Edey (left ankle injury management) sitting out the front end of this back-to-back set, Isaiah Stewart will likely get the starting nod, while Taylor Hendricks figures to see increased burn off the bench.

Edey will get the night off after appearing in eight straight games for the Grizzlies. Isaiah Stewart and Taylor Hendricks are next in line for minutes at center considering both Edey and Quinten Post (concussion) are listed out for Friday.

Gilbert continues to deal with lingering knee inflammation and is without a timetable to return. He can be considered week-to-week until the Hawks offer an update on his progress.

Newell will miss a fourth consecutive contest due to a left great toe hyperextension. He can be considered week-to-week until the Hawks provide an update on his progress.

McConnell continues to land on the injury report with a hamstring issue, but it's a positive sign that he's been listed as probable after being handed a questionable tag ahead of Indiana's previous three games. He's in line to play in a fourth consecutive game after logging a season high in minutes (14) Wednesday night against Washington.

Vassell is trying to avoid a third consecutive absence with the issue. Julian Champagnie would likely draw a third straight start at power forward for the Spurs on Friday if Vassell is unable to play.

Fox is in danger of missing his first game of the 2026-27 season after picking up a hip injury. He'll presumably be re-evaluated again at some point before tipoff to determine his availability for Friday. Jordan McLaughlin and Julian Champagnie could see more minutes if Fox is unable to suit up.

Flemings is in danger of missing his second contest of the year due to a lumbar spasm. The rookie first-rounder recently leapfrogged CJ McCollum for a starting spot, but the latter would likely rejoin the first unit if the former sits out Friday.

Nesmith picked up a knee injury during Wednesday's game against Washington, and he was ultimately unable to return after being diagnosed with knee soreness. He'll likely test his knee during shootaround and pregame warmups to determine if he can take the court Friday.

Smart, who was ejected from Wednesday's game for punching Charles Bassey, will begin serving his suspension Friday night against the Jazz. Smart will be eligible to return Wednesday versus Indiana. Bogdan Bogdanovic, Bruce Thornton and Reed Sheppard should be in line for more minutes while Smart serves his three-game ban.

It's not clear as to when this injury popped up for Bassey, who missed the first two games of the season with a knee issue but has been otherwise healthy. Expect the team to confirm his availability for Friday as tipoff nears.

Payton is set to return from a two-game absence due to knee inflammation. With Stephen Curry (abdomen) expected to miss close to a month, Payton is a candidate for increased playing time moving forward, especially while Brandon Williams (hamstring) remains sidelined.

Rollins exited Wednesday's loss to the Lakers early after bumping heads with an opposing player, though he's not on the injury report for Friday's contest. The 24-year-old guard has come off the bench in five of Milwaukee's last six games, averaging 10.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.0 steals in 20.5 minutes per showing during that span.

Turner received his first breather of the season Wednesday against the Lakers, but he'll be back in the mix for Friday's game. He's struggled to contribute of late, averaging 2.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.3 blocks over his last three appearances.

The star big man took a hard fall late in Wednesday's win over the Knicks, and he's missing his first contest of the season Friday with a sprained toe. With Mobley sidelined, Jaylon Tyson, Meleek Thomas and Mario Hezonja are all viable streaming options.

Da Silva is in danger of missing a third straight game with a left calf strain. Alex Morales, Goga Bitadze and Jase Richardson would continue to see more opportunities if da Silva is unable to go Friday night.

Cain was unable to go Wednesday against the Jazz due to a shoulder injury, but it appears as though he'll have a chance to return in time for Friday's clash. The team should have another update on his availability closer to tipoff.

Suggs hasn't seen the court since Oct. 25 after suffering a right knee injury, but the fact that he's been upgraded to questionable is a clear sign he's trending in the right direction. However, he'll presumably need to clear a few more hurdles in shootaround and warmups to get the green light to suit up Friday night.

Awaka will miss a second consecutive contest due to a back issue. His next chance to suit up will come Saturday at Minnesota.

Swain is in danger of missing a second straight game due to right disc irritation. However, his potential absence wouldn't cause any significant waves in the rotation.

