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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
Miles Bridges Mon Nov 10 2:00pm

Charlotte Hornets power forward Miles Bridges (back) is probable for Monday night's matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers. Bridges leads the Hornets with 34.4 MPG. His 20.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game remain a strong complement to LaMelo Ball. With Bridges likely to play, expect opportunities inside for Ryan Kalkbrenner as Bridges, Ball, and Kon Knueppel continue to space the floor and allow one-on-one looks inside. Charlotte has attempted 39.6 threes per game (10th in the league). Look for a high-scoring matchup as both the Hornets (119.4) and Lakers (116.8) rank in the bottom ten in defensive rating this season.

Austin Reaves Mon Nov 10 1:50pm

Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Austin Reaves (groin) has been upgraded to probable ahead of the team's Monday night matchup with the Charlotte Hornets. Reaves has been an integral piece of the team's 7-3 start to the season. He leads all Lakers with 37.9 minutes per game. The 27-year-old has averaged 31.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 9.3 assists, and 1.4 steals per game as he helps steer the ship until LeBron James (back) returns. Reaves should be started in all formats, as he continues to reward fantasy owners who took a chance on him coming into the season.

Luke Kornet Mon Nov 10 1:40pm

San Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet (ankle, shoulder) is listed as questionable for Monday night's matchup with the Chicago Bulls. The veteran big man hasn't played since October 24. Kornet is averaging eight points and eight rebounds through two appearances this season. The return of their backup center would give the Spurs more flexibility while superstar Victor Wembanyama rests. Kornet primarily plays as the team's reserve center, but has shared the floor with Wembanyama for a little more than 12 minutes of his 50 minutes played this season, giving the team a true "twin towers" lineup when they choose to utilize it.

Taylor Hendricks Mon Nov 10 1:40pm

Utah Jazz forward Taylor Hendricks (hamstring) is questionable for Monday night's matchup with the Timberwolves due to hamstring soreness. Hendricks has appeared in all nine games this season, starting three. While the 22-year-old has been a consistent part of the lineup, he is playing just 16.4 minutes per game, averaging 4.4 points and 4.2 rebounds. Ace Bailey and Kyle Anderson may see extra minutes if Hendricks is limited. The Jazz' last matchup with Minnesota came on Friday when they suffered a 137-97 defeat.

Jalen Suggs Mon Nov 10 1:30pm

Orlando Magic point guard Jalen Suggs (knee) will not be available for the second leg of their back-to-back on Monday night against the Portland Trail Blazers. The team is opting to rest Suggs in an attempt to manage his ongoing left knee injury. The 24-year-old is averaging 12.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.9 steals per game this season. Expect to see increased minutes for Anthony Black and Tyus Jones in a juicy matchup. The Trail Blazers currently have the second-highest pace (105.9) this season, which should maximize possessions for this game.

Taurean Prince Mon Nov 10 1:20pm

Milwaukee Bucks forward Taurean Prince (neck) is expected to miss an extended period of time after being diagnosed with a herniated disc in his neck. Prince last appeared on Nov. 4 and was originally believed to be recovering from a neck sprain. Prince has appeared in eight games this season, averaging 6.1 points and 1.6 rebounds over 21.1 minutes per game. Prince has been locked in from deep this season, shooting 42.9% from three. Several players could benefit from increased minutes, including Kyle Kuzma, Bobby Portis, and Amir Coffey.

T.J. McConnell Mon Nov 10 10:50am

Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (hamstring) remains sidelined but continues to ramp up toward his season debut, according to coach Rick Carlisle. The veteran has been out since straining his hamstring in early October, and recent workouts indicate he's getting close to returning. His presence would be a welcome boost for an injury-hit Pacers squad still missing Bennedict Mathurin (foot), Obi Toppin (foot), Johnny Furphy (ankle), and Quenton Jackson (hamstring). McConnell's steady playmaking and defensive activity should immediately help stabilize Indiana's second unit. Last season, he averaged 9.1 points, 4.4 assists, and 1.1 steals in under 18 minutes per game while shooting 52 percent from the field. Fantasy managers in deeper 9-cat formats should consider stashing him now, as his efficiency and steals upside can quietly provide category-winning value once he's back.

