With Luka Doncic (back) unavailable for the second leg of this back-to-back set, Grimes got the starting nod for the first time this season. The 26-year-old shooting guard led the Lakers in minutes en route to team- and season-high marks in points, assists and steals. He's now scored in double figures in three of the Lakers' five regular-season games thus far.
With Ausar Thompson shedding his probable tag to suit up Wednesday, Jenkins came off the bench for a second straight game. The 25-year-old was productive, scoring in double figures for a fourth consecutive contest while bouncing back from a 1-for-6 shooting performance from downtown in the front end of this back-to-back set. He also tallied a season-high mark in steals.
Flagg's phenomenal 2026-27 campaign continued Wednesday, with the 2025 No. 1 overall pick scoring over 20 points for the third time this season. He hasn't been consistent shooting the ball, and turnovers have also been somewhat of a concern. However, despite the struggles in those areas, Flagg is still putting up All-Star numbers, and at this rate, his name should be mentioned in MVP conversations throughout the year.
Thompson wasn't very aggressive hunting his shot in this one. However, he got his teammates involved, recording a game-high mark in assists while dishing out at least eight dimes for just the fourth time in his career. The 23-year-old swingman also led the club in rebounds.
Cunningham knocked down a season-high four triples en route to his first 30-point performance of the year. The star point guard also finished second on the club in assists and has yet to dish out fewer than seven dimes in a game this season. Through five regular-season games, he's averaging 22.6 points, 7.8 assists, 5.6 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 1.2 steals in 34.5 minutes per contest.
Schroder was productive on the offensive end Wednesday, finishing as Charlotte's second-leading scorer. The veteran floor general also led the Hornets in assists and has dished out at least five dimes in three consecutive contests. He should continue to see increased burn for as long as Coby White (calf) is out.
Head coach Charles Lee said postgame that Reid "didn't meet our standards in the first half," and he didn't step on the hardwood in the second half. Although he saw limited action, the big man still finished as the Hornets' third-leading rebounder. He scored 17-plus points in each of the first four games of the regular season, recording two double-doubles in that span.
After ending the 2025-26 campaign by averaging a career-high 17.0 points, Giddey has been quiet on the offensive end in his first five appearances of the season. While he should pick it up at some point moving forward, he might not be as productive offensively as he was in previous years, considering the Bulls have Caleb Wilson, Matas Buzelis and Norman Powell all looking for scoring opportunities. Still, Giddey is a skilled all-around player, so he should continue to make a difference in other statistical areas even if he doesn't increase his scoring contributions.
After erupting for a season-high 39 points in Monday's win over the Wizards, Miller reached the 30-point threshold for a third consecutive contest Wednesday. The star swingman also grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds en route to his first double-double of the season. Additionally, he tallied multiple steals for the third time in the last four games.
Buzelis had just 11 points in Monday's 133-99 loss to Boston. He got it together Wednesday, ending the night by tying for his second-highest points total of the season thus far. Buzelis is beginning to find his rhythm after a slow start to the 2026-27 campaign, with the 22-year-old shooting 50.0 percent from deep in his last two appearances while amassing one steal in each of his previous three games.
Wilson's solid inaugural campaign continued Wednesday, with the rookie reaching the 20-point mark for the third time in his young career. While the 20-year-old has certainly been a steady offensive contributor, he's also shined defensively and now has nine steals in his first five professional appearances.
Powell ended with his highest-scoring game of the 2026-27 campaign Wednesday. He is still a threat from deep. However, Powell has shown growth as a defender and is now averaging a career-best 2.2 steals in his first five games as a Bull.
On a night when Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges struggled, Anunoby stepped up and ended with his highest-scoring effort of the 2026-27 campaign thus far. He did hit his head on Karl-Anthony Towns' knee in the second quarter, and though he stayed in the contest, it's worth monitoring ahead of Friday's game in Philadelphia.
With Alperen Sengun (back) and Steven Adams (calf) both sidelined, Capela topped 11 minutes for the first time this season. The veteran big man was productive in the win, finishing as Houston's second-leading rebounder while pacing all players in steals. He'll likely continue seeing increased playing time for as long as Sengun is sidelined, though the star center is currently considered day-to-day.
Towns couldn't hit the 20-point mark for the fourth straight game, but it was still a solid showing overall. The 30-year-old has now finished with a double-double in each of his first five appearances of the 2026-27 campaign, though turnovers have been an issue. Towns did exit the game briefly after suffering a left wrist injury in the first quarter. While he managed to return and finish the contest, there's a chance he'll appear on the injury report ahead of Friday's game in Philadelphia.
After dropping 11 points on the Bulls in the first quarter, Brunson cooled off. However, he stepped on the gas in the fourth, scoring 14 of his 38 points to lead the Knicks to their second consecutive win after losing three games to begin the 2026-27 campaign. The 30-year-old is now averaging 25.8 points, 2.4 rebounds and 5.0 assists across 35.2 minutes per contest in his first five games of the season. Brunson hasn't shot the ball well overall, though his performance Wednesday could have been a sign that he's ready to turn things around.
Thompson delivered an extremely efficient performance from two-point range en route to a season-high 23 points. He finished as the Rockets' second-leading scorer while reaching the 20-point mark for the second time through five regular-season appearances. He's averaging 18.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.0 steals across 33.9 minutes per contest on the campaign.
VanVleet posted just five points on 2-of-7 shooting in Monday's win over Atlanta, though he bounced back Wednesday. The veteran floor general turned in an efficient performance, scoring a game- and season-high 24 points. He also led the Rockets in assists and has yet to dish out fewer than five dimes in a game this season.
Jakucionis didn't light up the scoring column, though he did dish out a game-high mark in assists. The second-year floor general has recorded at least five assists in three of the last four games and continues to play a significant role off Milwaukee's bench.
Herro didn't stuff the stat sheet in this one, though he turned in another efficient shooting performance and led Milwaukee in scoring. The star guard also connected on a game-high-tying four three-pointers and has made at least three triples in four of his five regular-season appearances. He's scored at least 23 points four times this season.
Flemings had scored just 13 total points on 33.3 percent shooting through the first four games of the season, but he caught fire Wednesday, finishing with a career high while missing just three shot attempts. He was one of the few Atlanta players to find success offensively in Wednesday's loss, so it'll be interesting to see if that translates to more minutes in Thursday's meeting with the Cavs.
Daniels was limited to just four points, four assists and one steal his last time out, and while the scoring was still low, it was a positive to see him come through with the dimes and defensive stats. He's been a top-50 option through the first five games of the season with averages of 12.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 3.4 steals and just 0.8 turnovers per contest.