Powell is trying to avoid a third consecutive absence due to a shoulder injury. With rookie standout Caleb Wilson (hand) going on the shelf for multiple weeks, Tre Jones and Isaac Okoro should both have a chance to step up for the Bulls.

The rookie forward went down during Wednesday's loss to the Spurs, and he now needs surgery to repair a fractured right hand. More pressure will likely fall on Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis offensively going forward, while the likes of Tre Jones and Isaac Okoro will have a chance for added streaming value for the next month or so.

Thompson sat out Thursday's practice and could miss Friday's game due to left ankle soreness. If the veteran sharpshooter is held out of the front end of this back-to-back set, Andrew Wiggins, Tim Hardaway and Ryan Conwell could see increased burn, especially if Pelle Larsson (illness) is also ruled out.

The superstar forward appears on track to suit up Friday despite dealing with a wrist sprain. Barring any setbacks, Antetokounmpo should be able to handle a normal workload and will be aiming to extend his streak of double-doubles with at least 20 points and 10 rebounds to nine games.

Larsson didn't participate in Thursday's practice and is in danger of missing Friday's contest. If the 25-year-old swingman is unable to play, Andrew Wiggins and Tim Hardaway would be candidates for expanded roles.

Ingram is ramping up his activity as he nears his season debut for the Clippers, but he's not yet cleared for game action amid his Achilles rehab. Until the star forward is ready to suit up, Kris Dunn, Rui Hachimura and Derrick Jones should all hang onto expanded roles.

McGowens is expected to miss the first leg of this back-to-back set due to a left elbow infection. With Trey Murphy (knees) and Bennedict Mathurin (thumb) also doubtful to play, Jordan Poole, AJ Johnson and Herbert Jones are in line for increased burn.

Friday marks a third consecutive absence for Watford, who has no timetable for a return with a sprained ankle. His absence solidifies DeAndre Jordan's spot in the center rotation.

Mathurin is expected to miss a second consecutive contest with a right thumb sprain. The Pelicans are also listing Trey Murphy (knees), Yves Missi (knee) and Bryce McGowens (elbow) as doubtful, so the team could be shorthanded in the front end of this back-to-back set. If Mathurin is ruled out, Jordan Poole and Herbert Jones would be candidates for increased minutes.

According to Will Guillory of The Athletic, Missi was cleared to resume on-court activities Thursday. The doubtful tag is the big man's first since going down with a left knee bone bruise in late October, signaling he's at least inching closer toward returning to game action. Karlo Matkovic is in line for at least one more start at center for the Pelicans on Friday.

Murphy is now in line to miss a third consecutive contest. Herbert Jones should continue to start for the Pelicans on Friday, but Saddiq Bey is likely to notice a larger bump in fantasy value.

With Nembhard now in the G League, Denver is likely prioritizing regular playing time for the second-year guard rather than a rotation role at the NBA level. As a two-way player, he can continue developing with Grand Rapids while remaining available for call-ups as backcourt depth.

Toppin is a highly effective per-minute fantasy producer, but the Pacers might be easing him back into action following a recent absence due to a back injury. Over his past four appearances, Toppin has averaged 9.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 19.2 minutes per game.

With Sacramento shuttling him back to Stockton after a recent recall, Karaban appears set for more developmental run outside the Kings' regular rotation. The rookie forward has seen limited NBA opportunities so far, so this move is unlikely to affect most fantasy formats.

With Whitmore on a two-way contract and not locked into Denver's rotation, this assignment sends him to the Nuggets' G League affiliate for additional playing time. His NBA opportunities should remain sporadic unless injuries or roster needs create a clearer path to minutes.

After nursing a hamstring injury since the preseason, Williams is finally ready to make his season debut Thursday. The 28-year-old is likely to face a minutes restriction, but Williams could eventually cut into Royce O'Neale's playing time.

Diabate is returning from a two-game absence Thursday due to a quadriceps injury. Ryan Kalkbrenner is likely heading to the bench, which causes a major hit to his streaming value. Over nine games, Diabate has averaged 8.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.9 blocks in 28.8 minutes per contest.