Stephen Curry Mon Nov 10 10:50am

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (illness) is expected to return Tuesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to head coach Steve Kerr. Curry has missed the past three games due to a general illness, and the Warriors dropped two of those contests, underscoring just how vital he remains to their offense. Before his absence, the two-time MVP was averaging 26.8 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.6 rebounds while shooting 39 percent from deep and 95 percent from the line. His return should immediately lift the team's scoring and spacing, benefiting teammates like Jonathan Kuminga and Jimmy Butler III, who have carried the offensive load recently. Fantasy managers should confidently reinsert Curry into all lineups, as he remains a top-tier 9-cat option capable of elite efficiency and volume across multiple categories.

Day'Ron Sharpe Mon Nov 10 10:50am

Brooklyn Nets center Day'Ron Sharpe (hamstring) exited Monday's loss to the New York Knicks and was ruled out for the remainder with left hamstring tightness after 12 minutes, finishing with 10 points, six rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block. For fantasy managers, he should be considered day-to-day, though hamstring issues can easily linger. Noah Clowney, who has started the last four games alongside Nicolas Claxton, would likely see an uptick in workload if Sharpe misses time. E.J. Liddell could also pick up some minutes off the bench, but he remains a watchlist option only, having yet to show meaningful fantasy impact despite brief appearances in recent games. Sharpe had been quietly productive in limited minutes this season, averaging 6.7 points and 5.3 rebounds on 65 percent shooting, making him worth holding in deeper leagues while awaiting an official update.

Patrick Williams Mon Nov 10 10:50am

Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams (left finger sprain) is listed as probable for Monday's matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. The 24-year-old hasn't missed a game this season but continues to struggle with consistency, making him difficult to trust in most fantasy formats. Williams is averaging 8.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and under one steal per game while shooting 45 percent from the field and 46 percent from deep. Despite decent efficiency, his low usage and lack of steady production limit his fantasy impact. He's best left for managers in very deep leagues looking for occasional threes and defensive stats from the end of their bench.

Dante Exum Mon Nov 10 10:50am

Dallas Mavericks guard Dante Exum (right knee) will remain sidelined for Monday's matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks due to injury management. The veteran guard has yet to play this season, and his absence continues to thin out Dallas' backcourt depth. With Kyrie Irving still out, expect Max Christie and Brandon Williams to maintain steady minutes, with D'Angelo Russell leading the playmaking and rookie Cooper Flagg occasionally running the offense. Exum's fantasy relevance remains minimal until he returns, but he's worth monitoring in very deep leagues given his efficiency and defensive versatility. Last season, he averaged 8.7 points, 2.8 assists, and shot 43 percent from three in limited minutes. Fantasy managers in standard formats should look elsewhere for short-term production while Exum's return timeline remains unclear.

Luke Kennard Sun Nov 9 10:00pm

Atlanta Hawks guard Luke Kennard (illness) will hop back into the lineup on Monday against the Los Angeles Clippers. His name has been removed from the injury report after Kennard missed two contests due to illness. The Hawks are currently dealing with several injury issues, which could lead to Kennard playing a significant role in the game. He may even make his first start of the season if Jalen Johnson (quadriceps) and Nickeil Alexander-Walker (back) are unable to play against the Clippers.

Larry Nance Jr. Sun Nov 9 9:50pm

Cleveland Cavaliers forward/center Larry Nance Jr. (knee) is considered questionable for Monday's game against the Miami Heat. A knee problem could keep Nance Jr. out for a second consecutive game. Working as a reserve, Nance Jr. has contributed 4.6 points and 3.7 rebounds in 16.7 minutes this season. If he can't play on Monday, Dean Wade may receive more work in the Cavaliers frontcourt. Although Wade is a versatile player, his efforts typically do not translate well into fantasy basketball.