After scoring a season-low eight points on 4-of-13 shooting in Monday's win over Indiana, Jaquez bounced back Wednesday, albeit in a losing effort. The 25-year-old swingman finished as Milwaukee's second-leading scorer, knocking down a season-best three triples. He's scored at least 19 points in four of his five regular-season appearances and should continue playing a sizable role for the Bucks alongside Tyler Herro.
Bane was coming off a 22-point performance against the Knicks on Sunday, but the veteran guard was not as efficient during Wednesday's win. He's connected on at least 39.0 percent of his three-point attempts in each of the two prior seasons, but he's gone 10-for-36 (27.8 percent) from beyond the arc through the first four games of the 2026-27 campaign. Still, Bane is expected to have a larger workload for as long as Paolo Banchero (ankle) is out of action.
Johnson has been struggling mightily from three-point range to start the season, going 5-for-23 from beyond the arc. However, there's no way he'll shoot this poorly all season, given that he converted 35.2 percent of his three-point attempts last year, so managers should stay patient through this slow start.
Mitchell was coming off back-to-back, 20-plus-point performances while shooting 60 percent from the floor, but his scoring came back down to earth Wednesday evening. Still, he came through with the assists and steals, and committed just two turnovers in his 34 minutes of floor time. He's gotten off to an impressive start this season, and he'll look to keep rolling Friday against the Pacers.
Antetokounmpo dominated the glass, ripping down a season-high 18 rebounds, as he helped guide the Heat to their first regular-season win. The 31-year-old superstar has been thriving on his new team, averaging 27.6 points, 11.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.6 blocks per game.
This was a nice bounce-back performance for Adebayo following Monday's eight-point, 3-for-10 shooting effort, and he finished with a sterling plus-22 differential in the 12-point victory. He also became Miami's all-time leading rebounder, surpassing Udonis Haslem, who had held the mark since Nov. 21 of 2012.
The Magic struggled on both ends of the floor Wednesday, but da Silva managed to lead his team in scoring on only 10 field-goal attempts. He's connected on at least four three-pointers in three of the first four games of the regular season and has gone 14-for-31 (45.2 percent) from beyond the arc in that span. Da Silva's production floor will continue to be elevated for as long as Paolo Banchero (ankle) is on the shelf.
Wagner led the Magic in assists and finished second on the team in points behind Tristan da Silva (20). However, Wagner was also responsible for a season-high seven turnovers, although he's expected to have the ball in his hands more for as long as Paolo Banchero (ankle) and Jalen Suggs (knee) are sidelined.
After shooting a perfect 8-for-8 from the field for 24 points in his last time out, Curry was far more aggressive hunting his shot Wednesday. Although he didn't deliver his most efficient performance from the floor, the superstar guard got to the charity stripe often and scored his most points since Dec. 14, 2025. He contributed in other areas as well, tying for the team lead in rebounds. Curry also tied for second on the Warriors in assists and tallied multiple steals for the third time across four regular-season appearances thus far.
Black was moved into the starting lineup Wednesday due to the absence of Jalen Suggs (knee). Black averaged 16.5 points, 4.2 assists and 3.7 rebounds over 32.4 minutes per game across 40 starts during the 2025-26 season, but he failed to meet those numbers in Orlando's loss to Toronto. There will be more opportunities ahead for the 2023 first-rounder, seeing as Suggs is expected to be sidelined for at least the next two weeks.
Shead's 13 points led all Raptors bench players Wednesday, and his seven dimes were tied with Immanuel Quickley for most on the team. It was Shead's first double-digit scoring effort of the season, and he'll continue to lead Toronto's second unit as the backup to Quickley.
Poeltl barely saw the floor Wednesday due to foul trouble, and he finished with less playing time than backup big men Collin Murray-Boyles (15 minutes) and Trayce Jackson-Davis (20 minutes). Poeltl is off to an incredibly slow start to the regular season, with the veteran center averaging 2.8 points and 4.5 rebounds over 19.5 minutes per game. He seems to merely be a placeholder in the starting five, as the Raptors appear to be more content with Murray-Boyles, especially in high-pressure points during the game.
Quickley didn't have a great shooting night from the floor overall, but he had success from beyond the arc. He's averaging 2.8 threes per contest while connecting on 35.5 percent of his attempts from deep through the first four games of the regular season. Quickley can be inconsistent with his shot on a night-to-night basis, but his scoring output will be more valuable than ever given the extended absence of Kawhi Leonard (knee).
Barrett helped the Raptors jump out to an early lead with 12 points in the first quarter before adding another nine in the second. His 25 points were second-most on Toronto behind Scottie Barnes' 28, and Barrett was rebound shy from logging his first double-double of the season. The veteran forward has scored at least 20 points in each of the first four games of the regular season, and his offensive output will be needed more than ever by the Raptors given the extended absence of Kawhi Leonard (knee).
Jokic ended with his second triple-double of the 2026-27 campaign Wednesday. However, he wasn't perfect, amassing seven turnovers to bring his total to 16 on the year. The multi-time MVP is now averaging 22.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, 9.0 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.8 blocks over 37.1 minutes per contest in his first four regular-season appearances, though he has shot an inefficient 21.7 percent from deep.
Barnes bounced back in a major way Wednesday after shooting 0-for-12 from the field and scoring zero points in Sunday's loss to Minnesota. The star forward turned in an extremely efficient outing against Orlando and led all players in scoring. He also stuffed the stat sheet on the defensive end, recording a game-high three steals and logging at least four combined steals-plus-blocks for a third consecutive contest. Barnes should continue to take on increased responsibilities in the extended absence of Kawhi Leonard (knee).
Siakam led his team in scoring and nearly tied Tyrese Maxey for the game high. It was a solid showing from the 2016 No. 27 overall pick, who recorded his second consecutive double-double. With Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) sidelined for at least a couple of weeks, there will be room for others to step up. However, Siakam is expected to be the team's top producer more often than not until Haliburton is back on the floor.
Luka Doncic (back) and Ziaire Williams (foot) won't play, giving LaRavia a chance to make his first start of the 2026-27 campaign. The 2022 No. 19 overall pick started 43 regular-season games in 2025-26, averaging 9.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.6 steals across 29.7 minutes per contest in those appearances.
With Luka Doncic (back) sidelined, Grimes will get the starting nod for the first time this season. Through four regular-season outings, he's averaging 7.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 24.3 minutes per tilt.