Spencer had already overtaken Scotty Pippen (back) before the latter went down with an injury, and the former continues to supply deep-league fantasy appeal at point guard. Over his past six appearances, Spencer has averaged 9.8 points, 6.0 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.7 three-pointers while shooting a scorching 50.0 percent from beyond the arc.

Although he hasn't entered the starting lineup, the veteran guard remains close to a must-roster fantasy player amid Ja Morant's (hamstring) absence. Over his past seven appearances, Holiday has averaged 14.1 points, 3.9 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 3.0 three-pointers per game while shooting a sizzling 52.5 percent from deep.

Larsson is feeling under the weather Thursday, leaving his status uncertain for Friday's tilt against the Cavaliers. If Larsson isn't feeling well enough to play, Andrew Wiggins could jump back into the starting lineup.

The veteran sharpshooter presumably picked up an ankle injury during Tuesday's 115-109 victory over the Jazz. Thompson can be tentatively considered questionable for Friday's game against Cleveland.

Eason's production has tapered off a bit lately, but he's still chipping in across the board while sharing a prominent bench role alongside Reed Sheppard for the Rockets. Over his past seven appearances, Eason has averaged 8.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks in 22.8 minutes per game.

It was a season-best outing by Carter, who tallied season highs in points, boards and swipes while matching his most dimes of the year. The veteran point guard could be pushing the struggling Jase Richardson for reserve minutes and is worth monitoring in deeper fantasy leagues.

Jackson-Davis is missing both ends of Toronto's back-to-back set with the ailment. Jamison Battle should handle a larger role in the frontcourt Thursday.

The future Hall of Famer is getting Thursday night off for maintenace purposes. Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown should do the heavy lifting offensively, while Dean Wade and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope should soak up extra minutes for the 76ers.

The star forward is missing a fourth straight game with a groin strain. Ja'Kobe Walter should continue to take on additional playmaking responsibilites in Barnes' stead, while Collin Murray-Boyles should keep starting at power forward.

Key achieved a diverse stat line, the highlight of which was his game-high tally of 36 points against the Swarm. With three starts in as many games, the experienced guard is expected to remain among the most valuable players for a side that has bounced back from an initial losing run and has scored at least 120 points in each contest. Key's average of 29.0 points per game now sits eighth across the entire G League during the early stages of the campaign.

Tyson returned to action after missing six straight games due to an ankle injury. All five Cleveland starters played over 30 minutes, with Tyson, Tyrese Proctor and Meleek Thomas handling most of the backup duties. Mario Hezonja played a season-low seven minutes with Tyson back in the mix.

Smith has been very successful over a three-game G League stretch, and his performance is only improving, with the latest production boosting his average to 23.7 points per contest and marking his first double-double in that span. Smith is one of the Rapors' two-way players but is unlikely to rack up a lot of minutes with the NBA side, which reinforces his consistent role for the 905.

The fourth-year guard tied Alperen Sengun for second on the Rockets in scoring behind Kevin Durant's 20, as all five members of the starting lineup chipped in at least 14 points. It was Thompson's best offensive showing since Oct. 28, and on the season, he's averaging 15.3 points, 6.8 boards, 3.1 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.7 blocks through 12 games while shooting 51.4 percent from the floor.

The veteran point guard contributed at both ends of the court, as he drained multiple three-pointers for the seventh straight appearance. VanVleet did get held out for the second game of a back-to-back during that period, something that will likely continue to happen all season. Regardless, over that stretch, he's averaging 16.0 points, 5.0 assists, 3.4 threes, 3.1 boards and 1.0 steals while shooting 41.4 percent from long range.

Steinbach stood out for his efficiency from the field and his impact on the boards in his first G League appearance of the season. The rookie took advantage of his assignment to the G League team to show his potential as a versatile asset. Before that, he had struggled to score at the NBA level, with his most notable moment being an 11-rebound performance off the bench against Boston.

Taylor contributed to a variety of categories, ranking second on the squad in both scoring and assists during the loss. The guard has started each of the first four games in the Tip-Off Tournament, offering steady production around his averages of 19.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.2 steals per game.

