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LeBron James cleared to resume basketball activities

Thu Nov 6 1:56pm ET
Field Level Media

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has progressed to contact basketball activity and will be re-evaluated by team physicians in approximately one to two weeks, the team announced Thursday.

James was diagnosed with sciatica on his right side last month. Sciatica is pain in the sciatic nerve that goes down the lower back through the leg.

Despite the absence of James, the Lakers have won five in a row and are off to a 7-2 start to the season.

James, 40, has yet to begin his 23rd NBA season and his eighth with Los Angeles.


The No. 1 scorer in NBA history, James averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds per game last season. A 21-time All-Star and four-time NBA Most Valuable Player, he finished sixth in the MVP balloting and was named second-team All-NBA.

Player Notes
Bradley Beal Wed Nov 12 4:30pm

According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Los Angeles Clippers guard Bradley Beal (hip) has sustained a fracture in his left hip and will undergo season-ending surgery. The injury occurred during Saturday's 114-103 loss to the Suns. Beal was unavailable for Monday's 105-102 loss to the Hawks and further imaging confirmed the fracture. In his shortened first campaign with the Clippers, the 32-year-old struggled to make much of a fantasy impact, averaging 8.2 points and 1.7 assists in 20.0 minutes per game. With Beal now sidelined for the remainder of the season, veteran guards James Harden and Kris Dunn are expected to shoulder increased backcourt responsibilities for Los Angeles.

Bradley Beal Wed Nov 12 11:10am

Los Angeles Clippers guard Bradley Beal (hip) will remain out Wednesday against the Nuggets, marking his second straight absence. Head coach Tyronn Lue admitted there's concern Beal could miss additional time. Even when healthy, Beal has struggled to make a fantasy impact, averaging just 8.2 points, 1.7 assists, and 1.2 threes in 20 minutes per game on 37.5 percent shooting. With both Beal and Kawhi Leonard (ankle) sidelined, James Harden should continue to dominate the offense, fresh off a stellar 35-point, 11-assist outing. Kris Dunn is a sneaky short-term add for assists and steals, as his defensive activity and secondary playmaking fit well in the current rotation. Bogdan Bogdanovic and Derrick Jones Jr. should also see bumps in usage. Beal remains a big name but is over-rostered at this point, especially in standard leagues where his floor has been far too low.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker Wed Nov 12 9:40am

Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (back) is questionable for Wednesday's matchup against the Kings after missing the last two games. Before the injury, he was thriving in an expanded role without Trae Young, averaging 17.6 points, 3.2 assists, 2.6 rebounds, 1.0 steal, and 2.0 threes in just over thirty minutes per game while shooting 43.8 percent from the field and 85.0 percent from the line. If cleared, Alexander-Walker should reclaim his starting spot and continue as one of Atlanta's top scoring options. If he remains out, Keaton Wallace will likely stay at point guard, offering assists and energy when given steady minutes, while Dyson Daniels shifts to shooting guard with added playmaking responsibility. Vit Krejci and Luke Kennard can also provide three-point help in deeper formats. Alexander-Walker remains a hold across most leagues due to his scoring consistency and opportunity.

Tobias Harris Wed Nov 12 9:30am

Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (ankle) will remain sidelined Wednesday against the Bulls. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff noted that Harris is "trending in the right direction," but he still has no firm timetable after missing five straight games. Before the injury, Harris averaged 13.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in just over 32 minutes per game, providing steady mid-range scoring and reliable free-throw efficiency at 94.0 percent. His absence continues to open up opportunities for Cade Cunningham (hip) and Jalen Duren (ankle) to dominate usage, while Duncan Robinson's floor spacing keeps him relevant in deeper leagues. Caris LeVert, now off the injury report, profiles as the short-term add for points and threes, while rookie Ron Holland II offers streaming upside in rebounds and defensive stats until Detroit's frontcourt gets healthy.

Jaylon Tyson Wed Nov 12 9:30am

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Jaylon Tyson (head) has been ruled out Wednesday against the Miami Heat due to a concussion. It's an untimely setback for Cleveland, who are already missing Darius Garland (toe), Donovan Mitchell (rest), and Evan Mobley (rest). Tyson has quietly been one of the Cavaliers' bright spots, averaging 11.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 2.2 threes per game on an efficient 48.9 percent shooting from the field and 46.2 percent from deep. He's been producing steady two-way value even when Garland was briefly active, showing poise and defensive versatility. With Tyson sidelined, expect Sam Merrill and De'Andre Hunter to see more wing minutes and perimeter looks, while Lonzo Ball and Craig Porter Jr. handle additional playmaking duties. Tyson's concussion will likely cost him multiple games, making him a hold in deeper formats but a temporary drop candidate in standard leagues if roster flexibility is limited.

