NBA Player News

The Cavaliers assigned Strus to the G League's Cleveland Charge to take part in practice Wednesday.

For the second time in three days, Strus will take part in on-court work with the G League club as he continues to work his way back from left foot surgery, which he underwent back in August. Strus won't join the Cavaliers for the start of their two-game road trip Wednesday in Orlando and would appear unlikely to join the team for Friday's game in Dallas, but if he continues to respond well to practice, he could make his season debut soon thereafter.

Santos registered 17 points (7-19 FG, 3-9 3Pt), five rebounds, one assist and one block over 37 minutes during Tuesday's 130-124 overtime loss to the Bulls.

Santos didn't have his best shooting performance, as he needed 19 shots to score 17 points, but fantasy managers will gladly overlook the inefficiency considering how good he's been of late. Santos has scored in double digits in all but one of his last 10 contests, a stretch in which he's averaging 15.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.4 steals across 33.2 minutes per contest.

Jones accumulated 22 points (10-18 FG, 2-6 3Pt), four rebounds, five assists and one steal across 33 minutes during Tuesday's 130-124 overtime win over the Warriors.

Jones returned to a bench role after being a starter in his last four outings, but that didn't slow him down, and the veteran floor general continued to put up excellent numbers. This was his sixth consecutive outing with double-digit points, and he's averaging a solid line of 17.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 0.7 steals across 29.2 minutes per game in that stretch.

Smith accumulated 12 points (3-13 FG, 2-10 3Pt, 4-4 FT), 12 rebounds, three assists and one block over 34 minutes during Tuesday's 130-124 overtime win over the Warriors.

Josh Giddey's triple-double and Matas Buzelis' first 40-point performance of his career overshadowed what other Chicago players did, and that includes Smith's solid all-around stat line. The shooting woes are worrisome, but fantasy managers won't worry too much about that as long as he continues to produce. Smith has scored in double digits in all but two of his last 17 appearances, a stretch in which he's averaging 12.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.4 steals-plus-blocks per game.

Miller closed Tuesday's 130-124 overtime victory over the Warriors with 17 points (8-16 FG, 1-3 3Pt), 11 rebounds, one assist, one block and one steal over 38 minutes.

Miller made his second start of the season Tuesday and certainly took advantage of the opportunity, setting a new career-high mark in scoring and recording the first double-double of his career. Miller has proven he can put up solid numbers when given enough minutes. He's averaging 9.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 0.8 blocks per game when playing more than 20 minutes, something that has happened in five of his last six appearances while the Bulls continue to manage multiple injuries.

Gobert posted three points (0-1 FG, 3-6 FT), 12 rebounds and two assists across 27 minutes during Tuesday's 120-106 loss to the Lakers.

Gobert didn't convert a basket in the blowout loss and only registered points at the free-throw line. He was able to keep up with Deandre Ayton under the basket as they tied with 12 boards, but the Timberwolves were unable to get into a groove against a solid effort from the Lakers' defense.

Randle chipped in 14 points (5-11 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 3-3 FT), seven rebounds and two assists over 26 minutes during Tuesday's 120-106 loss to the Lakers.

Randle was the most consistent starter during the loss, but his total fell well below his seasonal average of 21.2 points. His seven rebounds were on target with his seasonal average, but Randle and the first unit were unable to mount a rally when it mattered most. Randle will look to redeem himself across town against the Clippers on Wednesday.

Edwards posted 14 points (2-15 FG, 1-10 3Pt, 9-10 FT), two rebounds, four assists, one block and one steal over 31 minutes during Tuesday's 120-106 loss to the Lakers.

Edwards was ice-cold in the loss, connecting on only two shots. His nine points at the charity stripe softened the blow slightly. The last time Edwards' scoring total dipped below 20 points was before the All-Star break, when he collected 14 points against Portland. He's finished with fewer than 20 points only eight times this season, and while credit is due to the Lakers' defense, Edwards' performance is certainly an outlier.

Kennard finished with 10 points (5-8 FG, 0-2 3Pt), two rebounds, two assists and one block across 26 minutes during Tuesday's 120-106 win over the Timberwolves.

Kennard's acquisition has paid dividends as he continues to log meaningful minutes with his new team. Although he'll need a major injury to be fantasy relevant, he'll provide solid support during the playoff push.

Ayton ended with 14 points (7-11 FG, 0-2 FT), 12 rebounds, two assists and one steal over 34 minutes during Tuesday's 120-106 win over the Timberwolves.

Ayton has suffered through some poor totals recently, but he returned to form against one of the most imposing frontcourt duos in the league during the convincing win. With Jaxson Hayes (back) out of commission, Ayton logged 34 minutes and played great defense under the basket, limiting the duo of Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert to just 17 points.