Brown continued a solid run despite his team's struggles against the Wolves, as he got heavily involved in the scoring department. Additionally, the versatile player logged more than five rebounds and multiple assists in his second straight G League appearance. Serving under a two-way contract, he's had a few chances to produce for the NBA team. However, his inactivity in the Pacers' last three contests suggests his place is now in Noblesville unless he's required to cover absences on the main squad.

Cissoko delivered efficient perimeter scoring, connecting on four three-pointers while matching Jrue Holiday for Portland's second-highest scoring total. He has played at least 29 minutes while starting in back-to-back games. He's tallied a combined 36 points, five rebounds and three assists in that span. It's too early to draw conclusions, but Cissoko's fantasy appeal should get a huge boost if he continues to start on a regular basis. Cissoko's perimeter shooting provides intriguing upside in deeper leagues, as he's gone 7-for-17 from deep in his last two starts. However, his narrow statistical profile in other areas makes him difficult to trust consistently.

Every member of the Houston starting five scored at least 14 points, but Durant's 20 led the way. The 38-year-old forward has scored at least 20 points in four straight games and nine of 12 to begin the season, averaging 20.9 points, 6.1 boards, 3.6 assists, 1.3 threes and 1.3 blocks as one of the top offensive options in a very balanced attack.

Lillard struggled from beyond the arc, making just two of 10 three-point attempts, but his perfect free-throw shooting helped him reach at least 18 points for the sixth time in his last seven appearances. Lillard's scoring and playmaking remain valuable, although his assist numbers have been trending in the wrong direction. He has dished out five or fewer assists in four of his last five outings. In that span, Lillard has averaged 20.4 points, 1.8 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game.

Curry suffered the injury early during Wednesday's loss to the Rockets, with head coach Steve Kerr saying after the game that the superstar point guard "tweaked" something in his abdominal area. Curry has never dealt with an injury of this nature, so the Warriors, who are off to a hot start spearheaded by Rookie of the Year candidate Yaxel Lendeborg, will likely proceed with caution. Brandin Podziemski, Brandon Williams (hamstring), De'Anthony Melton, Will Richard and Gary Payton (knee) are all candidates for increased roles until Curry is cleared to play again, and Charania also noted Thursday that Curry is expected to miss close to one month.

The 28-year-old guard scored in double digits for the fourth time in the last seven games (one start), a stretch in which he's averaged 10.7 points, 4.7 boards, 2.6 assists, 2.6 threes and 1.4 steals in 23.1 minutes while shooting 43.9 percent from beyond the arc. Stephen Curry (abdomen) is expected to miss at least two weeks after leaving Wednesday's game early, so Melton could shift into the starting five and take on a bigger workload.

Avdija delivered an outstanding two-way performance, combining a team-high 28 points with six assists and six combined defensive stats. The star forward was coming off another impressive outing in the first leg of this back-to-back set against the Thunder, notching 24 points (8-15 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 6-8 FT), six rebounds, eight assists and one steal in 34 minutes during Tuesday's 123-103 win. Avdija's substantial workload and versatile production continue to provide an excellent fantasy ceiling across multiple categories. He's scored at least 20 points in all but one of his last 10 games, averaging 23.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.1 steals per game in that stretch.

Only rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, who scored 25, had more points for the Warriors, but the other three members of the starting lineup combined for just 12. Podziemski has delivered at least 20 points in four of the last seven games, averaging 18.4 points, 5.3 boards, 4.0 assists, 3.4 threes and 1.3 steals over that span. The fourth-year guard could see his usage increase significantly with Stephen Curry (abdomen) slated to miss at least two weeks after an MRI revealed an abdominal tear.

In his first start of the season, and his first since the 2024-25 campaign, Caruso posted a season-high 14 points, notched two or more tallies in four of the five major categories and drained four threes. This was also the first game in which Caruso logged more than 25 minutes. He remains a valuable pickup due to his all-around efforts, but if he starts on a regular basis, his upside would undoubtedly get a boost.

Hartenstein delivered an excellent all-around performance, scoring a season-high 20 points while posting strong numbers in other categories. His six assists and two steals added valuable secondary contributions, though six turnovers hurt his efficiency. Hartenstein's ability to contribute across multiple categories makes him particularly valuable in category-based formats, but this was a much-needed bounce-back effort for the big man. He was coming off five straight games with single-digit points and seven in a row where he hadn't scored more than 10 points.

