NBA PORTAL
Deni Avdija Doubtful Tuesday
Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (back) is considered doubtful for Tuesday's game against the Phoenix Suns. Portland's breakout star has battled a back issue recently, missing three of the last five games. On Tuesday night, Avdija could be absent for a second consecutive contest. Jerami Grant was back among the starters on Sunday against Cleveland and looks set to remain in the first unit if Avdija doesn't return. Although Grant settled for 15 points on Sunday night, he has averaged 21.5 points per game as a starter across the season, along with 4.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/deni-avdija-doubtful-tuesday/1807611Keon Ellis, Dennis Schroder Could Debut Wednesday for Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Keon Ellis is expected to meet the team in Los Angeles and could be available Wednesday against the Clippers alongside fellow newcomer Dennis Schroder. Both guards arrived from Sacramento in a multi-team deal and step into a crowded backcourt rotation. Schroder brings on-ball creation after averaging 12.8 points and 5.3 assists this season, while Ellis profiles as a defensive wing who averaged 5.6 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in limited minutes. If Darius Garland (toe) remains out, Schroder has short-term assist-streamer appeal, while Ellis is a deep-league steals option. Donovan Mitchell, Jaylon Tyson, and Sam Merrill still anchor the minutes.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/keon-ellis-dennis-schroder-could-debut-wednesday-for-cavaliers/1807026Keon Ellis Traded to Cleveland
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Cleveland Cavaliers acquired guard Keon Ellis from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for forward De'Andre Hunter, with Dennis Schroder also heading to Cleveland as part of the deal. Ellis struggled to find consistent opportunities in Sacramento, where a crowded backcourt kept him on the fringe of the rotation. Cleveland values his point-of-attack defense, but his fantasy outlook remains shaky given the Cavaliers' guard and wing depth. If Darius Garland (toe) continues to miss time, Ellis could see spot minutes, though Sam Merrill and Jaylon Tyson are already holding steady roles, limiting Ellis to deep-league consideration.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/keon-ellis-traded-to-cleveland/1806717Stephen Curry Exits Early Against Pistons with Knee Issue
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (knee) did not return Friday against Detroit after dealing with right knee soreness, wrapping up the night with 23 points, two assists, one rebound, one block, and 25 minutes before heading to the locker room in the third quarter. Curry was noticeably limited before his exit and should be viewed as questionable for Tuesday against Philadelphia. De'Anthony Melton has already been operating with an expanded role following Jimmy Butler's (knee) season-ending absence and continued to deliver with 18 points, five rebounds, and three assists. If Curry misses additional time, Melton's usage and minutes could climb further, while Pat Spencer, Brandin Podziemski, and Will Richard would see modest bumps in deeper fantasy formats.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/stephen-curry-exits-early-against-pistons-with-knee-issue/1806487Josh Giddey Won't Play Thursday
Chicago Bulls point guard Josh Giddey (hamstring) will exit the lineup on Thursday against the Miami Heat. Chicago will complete a back-to-back, and the team has decided to rest Giddey, who only recently returned from a hamstring injury. Jalen Smith (calf) made way for Giddey in the starting lineup on Wednesday against the Indiana Pacers and is likely to return to the first unit for Thursday's tilt. Meanwhile, Ayo Dosunmu and Kevin Huerter could get additional run-outs in the rotation.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/josh-giddey-wont-play-thursday/1805971Cam Thomas Resting on Thursday Night
Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas (hamstring) won't play on Thursday in Denver. The Nets will then travel to Utah to meet the Jazz on Friday night, so Thomas will presumably be back for that contest. With Noah Clowney (back) and Egor Demin (foot) also out, Michael Porter Jr. should receive even more opportunities to produce versus his former squad. The same can be said for Nicolas Claxton, Day'Ron Sharpe, and Terance Mann (back), assuming he suits up.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/cam-thomas-resting-on-thursday-night/1805530Cooper Flagg Iffy for Wednesday's Action
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Cooper Flagg (ankle) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The rookie sensation is nursing a left ankle injury and may sit out the first leg of a back-to-back. Flagg wasn't expected to play at the back end of a back-to-back set on Sunday against the Milwaukee Bucks before the game was postponed due to bad weather. Flagg's potential absence against Minnesota could mean more minutes for Brandon Williams and Ryan Nembhard, as well as increased offensive opportunities for players like Naji Marshall and P.J. Washington.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/cooper-flagg-iffy-for-wednesdays-action/1804876Lauri Markkanen Expected to Return Tuesday
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (conditioning) is expected to rejoin the lineup on Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Clippers, Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune reports. The team has officially listed Markkanen as questionable for the game. Markkanen has missed the past seven games due to illness. He will return at a good time, as Utah won't have Keyonte George (rest) in the lineup on Tuesday. His absence will put more of the ball in Markkanen's hands on the offensive end. Meanwhile, Svi Mykhailiuk will likely have to give up his spot in the first unit to the Finnish star.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/lauri-markkanen-expected-to-return-tuesday/1804461