Dybantsa missed Washington's first four regular-season games due to a left ankle sprain but made his NBA regular-season debut Wednesday. The rookie first overall pick was under a minutes restriction, though he still finished as the Wizards' leading scorer in an efficient performance from two-point range. He should operate as one of the Wizards' top scoring options, though it wouldn't be surprising to see him remain on a minutes restriction in the short term.
Peterson took a shot to the head and exited to the locker room with a bloody nose in the first quarter. However, he returned to the bench shortly thereafter and started the second quarter.
Poole was on the injury report heading into the contest due to an illness. While he was able to suit up, he has since been ruled out due to an ankle injury suffered in the first half. The Pelicans play again Thursday versus the Kings, so Poole should at least be considered questionable.
The rookie guard took a shot to the head on a dunk attempt and appeared to have a bloody nose. He can be considered questionable to return until further notice.
Shamet stepped on an opposing player's foot and exited to the locker room early in the second quarter. He returned to the bench and checked back in shortly thereafter.
Niederhauser hasn't played this season and is working his way back from surgery in March. He's "making progress," though it's unknown when he will be back on the floor. The 2025 No. 30 overall pick appeared in 41 regular-season games as a rookie, averaging 4.3 points and 2.9 rebounds. Niederhauser will presumably be eased back into action once he's cleared to suit up, but until that happens, Isaiah Jackson and Brook Lopez should handle most of the work in the middle.
Strus sustained a partially torn plantar fascia in his right foot in the Clippers' preseason opener but is seemingly nearing a return to game action. Gradey Dick and Kobe Sanders will likely continue seeing increased playing time for as long as Strus and Brandon Ingram (Achilles) are sidelined.
Ingram has yet to make his season debut while recovering from a partially torn Achilles, though he's seemingly getting closer to a return to action. In the meantime, Gradey Dick and Kobe Sanders will likely continue seeing increased burn.
After a dunk in the second quarter, Shamet inadvertently stepped on Caleb Wilson's foot. He immediately grabbed his right ankle/foot and exited the contest. Shamet has since made his way to the bench, though until he's back on the floor, he should be considered questionable to return.
Jaren Jackson (knee) is set to sit out at least the next six weeks, and with Jusuf Nurkic (foot) still not close, Hayes appears to be locked in as Utah's starting center. He's gotten off to a hot start this season with averages of 10.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.0 steals and 2.3 swats per contest, so make sure Hayes isn't floating around on your waiver wire.
With Lauri Markkanen (wrist) unavailable, Green will draw his first start of the season. He's averaging 3.0 points and 2.0 rebounds in 14.0 minutes per contest across two regular-season appearances and will likely see a bump in minutes Wednesday.
Towns took a shot to the stomach and landed hard on his wrist following a collision with an opposing player. He exited the contest but has since returned with his wrist taped.
Towns was seen grabbing at his wrist following a collision with an opposing player. The star big man can be considered questionable to return until more information comes to light.
Hayes will shake off his questionable tag due to right shoulder soreness and return from a one-game absence. The big man should see significant burn Wednesday due to the absences of Jaren Jackson (knee) and Jusuf Nurkic (foot).
After being listed as questionable to suit up due to a right wrist sprain suffered in Utah's 110-105 loss to Memphis on Monday, Markkanen has been downgraded to out. With Jusuf Nurkic (toe) and Jaren Jackson (knee) both sidelined, Jaxson Hayes, Brice Sensabaugh, Kyle Filipowski and Svi Mykhailiuk are all candidates to earn more playing time.
With Alex Caruso (ankle), Cason Wallace (shoulder) and Jalen Williams (leg) all inactive, Mitchell should start and see major minutes for Oklahoma City. As a starter last season, Mitchell averaged 14.9 points, 3.8 assists, 1.3 triples and 1.3 steals per game on 49/42/88 shooting splits.
Marshall will now miss his second consecutive contest, meaning his next opportunity to suit up will come Friday against the Rockets. Without Marshall on the floor, Max Christie, Walter Clayton and Morez Johnson should each see a few extra minutes versus the Thunder.
Martin is available to make his season debut after missing time with a right thumb sprain. However, he isn't guaranteed to see meaningful burn.
The rookie forward started the last two games in Cameron Johnson's (ankle) absence, though it'll be Trevon Brazile who replaces Johnson in the first unit Wednesday. Hopkins is still likely to see meaningful burn with the Nuggets shorthanded.
Irving will shed his questionable tag due to left knee injury management and suit up for a second straight game. The veteran floor general is averaging 19.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.3 steals across 27.0 minutes per tilt through three regular-season appearances.
Brazile will replace Bryce Hopkins in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game, and he'll be joined by Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Aaron Gordon and Nikola Jokic in the first unit. Brazile scored 17 points over 28 minutes in Saturday's 134-114 overtime win over the Pelicans, so it'll be interesting to see what he can do in a starting role in this rematch.
Williams suffered the injury during Sunday's meeting with the Clippers and was taken off the court on a stretcher. It's unknown when the 25-year-old will be cleared to return, though the Thunder will presumably be overly cautious moving forward. Williams, who signed a five-year extension in July of 2025, has had a productive career, averaging 17.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.3 steals over 30.9 minutes per contest. However, after playing at least 69 regular-season games in his first three years in the league, he has appeared in just 36 in the last two seasons combined. With the Thunder having one of the deepest rosters in the NBA, the team may look for more minutes from Jared McCain, Jaylin Williams, and Kenrich Williams for the remainder of the 2026-27 campaign.
Niang will get the spot start with Gui Santos (knee) unavailable, and he'll be joined in the first unit by Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Yaxel Lendeborg and Draymond Green. Niang has been struggling with his shot this season, converting just 34.5 percent of his field goal attempts and 16.7 percent of his long-balls.
With Alperen Sengun (back) out, Jabari Smith will start at center while Eason enters the first unit for the first time this season. The 25-year-old forward has logged at least 27 minutes in three straight games, averaging 14.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks across 30.3 minutes per tilt during that span.
Ejiofor was assigned to the Hawks' G League affiliate Tuesday, though he's back with the parent club for Wednesday's contest. The rookie center isn't guaranteed to see the floor.
With Jalen Suggs (knee) on the shelf, Black will enter the starting five for the first time this season. He'll be joined in the first unit by Jase Richardson, Desmond Bane, Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter.
Johnson will miss his third consecutive game, so his next opportunity to suit up will come Friday in Phoenix. Without Johnson on the floor, Bryce Hopkins is expected to remain in the starting lineup.