Santos did a good job Wednesday, with his 64.3 percent mark from the field serving as a considerable improvement over his previous three outings. He has moved to a bench role for the last two games. However, his playing time remains consistently above 20 minutes in every appearance, and the high-scoring tally will likely help him remain a regular presence in most clashes.

The fourth-year wing finished second on the Jazz in scoring behind Darryn Peterson's 22 points, and Sensabaugh's 19 points were a season high. The performance ended a streak of five straight games in which he'd scored in single digits, and he's struggling to earn the same kind of court time he did during a breakout 2025-26. Sensabaugh's 23 minutes Wednesday were also a season high, but still less than the 23.5 minutes he averaged over 75 contests last season.

The four rejections were a season high for Bailey, and the six combined blocks and steals tied his career high. The second-year forward is still struggling to find some consistency on offense, scoring in double digits in only four of the last seven games. Over that stretch, he's averaging 12.7 points, 5.7 boards, 1.6 assists, 1.4 threes, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks in 31.9 minutes while shooting a poor 22.7 percent from three-point range.

Gilgeous-Alexander overcame a difficult perimeter shooting performance by getting to the free-throw line consistently, converting 13 of 14 attempts en route to posting a seventh consecutive game with at least 25 points. However, his two assists were unusually modest, limiting his overall fantasy production despite the strong scoring output. Fantasy managers shouldn't worry too much, as Gilgeous-Alexander remains one of the best and most reliable fantasy options.

Zikarsky will strengthen Minnesota's center depth for upcoming contests, though he'll have to make the most of his limited time on the floor, having posted just one rebound over two minutes of play in the 2026-27 NBA campaign. He has been more active at the G League level, averaging 14.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.5 blocks in 25.9 minutes per game through a couple of starts. The 20-year-old is still expected to see more action with the G League club.

The fourth-year guard topped 20 points for a second straight game as he continues to take advantage of the absence of Jalen Suggs (knee). In seven starts since Suggs was sidelined, Black is averaging 17.7 points, 6.4 boards, 5.6 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.7 threes in 32.3 minutes.

The seven made three-pointers were a season high for Bane, while the 25 points were his best showing so far in November. Through 10 games this season, the 28-year-old wing is averaging 18.0 points, 4.0 boards, 3.9 threes, 2.4 assists and 1.4 combined steals and blocks, and his 10.0 three-point attempts a contest is nearly double last season's 5.2 mark.

Bey remains a useful player to roster in category-based formats if you're looking for a second-unit scorer. He's scored in double digits in all but one of his last eight games, averaging 16.1 points per game in that stretch.

Poole made efficient use of his limited offensive opportunities, but his 21-minute workload and minimal secondary contributions limited his fantasy production. Poole's scoring ability provides occasional upside, but his inconsistent playing time and narrow statistical profile outside of the scoring column make him difficult to trust in standard formats.

Barlow has been dealing with a back injury dating back to the preseason, so his participation in shootaround is an encouraging step and part of his reintegration plan. However, the 76ers have yet to provide a firm return date, and he'll likely need to ramp up further before he's cleared to play. Barlow should be monitored in deeper formats, but he isn't someone who needs to be rostered while he remains sidelined.

The fact that Bona needed to see a specialist suggests the injury may be more significant than initially thought, and he'll remain sidelined for at least the next several games. Even when healthy, the big man has seen his role shrink with Joel Embiid (foot) back in the rotation, with the former averaging just 0.7 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in four appearances outside his 25-minute effort against the Pistons in late October. In Bona's absence, Jabari Walker could see a few more minutes as Philadelphia's backup center.

Evans is back with the Timberwolves and could be available off the bench for the next few NBA games, coming off a pair of G League outings in which he totaled 30 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and six steals over 50 minutes of play. It remains difficult for Evans to see meaningful participation at the NBA level, and he could eventually be assigned to the Iowa affiliate again.

Embiid and LeBron James (back) are trending in the right direction after drawing questionable tags, but their availability has yet to be determined, with Embiid saying he has "no idea" if he's going to be playing Thursday. Even if the superstar big man is cleared to play against the Raptors, it's likely that he'll miss at least one game during the 76ers' upcoming Sunday-Monday back-to-back set.