Bilal Coulibaly Wed Nov 12 9:30am

Washington Wizards guard Bilal Coulibaly (calf) will remain sidelined Wednesday against the Rockets due to a calf contusion, marking his fourth straight missed game since re-injuring it on Nov. 5. The third-year wing had shown encouraging all-around growth before the setback, averaging 10.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.0 steal, 1.0 block, and 1.3 threes in just under 24 minutes per game. In his absence, CJ McCollum has rediscovered his rhythm after an early-season slump, averaging 30.7 points and 6.0 assists over his last three contests while shooting 51 percent from the field and 81 percent at the line. Expect McCollum to continue leading the offense, while Kyshawn George remains a strong fantasy add thanks to his steady scoring, rebounding, and defensive activity. Corey Kispert provides reliable perimeter shooting, and Alexandre Sarr continues to offer value as a rebounding anchor. Coulibaly is a hold only for managers with deep benches.

Bam Adebayo Wed Nov 12 8:02am

Miami Heat forward/center Bam Adebayo (toe) will miss a fourth straight game on Wednesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The two-time Olympic champion recently sprained his left big toe. Adebayo was initially wearing a walking boot, but he didn't have one on when getting some practice reps in on Tuesday. This is an encouraging development and could indicate that the Heat star will be ready to return to action soon. Until then, Kel'el Ware will continue to start at center. He had a big game on Monday against the Cavaliers, finishing a 140-138 overtime victory with 14 points and a career-high 20 rebounds. On Wednesday, Ware will face an Evan Mobley-less Cleveland frontcourt, giving him a good opportunity to do more damage in the matchup.

Cooper Flagg Wed Nov 12 7:54am

Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Cooper Flagg (thumb) will be in the lineup on Wednesday night against the Phoenix Suns. The exciting rookie hurt his right thumb on a dunk attempt in Saturday's win over the Washington Wizards. Despite the injury, Flagg produced an outstanding display in Monday's matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks and is good to go again on Wednesday. Flagg led the Mavericks in points, rebounds, and assists on Monday night. He's experiencing some growing pains early in his NBA career, as Flagg's shooting has been inconsistent, but the 18-year-old is providing solid fantasy production. So far, Flagg has averaged 15.0 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.3 steals.

Anthony Davis Wed Nov 12 7:44am

Dallas Mavericks forward/center Anthony Davis (calf) is considered questionable for Wednesday's Western Conference showdown against the Phoenix Suns. Following the firing of general manager Nico Harrison, the Mavericks start a new era on Wednesday night, but Davis might miss the game due to a lingering calf issue, which has kept him sidelined for six games already. Dallas' frontcourt has battled injuries throughout the season, giving rookie Moussa Cisse a chance to make an impact. He has notched 7.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game over the last three contests.

Darius Garland Wed Nov 12 7:39am

Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland (toe) will be sidelined on Wednesday against the Miami Heat. After having surgery on his left big toe in the summer, Garland re-injured it against the Heat on Monday, playing only 19 minutes. He has played in only three games this season, averaging 13.0 points and 5.0 assists in 24.3 minutes. Lonzo Ball and Craig Porter Jr. will handle the point guard minutes in Wednesday's contest. Additionally, Garland's absence is likely to increase the offensive usage of players like Sam Merrill and De'Andre Hunter, especially with Donovan Mitchell (rest) and Evan Mobley (rest) also out on Wednesday.

Evan Mobley Wed Nov 12 7:39am

Cleveland Cavaliers forward/center Evan Mobley (rest) will not feature in Wednesday's game against the Miami Heat. Cleveland has two games in two nights and will rest Mobley alongside Donovan Mitchell. This means the Cavaliers will be without their two highest scorers. Mobley is averaging a career-high 20.1 points with 8.6 rebounds. As usual, the 24-year-old has also been a big presence defensively, notching 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks per game. The frontcourt could also be without Larry Nance Jr. (knee), who is listed as questionable on the injury report, raising the fantasy potential of Jarrett Allen, Dean Wade, and Thomas Bryant.

Donovan Mitchell Wed Nov 12 7:20am

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (rest) won't play in Wednesday's clash against the Miami Heat. The Cavaliers will keep him out of action for the first leg of a back-to-back. Mitchell leads his team with averages of 30.4 points and 5.4 assists, having shot over 50 percent from the field during a hot start to the campaign. Cleveland's backcourt also won't have the services of Darius Garland (toe), putting the spotlight on Lonzo Ball and Sam Merrill. Evan Mobley (rest) will be in street clothes as well on Wednesday night, opening up even more offensive opportunities for the rest of the Cavaliers.