Santos was a late addition to the injury report before being ruled out shortly thereafter. With the 24-year-old forward sidelined, Georges Niang and Graham Ike are candidates to see increased minutes. Santos' next opportunity to play will come Friday against the Lakers.
With Anthony Edwards (knee) set to miss the next few months, Dosunmu will be starting in Minnesota until further notice. As a starter last season, Dosunmu averaged 17.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 2.2 triples and 1.1 steals per game on 50/47/89 shooting splits.
Thompson has been battling an ankle injury, though it won't keep him off the floor (or out of the starting lineup) for Wednesday's meeting with Charlotte. The 23-year-old has appeared in three regular-season games in 2026-27, averaging 8.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.3 steals over 26.0 minutes per contest.
Santos is a late addition to the injury report with a knee issue. A spot start for Georges Niang could be in store if Santos is sidelined.
Wade started the past two games with Joel Embiid and LeBron James alternating rest days on a back-to-back set, but with those two back in action Wednesday evening, Wade will return to a reserve role. Wade averaged 32.6 minutes as a starter, but he'll likely be working with minutes in the 20s as a member of the second unit.
AJ Dybantsa is ready to make his NBA regular-season debut after missing Washington's first four games with a left ankle sprain, so Coulibaly will slide to the second unit. The 22-year-old forward is averaging 8.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 0.8 blocks across 27.3 minutes per contest.
The Achilles soreness is a new issue for Johnson, who was a late scratch ahead of tipoff. His next chance to play will come Friday against the Hornets. With the 2025 No. 6 overall pick sidelined, Bilal Coulibaly and Bub Carrington could see increased playing time.
The rookie was able to get through shootaround and his pregame routine without issue, and there's been no discussion of any minutes limitations, so make sure you've got him active. Lendeborg is averaging 21.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 2.3 triples, 1.0 steals and 0.5 blocks per game this season.
Dybantsa will appear in his first regular-season game Wednesday after missing time due to an ankle injury. However, head coach Brian Keefe indicated the rookie will be on a minutes restriction, which could considerably lower his statistical ceiling.
Awaka will hit the sidelines after tweaking his ankle during Monday's 134-99 loss to the Celtics. For now, he should be considered questionable for Friday's meeting in Boston.
Williams continues to battle left adductor soreness. His next opportunity to make his season debut arrives Friday, when the Bulls square off with the Celtics in Boston.
Black was listed as questionable after missing the morning shootaround for personal reasons. However, the 22-year-old guard will suit up for his second outing of the season versus the Raptors. Black has a good chance of starting with both Jalen Suggs (knee) and Paolo Banchero (ankle) sidelined for an extended period of time.
Nesmith will power through the hamstring issue, and with Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) unavailable, Nesmith could be a bit more involved in the offense. Through the first three games of the season, Nesmith is averaging 11.7 points and 2.0 three-pointers per contest.
Toppin was probable to play versus the 76ers due to a left hand sprain, but the minor ailment will not force him to miss any time. He's averaging 15.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 2.5 three-pointers in 23.2 minutes across four outings this season, and he could be in line for more opportunities with Indiana battling several injuries to key players.
Lendeborg went through shootaround without issue and is currently going through his pregame routine, so we should have official confirmation on his status shortly. With Lendeborg expected to play, Georges Niang loses his streaming appeal.
Nesmith was initially listed as probable. However, he's now heading in the wrong direction and appears to be in danger of missing his second game of the 2026-27 campaign. If Nesmith is ruled out, Obi Toppin and Jarace Walker are candidates for more minutes, with one of them likely to enter the starting lineup.
After being traded from Atlanta to Dallas this past offseason, Risacher is now officially under contract for the 2027-28 campaign. The 2024 No. 1 overall pick is averaging 8.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.0 steals, 2.0 blocks and 1.5 assists while shooting 30.8 percent from the field through four regular-season games (one start) with the Mavericks.
McConnell hasn't played this season due to a hamstring injury. While Carlisle didn't give a specific date on when McConnell will be cleared to suit up, it appears his return will come sooner rather than later. With Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) sidelined, McConnell could work his way into the starting lineup at some point, though it may take him at least a few games before he receives a full workload.
Sheppard required a full repair and is without a definitive timetable for a return to action. With Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) expected to miss at least two weeks, Quenton Jackson figures to see a significant uptick in playing time. Two-way player Braden Smith could also see increased action with the parent club.
Nembhard will return from a one-game absence after dealing with soreness in his neck. With Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) set to miss an extended period of time, Nembhard should step into the role as the primary ballhandler. He'll be comfortable as the lead guard after filling that spot admirably in 2025-26 with Haliburton recovering from his Achilles injury.
Given the tricky nature of hamstring injuries, the Pacers will likely take their time bringing Haliburton back to the court, so don't be surprised if his absence extends beyond this two-week window. Andrew Nembhard (neck) and Pascal Siakam should each get a usage bump as they take over more of the playmaking duties sans Haliburton, and there will be more minutes available for Quenton Jackson.
After being waived by the Grizzlies ahead of training camp, Lovering will join the Lakers and provide frontcourt depth while on a two-way contract. In a corresponding move, the club waived AK Okereke. Lovering appeared in 30 G League games with the Memphis Hustle last season, averaging 7.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.3 blocks and 0.7 steals in 26.8 minutes per tilt.
Wiggins was listed as probable leading into tonight's contest versus the Heat, but the former Thunder wing will play and handle his typical role off the Hawks' bench. In four outings with Atlanta this season, he's averaging 15.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 3.0 three-pointers in 27.1 minutes.
Lawson Lovering is taking Okereke's spot as a two-way player for the Lakers. Okereke could still wind up with the G League's Coachella Valley Lakers.
The rookie first-rounder will need more time to recover from the oblique injury that's kept him sidelined for what will be his fifth consecutive contest. Carr's next chance to suit up will come against the Warriors on Friday in the first Emirates NBA Cup matchup.
Thiero will miss his fifth consecutive outing to begin the 2026-27 campaign with swelling in his left knee. His next chance to suit up will come against the Warriors on Friday in the first Emirates NBA Cup matchup.
James stands out as one of the draft selections with the most G League experience, having recently featured for the Wisconsin Herd, Raptors 905 and the Windy City Bulls. The veteran big man averaged 5.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game over the 2025-26 season with the Herd. However, he was in and out of the starting lineup, and his future playing time remains a question following his move to Greensboro.
Williams is sitting out the second part of this back-to-back set. Sandro Mamukelashvili and Jake LaRavia seem to be the most likely options to replace Williams in the starting lineup.
Doncic is sitting out the second half of this back-to-back set. Quentin Grimes appears to be the most likely candidate to replace Doncic in the starting lineup.
