

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.
Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis (rib) is listed as questionable versus the Timberwolves. He's dealing with a left ribcage contusion, missing the last two games against Golden State and Oklahoma City. If he returns, expect lighter minutes and less physical play inside as Sacramento eases him back, which could slightly cap his usual scoring and playmaking numbers. If Sabonis remains out, Drew Eubanks profiles as a short-term streamer for boards and defensive stats, while Russell Westbrook, DeMar DeRozan, and Zach LaVine should handle most of the scoring and playmaking. Newly signed forward Precious Achiuwa logged only nine minutes in his Kings debut, finishing with four points, four rebounds, and one steal, but he's worth a spot on watch lists in deeper formats if Sabonis remains out longer than expected.
Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (right ankle sprain) is out for Sunday at Philadelphia, his fourth straight missed game. This keeps Detroit leaning on Cade Cunningham's shot creation and Jalen Duren's interior usage, while Isaiah Stewart (ankle) is doubtful, further consolidating frontcourt touches. In standard leagues, continue to start Cunningham and Duren with confidence; both have produced high-volume lines during Harris' absence. Ausar Thompson gains a small usage and rebounding bump and is the best all-around streamer for points, boards, steals, and blocks. With wing minutes opening, Duncan Robinson profiles as a three-point specialist for managers chasing triples, and Caris LeVert (knee), listed probable, can supply secondary playmaking if his minutes hold. In deeper formats, Ron Holland II is a watch list add for opportunistic scoring if Detroit downsizes at the four.
Detroit Pistons big man Isaiah Stewart (ankle) is doubtful for Sunday at Philadelphia after exiting Friday's win in Brooklyn and logging only 8.9 minutes with a left ankle sprain. If he sits, expect Jalen Duren to anchor the frontline with heavier minutes and rebounding volume, while Cade Cunningham's usage should remain sky high as Detroit continues to run its offense through pick-and-rolls and paint touches. Tobias Harris (ankle) remains out, opening up frontcourt minutes for Ausar Thompson and second-year forward Ron Holland II, who could see his most extended run of the season. Holland has shown flashes of defensive versatility and upside in limited action, making him a deep-league streamer if he gets 25-plus minutes. Stewart remains a hold where rostered, but fantasy managers should prepare a short-term replacement at power forward or center until he returns.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (illness) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Indiana. He missed the last two games. If he's cleared against Indiana, fantasy managers should be starting him without hesitation and trimming expectations for Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, and Will Richard, who all saw bigger roles in his absence. If Curry sits again, Podziemski should handle more on-ball reps and rebounding from the guard spot; Moody profiles as the best plug-and-play option for threes and defensive counters after dropping 28 points with six triples in Sacramento, and Jonathan Kuminga will soak up shots despite some volatility. Draymond Green remains a facilitator either way, while Buddy Hield is a deep-league dart for perimeter scoring.
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Luguentz Dort (right upper trap strain) is listed as questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies. Dort has struggled to find rhythm offensively this season, averaging 7.1 points on 31 percent shooting, though his defense keeps him valuable in real life and deeper fantasy formats. If he sits, Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe, and Ajay Mitchell are the most likely to see extended run on the wings. Wallace provides defensive stability and some playmaking upside, Joe offers instant offense from three, while Mitchell has quietly shown promise as a secondary creator and could surprise with counting stats in expanded minutes. Fantasy managers in standard leagues can keep Dort benched until he heats up, while deep-league players should monitor Mitchell as a sneaky streaming option if Dort is ruled out.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (left adductor strain) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies, his second straight absence. Wiggins had carved out a key role in OKC's rotation, starting several games and averaging 14.8 points on 46 percent shooting and 41 percent from three before the injury. With him sidelined, Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe, and Ajay Mitchell all have a chance to step up if given extra minutes. Wallace provides efficient scoring and defensive versatility, Joe offers elite shooting that can help in threes and percentages, and Mitchell brings playmaking and hustle that fit well with OKC's pace. All three can be worth streaming in deeper formats, depending on how minutes are distributed. Wiggins should be stashed where possible, as his scoring and efficiency have been valuable when healthy.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama (left shoulder soreness) is listed as questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder after playing in all 10 games so far this season. Aldama has quietly been a steady presence for Memphis, averaging 12.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 25 minutes per game with an improving outside shot. If he's unable to play, expect Jaren Jackson Jr. to take on a larger role in the frontcourt, while Vince Williams Jr. could see added minutes in the rotation. With Jock Landale already filling the starting center spot, Aldama's absence would mostly thin out Memphis' forward depth. Fantasy managers should monitor updates, as Aldama's versatility and consistent stat lines make him a strong streaming or back-end roster option in standard formats when active.
Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (hamstring) was ruled out Saturday against the Clippers after suffering a right hamstring injury. He logged just under seven minutes before exiting, finishing with two points, one rebound, and one assist. It's a tough break for Green, who just erupted for 29 points in his previous outing and was showing signs of finding his rhythm in Phoenix's offense after missing the first eight games to begin the 2025 campaign due to the same issue. The team will likely play it safe, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect to see him on the floor when the Suns meet the Pelicans on Monday night. With Green potentially sidelined, Royce O'Neale and Collin Gillespie stepped up, combining for 25 points, nine assists, and strong all-around play. Expect Devin Booker, Grayson Allen, and Dillon Brooks to carry the scoring load while Green recovers. Fantasy managers should hold Green for now, but it's fair to explore temporary replacements if he's forced to miss multiple games. O'Neale offers multi-category appeal, while Gillespie could be a deeper-league streaming option.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (left knee patellar tendinopathy) is listed as probable for Sunday's matchup against the Houston Rockets. The Bucks continue to manage his workload, but he's expected to suit up after another dominant stretch where he's averaging 33.4 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 6.6 assists on 64% shooting. Fantasy managers can stay confident starting him, as Giannis continues to anchor Milwaukee's offense and stuff the stat sheet nightly. However, if the Bucks choose to rest him, Ryan Rollins would be the name to watch. The young guard erupted for 32 points, eight assists, and five triples the last time Giannis sat, showing real upside when given full usage. Bobby Portis and Kyle Kuzma should also see extra touches, though both have been inconsistent and profile more as low-end fantasy fillers if Giannis misses time.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Taurean Prince (neck strain) has been ruled out for Sunday's matchup against the Houston Rockets, marking his second straight game on the sidelines. The veteran has averaged 6.1 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.0 assist in 21 minutes per game, offering occasional shooting but limited fantasy relevance. With Prince out, Kyle Kuzma is expected to see a slight bump in minutes and could serve as a fringe option in deeper leagues for points if his shooting starts to click. Amir Coffey may also get additional run, though his low usage keeps him off the radar in most formats.
Nuggets' C Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double, finishing with 32 points, 14 assists and 14 rebounds in a 117-100 win over the Pacers on Saturday, Nov. 8.
Pelicans' F Trey Murphy III scored 41 points on 15-of-22 shooting in a 119-126 loss to San Antonio on Saturday, Nov. 8.
76ers' F Trendon Watford recorded a triple-double, finishing with 20 points, 10 assists and 17 rebounds in a 130-120 win over the Raptors on Saturday, Nov. 8. Watford is owned in only 2.3% leagues.
Mavericks' F Naji Marshall scored 30 points on 9-of-14 shooting in a 111-105 win over Washington on Saturday, Nov. 8. Marshall is owned in only 9.0% leagues.
Los Angeles Lakers center Maxi Kleber (oblique) has been upgraded to available for Saturday night's game against the Atlanta Hawks. Kleber will be making his season debut for LA after being out since January dealing with multiple injuries. The 33-year-old had generally been a low volume option for the Mavericks with his PPG dwindling down to 3.0 last season. Fantasy managers looking for help at center may want to wait and see how the Lakers intend to use Kleber before putting him into action. It's likely his on court impact may be more valuable than his fantasy impact going forward.
Atlanta Hawks guard Luke Kennard (illness) has been ruled out for Saturday night's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The 29-year-old is dealing with an illness that also kept him out of action on Friday against the Raptors. Kennard has been an OK presence off Atlanta's bench to start the season, though he's put up 15 and 17 in two of his last four games. In his absence expect Keaton Wallace and Vit Krejci to get extended run off the bench. Both have been spotty off the bench in Atlanta and may not be great fantasy options. DFS managers looking to take a longshot may find more interest in either of those two options.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (eye) is questionable for Saturday night's game against the Chicago Bulls. Wade is dealing with a right eye contusion that he sustained in Wednesday's game against the Sixers, forcing him to be removed after just 38 seconds of action. He missed Friday night's game because of the injury as well. If he's unable to go then expect Larry Nance Jr. to get more run, although he's listed as questionable for tonight as well. If neither can go, expect additional minutes from Sam Merrill and Jaylon Tyson off the Cavs' bench.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Larry Nance Jr. (knee) is listed as questionable for Saturday night's game against the Chicago Bulls. Nance is dealing with a left knee contusion but hasn't missed any time this season yet. The 32-year-old has been averaging around 15 minutes per game off Cleveland's bench with spotty offensive production, averaging just 4.6 PPG. Should he miss tonight's action then expect more minutes from Dean Wade, though Wade is also listed as questionable. If neither can go, Cleveland's bench options of Jaylon Tyson and Sam Merrill should get more run.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain (thumb, knee) is officially available for Saturday night's matchup against the Toronto Raptors. McCain has only been able to play in one game this season and logged 15 minutes of action while going scoreless. That shouldn't be the expectation for fantasy managers when McCain suits up going forward, but given his recent injuries he may be a risky option going forward. When healthy he was a solid option for Philly, putting up 15.3 PPG for the Sixers in 23 games last season. He'll reach that level soon, but it may be a bit much asking for that version of him to return against a Raptors defense that's been fairly stout the last few games. Fantasy managers may want to pivot elsewhere for their starting lineup until McCain is able to show he's back in the groove.
Washington Wizards guard Bilal Coulibaly (calf) has been ruled out for Saturday night's matchup against the Dallas Mavericks. Coulibaly is dealing with a left calf contusion that has now forced him out of two straight games. The 21-year-old has missed quite a bit of action this season, making him a fairly unreliable fantasy option as of now. In his absence, expect Tre Johnson to make his second straight start. Johnson is averaging 12.3 PPG in his rookie campaign and should be a decent option against a sketchy Mavericks defense.
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