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Stephen Curry wins 2023-24 Magic Johnson Award

Wed May 15 4:49pm ET
Field Level Media

Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry is the winner of the 2023-24 Magic Johnson Award, the Professional Basketball Writers Association announced Wednesday.

The award is voted on by more than 200 writers and editors who belong to the PBWA and honors the NBA player who excels both on the court and in displaying "cooperation and grace in dealing with the media and fans," according to the organization.

It's the second Johnson award for Curry, who also won in 2016. Damian Lillard (2017, 2020) and Shane Battier (2007, 2013) are the other two-time winners.

There were five finalists for the award: Curry, Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat), DeMar DeRozan (Chicago Bulls), Rudy Gobert (Minnesota Timberwolves) and Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers).


Curry, 36, has won about every award in his 15 seasons since the Warriors selected him No. 7 overall in the 2009 NBA Draft. Among the honors, he's a two-time league MVP, four-time NBA champion, 10-time All-Star, four-time All-NBA first-team selection and a member of the league's 75th Anniversary Team.

For the 2022-23 season, Curry won the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award and was named the Social Justice Champion, winning the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Trophy.

In the 2023-24 season, Curry averaged 26.4 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.1 assists and was named Clutch Player of the Year.

Player Notes
Joel Embiid Thu Oct 31 9:20am

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) is set to have "periodic" spells on the sidelines this season. Speaking during an appearance on SportsCenter, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Philadelphia plans to keep Embiid healthy for the playoffs by giving him "periodic time off at different points during the season." The former MVP is set to have routine check-ups on his knee, and this is going to be the "new normal" for Embiid. The 76ers superstar has yet to play this season but has completed multiple five-on-five scrimmages during a ramp-up process and could be available as soon as this weekend.

Bradley Beal Thu Oct 31 9:00am

Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (elbow) has landed back on the injury report ahead of Thursday's clash with the Clippers. After missing one game with a sore elbow, the veteran star returned to action against the Lakers on Monday. But he could be back on the shelf again on Thursday with the elbow issue, with the team tagging him as questionable for the game. Ryan Dunn was filling in for Beal in the starting unit and produced a 13-point effort on Saturday versus Dallas. Royce O'Neale and Damion Lee are also in a position to benefit if Beal is out on Thursday.

Marcus Smart Thu Oct 31 8:50am

Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (ankle) saw only six minutes of action in Wednesday's loss to Brooklyn. Smart rolled his right ankle and exited the contest without scoring any points. Memphis also lost Desmond Bane (oblique) in the contest, which opened up tons of minutes for the reserves. Scotty Pippen Jr. and Jake LaRavia have led the second unit for Memphis this season. There could also be additional minutes available for Jaylen Wells and John Konchar if Smart and Bane sit out Thursday's matchup against Milwaukee.

Zach LaVine Thu Oct 31 8:40am

Chicago Bulls guard/forward Zach LaVine injured his left shoulder in Wednesday's 102-99 victory over Orlando. Speaking after the game, LaVine told reporters that he suffered a "subluxation" in his shoulder. He added that he had X-rays done, and everything was "OK." LaVine played through the injury on Wednesday but finished with only 11 points in 36 minutes. He shot 2-for-9 from the field. On the positive side, LaVine was able to tally his first double-double of the season by grabbing 10 rebounds. The Bulls star also recorded three assists. LaVine didn't seem too concerned about his shoulder injury on Wednesday, but the games are coming thick and fast, and it remains to be seen if he's available for Friday's contest against Brooklyn. Ayo Dosunmu and Dalen Terry should see additional playing time if LaVine lands on the shelf.

Desmond Bane Thu Oct 31 8:40am

Memphis Grizzlies guard/forward Desmond Bane sustained an oblique injury in Wednesday's 119-106 loss to Brooklyn. The 26-year-old played only 17 minutes, scoring 10 points and grabbing six rebounds. Memphis is scheduled to finish off a back-to-back against Milwaukee on Thursday, and fantasy managers will need to monitor Bane's status closely. Scotty Pippen Jr., John Konchar, and Jaylen Wells could see more action without Bane. Pippen Jr. has proven himself as the best fantasy option of the three.

Daniel Theis Thu Oct 31 8:20am

New Orleans Pelicans center Daniel Theis suffered an ankle injury in Wednesday's game against Golden State. He had soaked in just five minutes of action before hurting his right ankle. The German big man finished the contest scoreless while recording three rebounds. Theis has kicked off the year as New Orleans' starting center, averaging 4.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 16.0 minutes. Yves Missi will be in line for more playing time if Theis has to miss additional time, although the rookie himself battled a hip problem on Wednesday. With two bigs limited by health issues, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl logged a season-high 23 minutes. He had nine points with five rebounds and three assists. Robinson-Earl could be a speculative add for fantasy managers if Missi joins Theis on the sidelines.

Franz Wagner Thu Oct 31 8:20am

Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner left a second consecutive game early due to an illness on Wednesday. He logged 23 minutes in a 102-99 loss to Chicago, scoring seven points while registering three rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block. The German star was limited to 11 minutes on Monday versus Indiana. Fantasy managers are currently in a tough spot regarding Wagner, but hopefully, he can fully shake off the illness before the next game. Orlando returns to the court on Friday against Cleveland.