Harden-Hayes will look to serve as a physical force on the wing in his first year as a G League player following a stint in Portugal, where he averaged 10.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.0 assists over 21.9 minutes per game. If he plays a significant role in Noblesville's rotation, the forward should have decent chances to contribute across a variety of categories.
Johnson has landed with the Iowa Wolves in his return to the G League after trying his luck at international competitions. His selection boosts Iowa's depth and experience at point guard for the next campaign. During his recent stint with the Walter Tigers Tubingen in Germany, Johnson tallied double-digit scoring in 14 consecutive outings.
Castle has not been shy from beyond the arc this season, as he's attempted a career-high 9.3 three-pointers through four outings so far. He's converting them at a career-best clip (37.8 percent), too, making 3.5 triples a night to go along with 18.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.3 steals in 29.2 minutes. Castle's ability to stuff the stat sheet, coupled with his improved outside shooting, is a great sign for fantasy managers going forward.
Lane gives the Legends an additional center option who has already gained a bit of experience in Germany. The 24-year-old will aim to take his rebounding potential to the G League, although it remains to be seen how often he'll get meaningful minutes on the court.
The 26 minutes were a season low for Fox, but that can primarily be attributed to the Spurs nursing a large lead for most of the contest. He's dished out at least six dimes in all four outings and has seven combined steals-plus-blocks, and that trend should continue as long as he remains healthy.
Vassell stuffed the stat sheet in just 24 minutes of action, as he finished with a team-high eight assists in the lopsided victory. He's now had at least six dimes in two consecutive games, showing improved playmaking chops for the 2-2 Spurs. With Tobias Harris (calf) still working towards his season debut, Vassell should continue operating as the starting power forward.
The rebuilding Kings are wasting no time giving the rookie first-rounder the green light to fire away on offense in the early stages of the season. Acuff has taken at least 20 field-goal attempts in all four of his appearances, so it seems Sacramento is prioritizing the guard's development right away.
Williams is coming off a short spell at KK Dubrava Zagreb in Croatia following a more consistent college year at UCF. However, he has consistently been limited to bench roles and will look to get involved to a greater extent this year in G League action if he can establish himself as a rebounder and defensive asset.
Prince made his first appearance of the regular season after missing Detroit's previous three games. The veteran forward connected on one three-pointer and recorded two steals but failed to register a rebound or assist. His limited playing time suggests he will primarily serve as depth in Detroit's rotation, leaving him without meaningful fantasy value in standard leagues.
Following a 0-for-10 start from beyond the arc through three games this season, Bridges was finally able to find his range to help the Knicks earn their first victory of 2026-27. The 12 points were also a season high, so the hope is that Bridges can carry this momentum going forward.
Garza struggled to make an impact offensively, connecting on just one of his four field-goal attempts. The reserve center played fewer minutes than both Mitchell Robinson and Neemias Queta, highlighting his limited role in Boston's frontcourt rotation. Garza remains off the fantasy radar in standard leagues.
Robinson started at center but delivered a relatively quiet performance, collecting five rebounds without recording a blocked shot. He also struggled at the charity stripe, converting just one of four attempts. Robinson continues to share frontcourt minutes with Neemias Queta and Luka Garza, limiting his fantasy upside.
Black soaked up some garbage-time minutes in Tuesday's rout. It was his first appearance of the season, so Black looks to be buried on the rebuilding Kings' depth chart.
Johnson delivered an efficient performance off the bench, connecting on three triples while playing 29 minutes. The rookie forward also contributed a steal but fouled out of the contest. His playing time and willingness to shoot from beyond the arc make him an intriguing player to monitor in deeper fantasy leagues.
Sharpe started at center but saw limited playing time, with Moritz Wagner logging 22 minutes off the bench. Although Sharpe provided three combined steals and blocks, his modest offensive involvement and reduced minutes were disappointing. The distribution of minutes between Brooklyn's centers will be worth monitoring.
Harper is settling in as a starter on the wing for the Spurs. The eventual return of Tobias Harris (calf) could complicate matters in the Spurs' first unit, but Harper should continue to enjoy an amplified role at least for the time being.
It's worth noting Robert Williams double-doubled Tuesday and closed the game in place of Clingan. The 26 minutes were still a season high for Clingan, so it appears there's plenty of room for both big men to be productive even if Williams continues to cut further into Clingan's playing time.
After two straight outings with fewer than 10 minutes of action, Drummond got a bit more run with Karl-Anthony Towns battling foul trouble. Across four games this season, Drummond is averaging 7.0 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 13.2 minutes.
Portland went with the hot hand of Jrue Holiday over Camara down the stretch, but Camara was efficient in his own right. Camara should remain entrenched as a starter for the Trail Blazers going forward.
Grant-Foster arrives in the G League as a valuable scorer after averaging 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game for Gonzaga despite coming off the bench in most of his 35 appearances. Before Gonzaga, he averaged 20.1 points per contest at Grand Canyon in 2023-24. Such potential grants him some offensive upside if he adapts quickly to his new team.
Sexton has now made three straight appearances off the bench for the Lakers after missing the start of the year with a calf injury. His fantasy upside should remain capped while the team's backcourt is nearly fully healthy.
Bickerstaff is a 6-foot-9 frontcourt player who can provide rebounding potential as he begins his G League career. He was drafted by the Laketown Squadron before being traded to the Grand Rapids Gold on Oct. 25. In 2025-26, he posted averages of 8.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per contest across several international leagues.
Evans has barely been considered at the NBA level but brings college experience from VCU, where he served as a regular starter over 36 games played last season. He'll look to make his shooting efficiency and ability on the boards useful for a Capital City side that could rely on him as a forward.
Fulks was a first-round pick for the Laketown Squadron but ultimately joined the Grand Rapids Gold, where he could find consistency in the 2026-27 G League season. Over his last NCAA campaign, he averaged 14.0 points and 6.7 assists per game, standing out as an offensive force who can frequently create for his teammates.
Crockrell has remained in the G League, a competition he already knows from his time at the Memphis Hustle in the 2025-26 campaign. Over that recent period, the guard posted a variety of stats and led his former squad with an average of 6.5 assists per game. He was dealing with a muscular issue in March, but he'll likely be ready to see action at the start of the new campaign if he has avoided significant setbacks.
Muniz should have a chance to take on a regular role in G League action, though he was the Legends' second pick following Jeremy Sochan. After averaging 9.4 points and 4.9 assists per game for Colorado State during the 2025-26 NCAA season, Muniz may be relied on as a facilitator by his new team in the upcoming campaign.
