NBA Player News

Claxton (hamstring) is questionable for Wednesday against the Knicks.

Claxton has now drawn his first questionable tag of the young season as he closes in on his debut. If he does get the green light, he may face restrictions early on. Jalen Smith (finger) and Zach Collins could lose some steam upon Claxton's return.

Smith is probable for Wednesday's game against the Knicks with a left finger sprain.

Smith is expected to play through the injury Wednesday, but his time as Chicago's starting center could be coming to an end. Nic Claxton (hamstring) is questionable to make his season debut, and his return would send Smith into a bench role.

Thompson closed with 14 points (5-7 FG, 4-5 FT), six rebounds, four assists and one block across 26 minutes during Monday's 124-91 win over the Hornets.

Thompson provided a season-high 14 points Monday. His usage hasn't been particularly high, attempting fewer than 10 field goals in every game, but he's registered at least six boards and four assists in five of his first six appearances to begin the season, and he remains a key presence defensively for Detroit.

Diabate closed with seven points (3-6 FG, 1-1 FT), nine rebounds, two assists, one block and three steals in 24 minutes during Monday's 124-91 loss to the Pistons.

With a strong start to the year, Diabate seems to have pulled way ahead of Ryan Kalkbrenner for Charlotte's starting job at center. Diabate has come down with at least eight boards in seven of his first eight games, posting at least one steal or block each time out so far.

James logged 11 points (4-6 FG, 3-4 3Pt), four rebounds and three assists across 21 minutes during Monday's 124-91 loss to Detroit.

Although James continues to work with the first unit, he's essentially serving as a nominal starter for the Hornets while they wait for Kon Knueppel's (hamstring) season debut. The 11 points were a season-high figure for the second-year forward, who had previously been unable to score more than six points in any of his first seven appearances prior to Monday.

Brooks finished Monday's 116-113 loss to the Warriors with 18 points (5-8 FG, 2-2 3Pt, 6-7 FT), eight rebounds and four assists over 34 minutes.

Brooks is off to a nice start for the new campaign, having produced at least 10 points in each of his first five appearances. The eight boards were a new season high for the veteran forward, who has also delivered at least 18 points in three consecutive games.

Turner finished Monday's 112-100 loss to the Timberwolves with 13 points (5-10 FG, 3-6 3Pt), five rebounds, two assists and five blocks over 31 minutes.

Turner delivered an impressive defensive performance, matching his season high with five blocks while connecting on three triples. The veteran center has now recorded multiple blocks in four consecutive appearances, reinforcing his value as an elite rim protector. Although his scoring and rebounding numbers have fluctuated, his combination of shot-blocking and perimeter shooting continues to provide considerable fantasy upside.

Johnson finished with 15 points (5-12 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 4-6 FT), seven rebounds and one assist over 26 minutes during Monday's 119-97 victory over the Jazz.

Johnson set a season high in scoring Monday. Over his first seven appearances, the reigning Sixth Man of the Year has averaged 9.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game and hasn't seen much of a usage increase in Tobias Harris' (calf) absence.

Lyles had 12 points (4-9 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 2-2 FT) and four rebounds over 21 minutes during Monday's 112-100 victory over the Bucks.

Lyles provided a scoring spark for Minnesota's second unit, finishing as the team's leading bench scorer while connecting on two three-pointers. However, he failed to register an assist, steal or block, limiting his overall fantasy production. His reserve role and reliance on perimeter shooting make him a relatively low-upside option outside deeper leagues.

McDaniels provided 13 points (5-14 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 1-3 FT), six rebounds and three assists across 29 minutes during Monday's 112-100 victory over the Bucks.

McDaniels struggled with his efficiency, converting just five of his 14 field-goal attempts while failing to record a steal or block. He also played fewer than 30 minutes for the first time since the season opener. Despite the relatively quiet showing, McDaniels has scored in double figures in all eight appearances this season and remains a useful contributor across multiple categories.