James and Joel Embiid (foot) are both trending in the right direction after drawing questionable tags, but their availability has yet to be determined. Even if James is cleared to play Thursday, the lingering back issue is something to monitor. The veteran superstar played a season-low 29 minutes in Tuesday's loss to Boston, and the 76ers have a Sunday-Monday back-to-back set coming up.

Fears delivered efficient scoring and solid playmaking despite New Orleans' lopsided defeat. His five assists were encouraging, but four turnovers and a lack of defensive stats reduced his overall fantasy value. Despite the Pelicans' struggles, Fears has posted solid numbers overall as a scoring threat -- he's posted double-digit points in each of his last 10 games while averaging 16.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.7 assists per contest over that stretch.

Ament supplanted Jaime Jaquez in the starting lineup for the first time this season, but the rookie struggled to make an impact, attempting just three shots. Ament's streak of two straight double-digit scoring games came to an end, though he did chip in a block. He has been trending in the right direction, but his fantasy value remains limited, and he should be viewed as a deeper-league or dynasty option.

Ingram continued to display his all-around value, leading his team in points, rebounds and assists during Wednesday's contest. Despite being signed to a two-way contract, he's usually settled with the G League squad and rarely joins the parent team, so that might remain the case for the time being. His triple-double against the Remix was the first for any player in the G League season.

Jaquez provided a big scoring lift off the bench after being supplanted by rookie Nate Ament for the first time this season. Jaquez has carved out a substantial role in Milwaukee's rotation, regularly seeing 30-plus minutes, and his all-around production makes him a reliable fantasy option. Even if he continues to come off the bench, Jaquez should remain rostered in all formats as long as his playing time holds steady.

Wolf delivered a productive multi-category performance, securing a double-double for the second time in his last three starts while adding three combined defensive stats. His four assists were also valuable, highlighting his ability to contribute beyond traditional frontcourt categories. Wolf's rebounding and defensive activity provide an encouraging fantasy foundation, and his scoring seems to be trending in the right direction as well. This was his fourth consecutive game with 10 or more points. He'll be a valuable waiver pickup as long as he remains in the starting unit.

Burries had a quiet night offensively but contributed on the defensive end with a pair of steals. The rookie has shown flashes of his two-way potential, though his scoring has been inconsistent. With Milwaukee in rebuilding mode, Burries should continue to see meaningful minutes, but he remains a deeper-league option for now, particularly for those needing steals and rebounds from the guard position.

Kessler recorded another double-double, controlling the glass while adding a steal and a block. While his scoring was modest, he continues to provide the Lakers with a reliable interior presence alongside Luka Doncic (ankle) and Austin Reaves (heel). Kessler's rebounding and shot-blocking upside make him a solid option in standard leagues, particularly for those in need of big-man stats.

Mamukelashvili was red-hot off the bench, knocking down five triples while scoring 23 points in just 26 minutes. He finished with a team-high plus-21 among reserves and gave the Lakers a valuable floor-spacing option behind Walker Kessler. While this type of scoring isn't likely to be a nightly occurrence, Mamukelashvili could be worth a look in deeper formats for those needing threes from the frontcourt.

Buzelis knocked down three triples but committed a team-high six turnovers and failed to record a steal or block. Chicago's crowded frontcourt, with Caleb Wilson (hand) and Jalen Smith also looking for shots, continues to make Buzelis' night-to-night production difficult to project. He remains worth holding in most formats thanks to his three-point and defensive upside, but this was a performance to forget.

Jones saw extended minutes off the bench and was efficient offensively. He had a positive plus-minus, which could help keep his minutes steady. However, his lack of defensive stats and modest assist total limit his fantasy appeal, making him a deeper-league option only.

Martin made his first start of the season after a bench appearance in the opening contest, and he doubled his scoring output from that game. While it's still early in the campaign, Martin is building momentum through shooting accuracy and could be relied on as one of the team's main offensive contributors going forward.