The forward underwent surgery Wednesday to address a fractured foot, and the Wizards hope Champagnie will be ready to return around the All-Star break in February. The likes of Bilal Coulibaly, Tre Johnson and Bub Carrington will all be asked to help pick up the slack for the foreseeable future.
Mohamed will get his first G League opportunity as he enters the Blue's rotation in 2026-27, offering a functional option who could feature as a center or forward. He previously averaged 5.6 points and 4.4 rebounds per contest at Tennessee State in 2020-21.
This will be Harris' fifth straight game on the shelf as the Spurs continue to wait for his official debut. Harris is progressing and is said to be close to day-to-day.
Marshall was originally questionable, so he's trending in the wrong direction. With the Mavericks expected to hold him out, the team could rely more on Zaccharie Risacher.
Biberovic is still waiting to make his NBA debut. His next chance to do so arrives Friday against the Rockets.
Brooks was drafted by the Capital City Go-Go before being traded to the Motor City Cruise on draft day. Brooks' most relevant skill comes from his ability to shoot from deep, as he shot 39.3 percent from three-point range in his last college season at Butler.
Aldama is still waiting to make his Mavericks debut. His next chance to return from knee surgery comes Friday versus Houston.
Alvarado will miss a third straight game for New York. With the veteran guard out, Tyler Kolek will likely continue to pick up some backup point guard minutes.
Cochran has the potential to become an important contributor for the Skyforce, having averaged 15.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 2.7 steals per contest over the 2025-26 NCAA season. Additionally, his 85 steals ranked third in Rhode Island's single-season program history, highlighting his defensive strength.
With Caruso already ruled out for Wednesday's game in Dallas, it sounds like the veteran forward could remain sidelined beyond a one-game absence. That would leave Oklahoma City without one of its key rotation wings for at least the near term, which could force Jared McCain into a big role for the banged-up Thunder.
Roberts is coming off a spell in international leagues and will add size and experience to the G League Celtics. While his final role in the rotation is unclear, he's capable of producing occasional points and rebounds. He played for Palma Basquet Mallorca in 2025-26, averaging 4.7 points and 3.9 boards in 13.5 minutes per game.
Bedford is heading to the Oklahoma City Blue following his time in college basketball with Virginia Tech. During the last year of that stint, Bedford posted over 15 points in eight of his 31 starts, serving as a consistent option at the guard positions.
With Portland sending him to the G League, Hansen is set for additional developmental reps away from the NBA roster. The move suggests the center won't be part of the Trail Blazers' immediate rotation while he's with the Remix.
Haliburton's official diagnosis is a left hamstring strain. Team doctors will continue to evaluate him, so fantasy managers will have to patiently wait for more clarity. In the meantime, the Pacers will need to lean more on Andrew Nembhard (neck), Quenton Jackson and Kelly Oubre.
Bell offers an interesting scoring prospect to the G League after being released from the Pelicans' roster in September. The 23-year-old was selected by the Grand Rapids Gold and then traded to the Laketown Squadron, where he's expected to stay active in the short term.
Poole is cleared to play through an illness Wednesday. He's handling the backup point guard role behind Jeremiah Fears, averaging 7.3 points, 4.0 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 18.7 minutes per game over three appearances so far.
Although he remains day-to-day, Smart will be sidelined for a third straight contest. Look for Reed Sheppard and Tari Eason to continue seeing hefty roles off the Houston bench in the meantime.
Pryor stood out as an offensive contributor despite his limited involvement during his final college year at Louisville. With South Florida in 2023-24, he averaged 13.0 points and 7.9 rebounds per game while shooting 35.2 percent from three-point range. He could find opportunities to regain some of that momentum at the G League level if given a significant role in the Osceola rotation.
With the Lakers unlikely to have much practice time over their current back-to-back set, this assignment gives Carr a chance to continue his recovery work from an oblique injury. The rookie guard was recalled Tuesday and could be brought back to the parent club at some point soon.
Carr is coming off averaging 3.7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per contest at Drake, where he made 32 appearances in 2025-26, though he started only two of them. The center will look to improve on those numbers if he can see more action throughout the G League season. After being drafted by the Motor City Cruise, he was traded to the Capital City Go-Go on Oct. 25.
The standout rookie remains officially listed as questionable for Wednesday's tilt versus Minnesota. However, he appears to be trending in the right direction.
Sochan was the biggest name in the G League Draft after being released by the Trail Blazers ahead of the 2026-27 season. With plenty of experience at the NBA level, the versatile player will aim to make a big impact for the Legends and regain the attention of the top-tier teams. This opportunity should allow Sochan to see more consistent playing time following a reduction of his role over the previous campaign in New York and San Antonio, as he recorded regular-season averages of 3.6 points, 2.4 rebounds and 0.9 assists in 10.6 minutes per game.
Joe will end up missing both legs of this back-to-back set. In his absence, the Pistons will likely lean on Ronald Holland, Kevin Huerter and Javonte Green.
Thompson returned from a one-game absence to post 11 points (5-9 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 1-3 FT), six rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block across 25 minutes in Tuesday's 111-97 loss to the Knicks. He appears to have walked away without any setbacks and is expected to play the second leg of this back-to-back set.
Bradley returns to Toronto after a brief stint with the 905, where he was assigned earlier Tuesday to participate in training camp. The rookie guard has yet to establish a role in Toronto's rotation and figures to continue splitting time between the NBA and G League throughout the season.
Ejiofor has struggled to carve out a consistent role in Atlanta's frontcourt early in his rookie campaign. The 2026 first-round pick played just one minute during Monday's loss to Houston, and the assignment should provide him with an opportunity for additional development and playing time.
Wiggins was previously considered questionable for Atlanta. However, he's trending in the right direction and appears ready to reprise his usual role.
Washington will finally unveil the No. 1 overall pick Wednesday. With this being his debut, Dybantsa may face restrictions in his first game back. Bilal Coulibaly may see reduced minutes with this news.
Williams made the most of his limited offensive opportunities, connecting on four of five field-goal attempts while adding four assists and two steals. The 25-year-old forward has started each of the Lakers' first four games, giving him a relatively stable role despite his modest scoring volume. His ability to contribute across multiple categories makes him worth monitoring in deeper fantasy formats.
Cissoko provided a modest contribution off the bench, pairing his scoring output with solid playmaking in 20 minutes. The 22-year-old wing has an opportunity to establish himself as a regular contributor in Portland's rotation, though his limited scoring opportunities and lack of defensive production Tuesday highlight his modest fantasy ceiling.