Isaiah Stewart Tue Nov 11 9:00pm

Detroit Pistons forward/center Isaiah Stewart (ankle) is listed as doubtful for Wednesday's game against the Bulls. With Tobias Harris (ankle) sidelined, Stewart had been starting. However, he tweaked his ankle during the win over the Brooklyn Nets on November 7 and will now miss his third-straight contest. With Ausar Thompson (ankle) on the shelf, Ron Holland II may continue to see some action in the starting lineup. Unfortunately, Holland has averaged only 7.0 points as a starter, so he has some work to do before finding a place in any fantasy lineup.

Cade Cunningham Tue Nov 11 8:50pm

Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (hip) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's Central Division clash with the Chicago Bulls. The 24-year-old has played at an MVP level, averaging a career-high 27.5 points, 9.9 assists, and 1.4 steals with 5.4 rebounds. He also hasn't missed a game, which has been a problem at times throughout his career. There's still a chance he will suit up. However, if his condition goes in the wrong direction heading into Wednesday's contest and he gets ruled out, Caris LeVert may move into the starting lineup, giving him more credibility for fantasy managers. Daniss Jenkins, coming off a 24-point, eight-rebound, four-steal showing in Monday's overtime win over the Washington Wizards, could also be more involved on the scoring end, especially with Tobias Harris (ankle) and Ausar Thompson (ankle) sidelined.

Jalen Duren Tue Nov 11 8:50pm

Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (ankle) is listed as probable for Wednesday's Central Division showdown with the Chicago Bulls. The 21-year-old has had a monster season, averaging 19.4 points, 12.0 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, and 1.1 steals. He's also shot a career-high 80.8% from the free-throw line. It doesn't appear Duren is in any real danger of missing the contest on Wednesday. However, if he ends up getting ruled out, Paul Reed, coming off an eight-point, nine-rebound performance in Monday's overtime win over the Washington Wizards, could find himself in the starting lineup, that is unless Isaiah Stewart (ankle), who is doubtful, can suit up.

Ausar Thompson Tue Nov 11 8:50pm

Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson (ankle) won't play on Wednesday versus the Chicago Bulls. The 2023 No. 5 overall pick is having the best season of his career, averaging 13.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.8 steals. He tweaked his ankle during Sunday's win over the Philadelphia 76ers and wasn't available for Monday's overtime victory over the Washington Wizards. While Thompson doesn't have a firm return date, it doesn't appear as if the injury will keep him on the shelf too long. With that in mind, Javonte Green, coming off an 11-point, 11-rebound double-double, has streaming potential in deeper fantasy formats if he ends up getting the start.

Devin Vassell Tue Nov 11 6:00pm

San Antonio Spurs guard/forward Devin Vassell (migraine) is not on the injury report for his team's Wednesday night home game against the Warriors. Vassell had to leave Monday's game in the middle of the third quarter and did not return, but it doesn't look like he'll be impacted going forward. In his first nine games of the season, Vassell averaged 14.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 steals in 34.2 minutes per game before leaving his 10th game with that migraine. He should be ready to resume his typical role on Wednesday, but if the issue pops up again, Julian Champagnie and Keldon Johnson would be next in line for extra work.

Josh Giddey Tue Nov 11 5:50pm

Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (ankle) was listed as questionable on the team's injury report for Wednesday night's road game in Detroit. He missed his first game of the season on Monday against the Spurs, and Ayo Dosunmu, Kevin Huerter, and Tre Jones picked up extra work in his absence, with Huerter moving into the starting five. If Giddey is out for a second straight game, Huerter and Dosunmu would be potentially good value plays. Giddey is averaging 21.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, 9.3 assists, and 1.0 steals in 34.0 minutes per game this season, helping the Bulls to a 6-3 start before their loss on Monday. He'll look to return against the red-hot Pistons, who have the best record in the Eastern Conference.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Tue Nov 11 5:40pm

Milwaukee Bucks forward/center Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) was listed as questionable for Wednesday night's game against the Hornets due to left knee patellar tendinopathy. Giannis has averaged 32.9 minutes per game in his 10 games this season while missing only one contest all year. He's produced 33.6 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.3 blocks with a 35.3% usage rate, which is the second-highest of all players averaging more than 15 minutes per game. If Giannis is available, he'll be in a great matchup, but if he's out, Ryan Rollins, Kyle Kuzma, and Bobby Portis would all likely get more work and bring excellent DFS potential.

LaMelo Ball Tue Nov 11 5:30pm

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (ankle) was assigned to the Hornets' G League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm, to get some practice reps on Tuesday, but he will not be ready to return to the floor just yet. He was listed as out for Wednesday night's game against the Bucks and will miss his fifth straight game with an ankle impingement. Without Ball, Sion James has been in the starting lineup, and in his last four starts, he is averaging 9.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 29.5 minutes per game. While James will likely start, most of the offense will continue to fall on Miles Bridges, Collin Sexton, and Kon Knueppel.


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