Daniel Gafford Sun Nov 9 9:40pm

Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (ankle) has been listed as questionable on the injury report for Monday's tilt against the Milwaukee Bucks. The big man hurt his right ankle in a game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday. Despite the injury, Gafford played 19 minutes in Saturday's win over the Washington Wizards. However, he might have to sit out on Monday night due to the issue. Anthony Davis (calf) is questionable, and Dereck Lively II (knee) is doubtful for Monday's game, so we could see a lot of Dwight Powell and Moussa Cisse in the Dallas frontcourt.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker Sun Nov 9 9:20pm

Atlanta Hawks guard/forward Nickeil Alexander-Walker (back) is considered questionable for Monday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Due to a back issue, Alexander-Walker was forced to drop out of the lineup for Saturday's matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers, and he may remain out on Monday night. If he can't return, Keaton Wallace will likely make a second consecutive start. He shot only 5-for-15 from the field against the Lakers, but overall, he did a decent job, amassing 14 points, two rebounds, seven assists, and one steal in 36 minutes.

Jalen Johnson Sun Nov 9 9:10pm

Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (quadriceps) may have to skip a second consecutive game on Monday versus the Los Angeles Clippers, as the team has listed him as questionable on the injury report. Johnson sustained a right quadriceps contusion earlier this week and missed his second game of the season on Saturday against the Los Angeles Lakers. With Trae Young (knee) on the shelf, Johnson has been the leading man on offense for the Hawks, averaging 20.6 points and 4.9 assists with 8.4 rebounds. Mouhamed Gueye had an impressive outing as a starter on Saturday with 21 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and two steals. He may get another chance to shine on Monday if Johnson remains out.

Kristaps Porzingis Sun Nov 9 9:10pm

Atlanta Hawks forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (rest) will re-enter the lineup on Monday against the Los Angeles Clippers. Porzingis missed Saturday's win over the Los Angeles Lakers for rest purposes. In his most recent outings, Porzingis has shot horribly, but his average numbers remain solid at 17.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.3 blocks. He's Atlanta's third-highest scorer behind Jalen Johnson (quadriceps) and Trae Young (knee). Both players are currently nursing injuries, which could result in a huge offensive role for Porzingis on Monday. Especially with the team's fourth-highest scorer Nickeil Alexander-Walker (back) also iffy for the contest.

Kawhi Leonard Sun Nov 9 9:00pm

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (ankle) will remain sidelined for Monday's contest against the Atlanta Hawks and will miss "the next few games," according to head coach Tyronn Lue. Monday's matchup will mark Leonard's fourth consecutive absence due to a right ankle sprain. According to Lue, medical tests indicate the injury is unlikely to be a long-term problem for the veteran star. Health issues have often kept Leonard back, but he's been highly productive when on the court. This season, Leonard has averaged 24.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.5 steals, shooting 50.5 percent from the field. Kris Dunn has made his first three starts of the season during Leonard's absence, but his numbers have been fairly underwhelming.

Bradley Beal Sun Nov 9 8:50pm

Los Angeles Clippers guard Bradley Beal (hip) is on the injury report as questionable for Monday's clash against the Atlanta Hawks. The veteran star exited Saturday's matchup against the Phoenix Suns due to a sore left hip, and the issue could now keep him sidelined for the entire game on Monday. Due to health issues, Beal has made only six appearances with the Clippers, averaging a disappointing 8.2 points in 20.2 minutes. Bogdan Bogdanovic may return to the rotation if Beal can't play on Monday. However, the Serbian sniper has been inconsistent this season, making him a risky fantasy play.

Jalen Green Sun Nov 9 8:40pm

Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (hamstring) has been listed as out for Monday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. This was expected after he left early on Saturday night against the Los Angeles Clippers. Green has reinjured his right hamstring, exiting the lineup after making only two appearances. Earlier this week, when Green made his season debut, Ryan Dunn landed in the second unit, and he could now regain a role among the starters. The 22-year-old sophomore has registered 10.0 points and 5.9 rebounds per game in the first unit this season. Green's absence also means that Collin Gillespie will continue to see a healthy amount of playing time in the backcourt.


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