Williams delivered an efficient performance off the bench, recording a double-double while making six of his eight field-goal attempts. The veteran center also contributed three combined steals and blocks, showcasing his ability to provide fantasy value in limited minutes. However, Donovan Clingan remains Portland's starting center, making Williams' playing time worth monitoring.
Barnes played a limited role off the bench, attempting just two shots and failing to record a rebound or assist. The veteran forward saw fewer minutes than fellow reserves Julian Champagnie and Keldon Johnson, highlighting the competition for playing time in San Antonio's rotation. Barnes' modest offensive involvement and limited minutes make him difficult to trust in standard fantasy leagues.
Johnson established a season high in scoring, reaching double figures for the second time in four games. The veteran forward attempted a season-high 11 shots but failed to contribute any assists or defensive statistics. Johnson has averaged 9.8 points and 5.0 rebounds through four appearances, leaving him with limited fantasy appeal outside deeper leagues.
Karaban received his first meaningful rotation minutes of the season but failed to score on his lone field-goal attempt. The rookie forward entered the game during the first half as Sacramento searched for additional floor spacing, though he was unable to make much of an impact. Karaban remains outside the regular rotation and holds little fantasy value in standard leagues.
LaVine delivered an efficient offensive performance, shooting 70.0 percent from the field while connecting on three triples. The veteran guard was one of three Sacramento players to score at least 20 points, joining De'Andre Hunter (24) and Domantas Sabonis (20). Despite LaVine's strong shooting, the Kings fell to 0-4 to begin the season.
Hart attempted just two shots but made a significant defensive impact, recording five steals while helping New York secure its first victory of the season. The veteran guard also contributed four rebounds and four assists, demonstrating his ability to provide fantasy value without scoring heavily. Hart's defensive production was particularly encouraging after he totaled just two steals across his first three appearances.
McBride struggled to make an impact, attempting just four shots while playing a season-low 17 minutes. The reserve guard has scored in single digits in three of his first four appearances, and his limited offensive involvement makes him difficult to trust in standard fantasy leagues. McBride will need more consistent playing time to become a reliable fantasy contributor.
Smith struggled at the free-throw line and committed four fouls during his brief appearance. The 26-year-old big man was unable to establish much of a role despite Jalen Duren (hamstring) being unavailable, with Paul Reed handling the bulk of Detroit's center minutes. Smith remains off the fantasy radar in standard leagues.
Huerter shot efficiently from the field but missed both of his free-throw attempts. The veteran wing played a limited role despite Isaiah Joe (hip) being unavailable, which doesn't bode well for his fantasy outlook once Detroit's backcourt returns to full strength. Huerter remains a fringe option in deeper leagues.
Green struggled with his outside shot, missing five of his six three-point attempts. He has scored five or fewer points in three consecutive games, and his limited offensive involvement makes him difficult to trust in most fantasy formats. Green could continue receiving reserve minutes while Isaiah Joe (hip) is sidelined.
Scheierman struggled to find his shot, connecting on just one of his five field-goal attempts. The third-year wing contributed modestly in other categories but remained a secondary offensive option despite receiving 21 minutes off the bench. His limited scoring opportunities make him a difficult option to roster outside deeper fantasy leagues.
Queta made all three of his field-goal attempts but was limited by foul trouble, picking up six fouls in just 15 minutes. Mitchell Robinson started at center and logged 25 minutes, while Queta played a reserve role. The combination of limited playing time and competition in Boston's frontcourt makes Queta difficult to trust in most fantasy formats.
Clowney made his lone field-goal attempt but was otherwise quiet offensively, attempting just one shot despite playing 24 minutes. The 22-year-old forward contributed two blocks, matching his total from his previous three appearances combined. Clowney has averaged just 6.3 points and 4.0 rebounds through four games, limiting his fantasy appeal despite a relatively steady role in Brooklyn's rotation.
No surprise here, as Larsson was previously considered probable. The versatile forward holds averages of 9.0 points, 3.3 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.5 steals in 30.8 minutes per game.
Wagner delivered his best performance of the young season, establishing season highs in points, assists, steals and minutes. The veteran big man has now scored in double figures in consecutive games, shooting 11-for-17 from the field and 4-for-6 from beyond the arc during that stretch. Wagner remains a reserve behind Day'Ron Sharpe, but his recent offensive production could help him earn additional playing time in Brooklyn's frontcourt.
The rookie forward remains questionable on the latest injury report. However, he's trending in the right direction and could be cleared to make his NBA debut against the Cavaliers.
The veteran sharpshooter was previously listed as doubtful. His next chance to play comes Friday against the Pacers.
Black is listed as questionable on the injury report. However, Beede reports that Black is expected back before tipoff, so fantasy managers can keep him in their lineups for the time being.
Porzingis is reportedly contemplating his future in basketball as he continues to battle health issues that have plagued him for nearly two years. Golden State isn't expecting the veteran center to rejoin the team anytime soon, and his contract structure could make him an attractive trade piece despite the uncertainty surrounding his playing future. With no timetable for his return and retirement potentially on the table, Porzingis remains a highly speculative fantasy stash, even in leagues with injured reserve spots.
Thompson returned to the starting lineup after missing Sunday's game against Philadelphia and delivered his usual multi-category contributions. Thompson's defensive versatility gives him considerable upside, but his minutes and offensive involvement will be important factors to monitor. He has yet to score more than 11 points in any of his three appearances this season.
Robinson cooled off considerably after connecting on five three-pointers in each of his previous three appearances, but some kind of regression was widely expected. Despite the shooting woes, the volume shows Robinson has settled into a steady role in the Pistons' offensive scheme, though his limited contributions outside scoring can expose his fantasy volatility, as they did Tuesday. One bad game can happen to anyone, and Robinson should keep thriving as a floor-spacing threat for the Pistons even if his shooting numbers fluctuate.
Reed continues to take advantage of the absence of Jalen Duren (hamstring), leading Detroit in scoring while narrowly missing his second double-double. Reed has at least 19 points and nine rebounds in two of his last three games, establishing himself as a valuable temporary fantasy option. However, his workload and production could decline significantly once Duren returns to the starting lineup.
Anunoby struggled with his shot and made just 33.3 percent of his field goals, but he compensated for that with strong contributions in other categories. Anunoby's defensive production and multi-category contributions provide a useful fantasy foundation even when his perimeter shooting is inconsistent.