Karl-Anthony Towns Thu Oct 31 1:30am

New York's C Karl-Anthony Towns recorded a double-double, scoring 44 points and grabbing 13 rebounds in a 116-107 win over Miami on Wednesday, Oct. 30.

Gradey Dick Thu Oct 31 1:30am

Toronto Raptors' G Gradey Dick scored 30 points on 11-of-17 shooting in a 133-138 loss to Charlotte on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Dick is owned in only 15.4% leagues.

Andrew Wiggins Wed Oct 30 9:00pm

According to Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area, Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (back) is unavailable for Wednesday's contest with the New Orleans Pelicans. Wiggins is dealing with a lower back strain that will keep him out of the lineup for the second consecutive contest. With the 29-year-old missing in action, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and Jonathan Kuminga will take on extra minutes for the second straight game.

Lauri Markkanen Wed Oct 30 7:40pm

According to Tony Jones of The Athletic, Utah Jazz power forward Lauri Markkanen is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the San Antonio Spurs. On Tuesday versus Sacramento, Markkanen left the game with back spasms. Despite the setback, he's averaged 18.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in the season's first four games. Fantasy managers, if the 27-year-old cannot suit up, forwards John Collins and Kyle Filipowski will likely see more minutes on the court than usual.

John Konchar Wed Oct 30 7:10pm

Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports that Memphis Grizzlies guardJohn Konchar (foot) will suit up against the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday. Konchar has missed two consecutive contests due to right foot soreness. The Grizzlies are in the front half of aback-to-back set, so his workload will likely be limited. Ja Morant (thigh) was also cleared to play and will join Konchar in the team's backcourt.

Ja Morant Wed Oct 30 6:50pm

Memphis Grizzlies guardJa Morant(thigh) is available to suit up against the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, per Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal. He was listed as questionable earlier today and will return from a one-game absence due to right thigh soreness. The 25-year-old has posted two double-doubles through his first three games, averaging 20.7 points, 7.3 assists and 2.3 rebounds in 25.7 minutes per contest.

Josh Hart Wed Oct 30 6:40pm

New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (shin) is officially available ahead of Wednesday's game against the Miami Heat. Hart was a game-time decision heading into this contest, but it appears he was able to get through his pregame routine without any issues. He figures to resume his spot in the starting five ahead of Wednesday's game. Hart is averaging 16 points, nine rebounds, and 2.7 assists across 33 minutes in three games this season. Fantasy managers can go ahead and get Hart in their lineups ahead of tip-off.

Josh Richardson Wed Oct 30 6:40pm

Miami Heat guard Josh Richardson (calf) has been ruled out ahead of Wednesday's game against the New York Knicks. Richardson has yet to play this season as he continues to deal with multiple injuries. The Heat are calling him day-to-day, but it remains to be seen when Richardson will get on the court again. In the meantime, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Duncan Robinson should see more minutes in the rotation. Richardson is not worth a look in fantasy formats when healthy.

Zach Edey Wed Oct 30 6:40pm

According to Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal, Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey (calf) will suit up Wednesday versus the Brooklyn Nets and will likely start despite a sore right calf. Edey's rookie season could be off to a better start, as he's averaging only 7.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 0.3 blocks in 16 minutes during his first four regular season outings. The big man's minutes should be limited, and he will not impact DFS play much tonight.

De'Andre Hunter Wed Oct 30 6:10pm

Atlanta Hawks forward De'Andre Hunter (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Wednesday's game against the Washington Wizards. This is looking more like a rest game as the team is calling it right knee injury management. Hunter missed time last season due to knee issues and it appears to have lingered over into this season. The absence of Hunter should mean more minutes for Zaccharie Risacher, but he's not a great streaming option right now.

Isaiah Jackson Wed Oct 30 5:50pm

Indiana Pacers center Isaiah Jackson will move into the starting five ahead of Wednesday's game against the Boston Celtics. The Pacers will be without Myles Turner (ankle), so Jackson getting the starting nod shouldn't be surprising. He could see significant run with backup center James Wiseman (Achilles) out for the year, so the Pacers are limited in terms of big men. Obi Toppin should get some minutes at the center spot, but Jackson is the much better streaming option between the two. Fantasy managers should consider Jackson a possible streaming choice until Jackson returns.

D'Angelo Russell Wed Oct 30 5:40pm

Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell (back) will play in Wednesday's game versus the Cavs. He was listed as questionable heading into this contest. However, fantasy managers can safely add him back to the starting lineup. Unfortunately, Russell has struggled this season, averaging 11.0 points, 5.8 assists, and 28.0% shooting from deep. Still, the 28-year-old should break out of his slump soon. With Russell back in the mix, Gabe Vincent and Max Christie will see less work.

LeBron James Wed Oct 30 5:40pm

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (illness) will play on Wednesday versus the undefeated Cavs. The multi-time All-Star is under the weather. However, it won't be enough to keep him off the floor against Cleveland. James has played well despite his two decades of services in the National Basketball Association, averaging 20.0 points, 7.5 assists, 7.0 rebounds, and 39.1% shooting from deep. Keep him starting in all fantasy formats.