NBA Player News

Kleber (hamstring) is questionable for Monday's game against the Jazz.

Kleber left Saturday's loss to the Suns due to a right hamstring injury and may miss his first game of the season Monday. If he's downgraded to out, Naji Marshall is a candidate for increased minutes, while Olivier-Maxence Prosper or Dwight Powell could enter the rotation as well.

Coach Chauncey Billups said Sunday that Williams (hamstring), who is out for Sunday's game against the Pelicans, is "getting back out on the court," though Billups specified he is not certain when Williams will return, Sean Highkin of RoseGardenReport.com reports.

Williams has yet to play during the 2024-25 campaign due to a left hamstring strain. However, Billups made it clear he is not sure when the big man will return, and the team is likely working him back to playing form slowly. Williams' next chance to suit up will come on the second day of a back-to-back set Monday versus the Kings.

Coach Jordi Fernandez said Claxton (hamstring) will see an increase in minutes during Sunday's game against the Bucks, Evan Barnes of Newsday reports.

Due to a lingering hamstring injury from training camp, Claxton has operated off the bench to start the season, playing 15 and 20 minutes, respectively, during the first two games. It's unclear when Claxton will return to the starting lineup, but he has avoided a setback and is slowly seeing his minute restriction eased. Based on the current trajectory, it's safe to assume Claxton will see closer to 25 minutes against the Bucks. While the big man has struggled to make a strong fantasy impact in his limited role, he has recorded at least one steal and one block in back-to-back games.

Bamba (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Warriors, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.

Bamba has yet to suit up this season due to left knee soreness and remains without a return timetable. His next chance to suit up will come Wednesday versus Portland.

Huff closed with 18 points (7-9 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 1-1 FT), two rebounds and one block in 19 minutes during Saturday's 124-111 victory over the Magic.

Huff has been impressive through three regular-season games, and he has averaged 13.0 points and 3.3 rebounds while shooting 63.6 percent from the field across 19.0 minutes per game. The 27-year-old is on a two-way pact and buried in a deep Memphis frontcourt, though his play thus far bodes well for his playing time outside of the G League.

Clarke finished Saturday's 124-111 victory over the Magic with five points (2-5 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 1-1 FT), five rebounds, two steals and one assist across 18 minutes.

The 28-year-old tied Marcus Smart, Desmond Bane and Scotty Pippen for the team high in steals while racking up two across 18 minutes. Clarke has played double-digit minutes off the bench every game thus far, though he shouldn't be considered an option in fantasy formats unless injury concerns arise for the Grizzlies.

Carter contributed three points (1-6 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 1-2 FT), 10 rebounds, two assists and one block over 31 minutes during Saturday's 124-111 loss to the Grizzlies.

The 25-year-old struggled from the field while going up against Memphis' frontcourt of Jaren Jackson, Zach Edey, and Jay Huff. Carter's fantasy value is mostly reliant on rebounds, steals and blocks, and the return of Jonathan Isaac (hip) could mean a slight drop in playing time. Carter has yet to post double-digit points in three regular-season games, though he already has three outings with 10-plus rebounds and two matchups with two steals.

Richards closed Saturday's 114-106 loss to the Heat with 12 points (5-8 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-3 FT), 12 rebounds, one assist, three blocks and one steal over 35 minutes.

Richards has recorded at least 12 points and 12 boards in back-to-back games and has six blocks through three outings. As long as Mark Williams (back) remains sidelined, Richards has a clear path to 30 minutes a game. Richards played 30-plus minutes 23 times last year and averaged 12.1 points, 10.0 rebounds and 1.4 blocks during those contests.

Allen had 23 points (10-10 FG, 3-4 FT), five rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal across 25 minutes during Saturday's 135-116 win over the Wizards.

Allen took full advantage of rookie Alex Sarr on Saturday, posting a season-high 23 points on perfect shooting from the field. The veteran center was productive during Cleveland's first week of the regular season, averaging 18.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.3 blocks, 1.3 assists and 1.0 steals in 27.3 minutes across three outings.

Bagley closed Saturday's 135-116 loss to the Cavaliers with nine points (2-5 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 5-5 FT), six rebounds and one block across 10 minutes.

Bagley has played exactly 10 minutes off the bench in back-to-back games to start the season. He's totaled 17 points, 12 rebounds, an assist and a block. That's solid per-minute production, but Bagley finds himself firmly behind Alex Sarr and Jonas Valanciunas on the depth chart.