Shamet connected on three triples in 28 minutes off the bench, giving New York a useful perimeter scoring option en route to a season-high point total. His playing time was encouraging, and he seems to have a steady role in the backcourt, especially with Jose Alvarado (ankle) sidelined. Shamet's limited contributions outside scoring and three-pointers restrict his fantasy ceiling.
Brunson endured a difficult shooting performance from beyond the arc and missed all five of his attempts, but he made up for it by converting 13 free throws. His seven assists helped maintain his fantasy value, but all things considered, this was a down performance for the star guard. Brunson's substantial offensive responsibilities provide a reliable scoring foundation, so he's a candidate to bounce back sooner rather than later.
George delivered a well-rounded fantasy performance in a bounce-back effort after his 16-point output (5-14 FG) against the Bulls on Monday. His 36-minute workload and 16 field-goal attempts highlight his continued involvement in Boston's offense alongside Jayson Tatum. While his scoring may fluctuate, George's ability to contribute across multiple categories gives him a relatively stable fantasy floor. George has established himself as a reliable scoring weapon for Boston with at least 15 points in each of his four appearances so far.
Despite playing just 24 minutes, Walsh set season highs in points and three-pointers made while matching his best rebounding output. Walsh has started every game for Boston this season, but with averages of 6.0 points and 4.5 rebounds per contest, his fantasy appeal shouldn't be very high outside of the deepest formats.
White struggled from deep, making just one of seven three-point attempts, but his seven assists helped offset the inefficient scoring. His role as one of Boston's most important players is pretty much set in stone, but he needs to be more efficient with his outside shot to reach his fantasy ceiling. Through four games this season, White is averaging just 12.5 points per game while shooting 31.8 percent from deep, so there's definitely room for improvement.
Brown reached double figures for the first time this season, though that was more based on pure volume than efficiency. His 17 field-goal attempts highlighted an aggressive offensive approach, although he converted just 29.4 percent of his shots. Brown's 28-minute workload and contributions across multiple categories were encouraging, but his efficiency and role within Brooklyn's crowded backcourt could remain inconsistent, ultimately limiting his fantasy appeal.
Randle narrowly missed a double-double while playing a season-high 44 minutes, reinforcing his prominent role in Brooklyn's offense. However, his seven missed three-point attempts and five turnovers diminished an otherwise productive fantasy performance. Randle's high shot volume and rebounding provide a reliable foundation, and although his efficiency could fluctuate given his heavy offensive responsibilities, that won't matter much as long as he keeps producing as he has so far. He's scored at least 23 points in three of his first four appearances this season.
Traore's 24-minute workload as a starter was encouraging, although Brooklyn continues to distribute backcourt opportunities among several young players. His fantasy appeal could improve with consistent starts, but his uncertain playing time remains a concern. Traore's undoubtedly trending in the right direction after his last two appearances, and he could be in line for more playing time after Egor Demin suffered a leg injury Tuesday.
Lillard came through when it mattered, hitting the clinching three with 43 seconds left. The 36-year-old has made a habit of big nights against the Lakers during his illustrious career, though he uncharacteristically missed four free throws. Portland is off to the franchise's second 3-0 start in the last 15 years, and Lillard's late-game shotmaking has been a big reason why.
Holiday gave Portland a big lift off the bench. The veteran guard's scoring and defensive versatility have given the Blazers one of the league's deepest backcourts. His role should stay prominent with Shaedon Sharpe (knee) out.
Morant was extremely efficient in the win, hitting nine of his 13 shots and scoring on back-to-back midrange jumpers to put Portland up five in the final minutes. The guard has fit in quickly alongside Damian Lillard and Deni Avdija, giving the Blazers another closer in a balanced attack.
Avdija tied Ja Morant for the team lead in scoring and nearly posted a double-double with nine assists, including a big three down the stretch. The forward has been the engine of Portland's 3-0 start, and with Shaedon Sharpe (knee) sidelined, the Blazers are leaning heavily on Avdija's playmaking.
Mamukelashvili provided an early spark off the bench, scoring 13 points in the first half, capped by a buzzer-beating three. The big man finished as the Lakers' third-leading scorer, and his ability to stretch the floor gives Los Angeles a different look behind Walker Kessler. If Mamukelashvili keeps shooting like this, he could push for more minutes in the frontcourt rotation.
Kessler was solid in the loss, scoring on six of nine shots over 33 minutes. The center's free-throw shooting was an issue again, but his rim protection remains key to the Lakers' starting lineup.
Reaves was a strong second option behind Luka Doncic, scoring 26 points efficiently and adding seven assists across a team-high 39 minutes. The guard has carried a heavy workload early in the season, and Los Angeles needs his secondary scoring and playmaking to take pressure off Doncic.
Doncic did everything he could to keep Los Angeles unbeaten, leading the scoring with 41 points and hitting six threes. It followed his 52-point outing at Utah over the weekend, and he brought a noticeably more engaged defensive effort. The Lakers will complete the back-to-back Wednesday against the Clippers.
McLaughlin appeared for just the second time this season, with all of his minutes thus far coming during garbage time. McLaughlin has barely been in the rotation throughout his career, a trend that seems likely to continue moving forward. For fantasy leagues, he holds no value.
Kornet played a handful of extra minutes, with San Antonio turning to its bench early. Although Kornet has firmly established himself as the primary backup behind Victor Wembanyama, he has barely been a top-300 player thus far, averaging just 2.8 points and 3.0 rebounds in 14.8 minutes per game.
Champagnie was red hot during the first half of Tuesday's win, connecting on eight triples en route to a season-high 26 points. While this was a fantastic night for anyone rostering him, it could certainly have been a lot better had the game been even remotely close. He remains an elite source of three-pointers, although he doesn't offer a lot outside of that category. Given that he had made seven three-pointers in his previous three games, managers shouldn't expect a performance like this very often.
After a strong start to the season, Achiuwa came crashing back to Earth, turning in easily his worst performance thus far. To this point, his playing time has been wildly inconsistent, a theme that could certainly hold true moving forward. Through four appearances, he is averaging 11.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals in 26.8 minutes per game.
Monk has yet to play more than 13 minutes in any game this season, leaving him well outside the top 350 in standard leagues. Despite a proven ability to be a solid contributor, it appears as though Sacramento has other ideas when it comes to allowing him to play meaningful basketball. He should remain on watchlists, just in case the tide turns at any point. For now, he can be safely ignored in all formats.
Hunter finally found his footing, scoring a season-high 24 points, despite another loss. Prior to Tuesday, he had scored a total of 17 points across three games to open the campaign, an indication that this could be considered an outlier. While this was an encouraging shooting performance, fantasy managers certainly shouldn't overreact just yet.