Smith was nearly flawless on the offensive end, knocking down all five of his three-point attempts en route to a team-high 23 points. However, he failed to record a steal or block against a San Antonio frontcourt led by Victor Wembanyama, and Smith's rebounding was down. Smith continues to start ahead of Nic Claxton, making the former a viable option in most formats, particularly for those needing threes from the center position.

Castle struggled with his shooting, and his rebounding and playmaking numbers were also down. His role has shifted more toward shooting and away from playmaking this season, with De'Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper handling the ball often. While he isn't a drop candidate, Castle's fantasy value has taken a hit, and managers should temper expectations until his efficiency improves.

Johnson chipped in across the board, turning in one of his better all-around performances of the season. It has been a difficult start for the veteran forward, whose scoring average has dipped from 13.2 points per game last season to under 8.0 this year despite seeing more minutes. While this was an encouraging effort, one game isn't enough to put him back on the standard-league radar. For now, he remains a deep-league option.

Fox fell one assist short of a double-double while adding a season-high-tying three steals. Although the efficiency wasn't quite there, he has now scored at least 15 points in back-to-back games and continues to look more comfortable after a slow start to the campaign. Sharing ball-handling duties with Dylan Harper caps his assist upside somewhat, but Fox remains a reliable source of points, assists and steals in all formats.

Wembanyama continued his torrid stretch, falling one rebound short of a double-double while racking up seven combined steals-plus-blocks. He has been nothing short of spectacular over the past week, highlighted by a 52-point, 24-rebound effort against Dallas and a 40-point, nine-block showing in Phoenix on Monday.

House might remain out for at least another week as he works on his recovery, although it's unclear when he picked up the injury, which could alter his timeline. The guard has yet to see action since being released by Utah and landing in its G League affiliate for the 2026-27 campaign. Terrell Brown and Kobe Bufkin will be expected to retain starting spots until either House or Trey Alexander (ankle) is ready to play.

Porter continues to provide reliable perimeter scoring, connecting on four three-pointers while shooting 50 percent from the field, and this was the fourth time over his last five games that he's drained at least four shots from beyond the arc. Porter can provide solid rebounding and playmaking alongside the occasional defensive stat, but most of his fantasy upside comes from his scoring. On that note, he has surpassed the 20-point mark in four of his last six appearances. Porter's prominent offensive role remains encouraging, but an uptick in other categories would boost his upside considerably.

Randle struggled from deep and missed each of his five attempts from beyond the arc, but his playmaking helped compensate for the inefficient scoring. Brooklyn's commanding advantage limited his workload and offensive opportunities, but fantasy managers shouldn't worry too much. His established role as a go-to scorer and secondary playmaker should deliver stronger production as long as his minutes stay in the 30-35 range.

Diallo has been unable to make his season debut, and it's unclear how quickly he'll regain a spot in the rotation with Jonas Aidoo, who is currently carrying most of the workload at center. Prior to this absence, Diallo was acquired and waived by the Jazz following his spell with the Westchester Knicks, where he played mostly off the bench in 2025-26.

Alexander had just returned from a knee issue in the G League opener, but he couldn't stay healthy for the two games against the Remix. The two-way player would typically be expected to take on a primary role for the Stars, but his return to action now depends on the severity of the sprain and his recovery progress. Meanwhile, Kobe Bufkin could continue to see increased playing time with the G League team.

Lopez registered only his third NBA outing Nov. 6 against the Thunder but logged just four minutes of play before returning to the G League affiliate. He's currently more of a prospect for Memphis, and the assignment to the Hustle should help him gain experience and stay in competitive form during the early stages of his NBA career. During his G League debut against Osceola, he came close to a double-double with 16 points and nine rebounds.

Holmes will likely get opportunities to produce while playing for the G League team after seeing his involvement largely limited in the Nuggets' rotation. The center already made 22 appearances for Grand Rapids last season, where he posted averages of 20.8 points, 7.9 rebounds and 3.8 assists per contest.

Okorie has made a handful of appearances in the 2026-27 season but failed to record more than six minutes in any of them. As long as Cade Cunningham and Daniss Jenkins are available, the rookie is relegated to a third-choice slot at the NBA level, so it would make sense for him to see some G League action during his assignment with the Cruise.