Thu Jun 27 11:17am ET
Field Level Media
Bronny James is ready to make a name for himself in the NBA.
The oldest son of four-time NBA MVP LeBron James, Bronny James went undrafted in the first round on Wednesday and remains hopeful he'll find a home Thursday night.
LeBron James worked out with Bronny James earlier on Wednesday before they watched the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft, consisting of 30 total picks. The Los Angeles Lakers drafted Tennessee All-American Dalton Knecht with the 17th overall pick.
The Lakers are waiting for LeBron James to decide his plans for next season. James' deadline to exercise his player option with the Lakers is Saturday. He's expected to opt out of the deal and enter free agency before signing a short-term deal for his 22nd season.
There were questions about Bronny James' readiness for the NBA after one unspectacular season at USC. He recovered and received medical clearance from cardiac episode last July to average 4.8 points per game in 2023-24. His medical matter, modest production and height -- Bronny James measured under 6-foot-2 at the draft combine -- all complicate his draft grade. But Bronny James shot very well in combine drills and posted a 40.5-inch vertical, indications there's more than genetics to his skill set.
Bronny James worked out privately for two teams before the draft -- the Phoenix Suns and Lakers.
LeBron James was mostly focused on playing the role of dad this week, and the emotion of his son on the verge of a pro basketball career hit him with full force on Wednesday.
"Not a feeling in the (expletive) world better than being around raising my boys to MEN! Pops over here getting emotional as hell just thinking about yall journey so far! Thank you both for allowing me to be your DAD and be apart of your compass through life's trials and tribulations!," James wrote via Instagram as the caption to a photo of their workout at The Summit gym in midtown Manhattan.
Bronny James said in an interview at the NBA Draft Combine in May that he wanted to be viewed as his own person, not the son of LeBron James, when he starts his pro career. The inference was a deviation from LeBron James' comments to The Athletic in 2022 that he would play his final year with whatever team for which Bronny played, coveting the chance to share the court.
"Wherever Bronny is at, that's where I'll be," he said in 2022. "I would do whatever it takes to play with my son for one year. It's not about the money at that point."
Represented by Klutch Sports and Rich Paul like his father, the agency made clear prior to the draft that Bronny James and LeBron James are not planning to be a package deal.
Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (foot) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The 25-year-old was initially questionable but will be sidelined as he manages a left plantar fascia strain sustained in the second quarter of Sunday's loss to Dallas. The big man is also dealing with ongoing right knee tendinitis, adding to his challenges. Fortunately for Orlando, Goga Bitadze (foot) has been cleared to play and should help fill the gap. Carter Jr. has been a solid fantasy contributor this season, averaging 8.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.3 steals across 26 minutes per game, and managers will be hoping for a quick return.
Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze (foot) is set to play on Monday against the Oklahoma City Thunder after missing the last five games. With Wendell Carter Jr. sidelined due to a foot injury, Bitadze's return comes at a crucial time for the Magic. Although Bitadze will be available, Moritz Wagner is likely to handle the majority of the minutes at center. The Magic, sitting at a 3-4 record, will need all available bodies as they navigate the absence of star forward Paolo Banchero. Bitadze could be a valuable addition for fantasy managers looking for frontcourt depth.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (hamstring) is officially questionable for Monday's matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers. The talented forward missed Sunday's game, and his status for Monday remains uncertain. If he sits out again, players like Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Jamal Cain could see increased minutes. Fantasy managers are hoping for consistent health from Williamson this season, as he's been a strong contributor when on the court, averaging 21.4 points and 8.0 rebounds per game.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Pat Connaughton (left adductor strain) is expected to be available for Monday's matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 31-year-old went scoreless in Saturday's loss to Cleveland, and while the strain may impact his performance, he's anticipated to push through it. Through six games this season, Connaughton has provided 3.8 points and 3.2 rebounds per game off the Bucks' bench.
Chicago Bulls guard/forward Josh Giddey (illness) popped up on the team's injury report early Monday afternoon with a non-COVID illness. At the moment, he's listed as probable, so they're expecting him to still suit up. His status should be monitored though in case he doesn't feel well when it gets closer to tip-off. If Giddey has to watch from the sidelines, Coby White will likely get some more on-ball duties while Ayo Dosunmu could move into the starting five.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (ankle) will miss another game as he rehabs from ankle surgery in the off-season. This doesn't come as surprising news as there haven't been many updates on his injury status in practice lately. While he remains out, Gary Trent Jr. and Taurean Prince continue to see big minutes with the starting five. The Bucks fell to 1-5 to start the year though, so they'll be looking forward to inserting Middleton into the lineup when he's ready.
Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (pelvis) still doesn't seem ready to take the court after suffering a pelvic injury in the season opener. On Monday, and before their last game, Quickley is considered doubtful to re-join the team. Fantasy managers can continue to go with their plan B. Gradey Dick, Ochai Agbaji, and Davion Mitchell have all been solid streaming options, but the former two have been better in shallower leagues.
Sacramento Kings guard Kevin Huerter (illness) left the team's shootaround session early on Monday and is still considered questionable for the game against the Miami Heat. He was forced to watch from the sidelines during their last game against the Raptors, and it seems that he's not fully recovered from his illness just yet. If he has to remain sidelined for another game, Malik Monk, Keon Ellis, and Doug McDermott will all see added opportunities.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Austin Reaves (ankle) is expected to play on Monday against the Detroit Pistons despite being listed with a sprained ankle. The 26-year-old hasn't missed a game yet this year and has provided a high-quality scoring punch from the wing. He's a starter in any fantasy format as he's averaging 17.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2.2 threes per game to start the year. Since he's expected to suit up, he should remain a fantasy starter.
Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell (foot) has received a probable tag on Monday and should be able to suit up against the Detroit Pistons. The veteran combo guard was listed with a right foot contusion which seems like it's not too severe to keep him off the floor. He'll continue in his starting spot along with the usual starting five as Austin Reaves (ankle) and Anthony Davis (hip) are also considered probable. Russell has been a solid option for points, assists, and threes in category leagues.
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (back) is still dealing with lower back spasms and has received a questionable tag ahead of Monday's tip-off with the Chicago Bulls. The star wing has missed the team's last two contests, so getting him back into the lineup would do wonders for their chances to grab a win. Markkanen has dealt with a lot of injury issues over the last few seasons and the Jazz haven't rushed him back, so he could miss another game to err on the cautious side. If he doesn't suit up, John Collins and Kyle Filipowski will see added minutes.
Golden State Warriors guard De'Anthony Melton (back) will have to miss his fourth game in a row while dealing with a strained lower back. The two-way guard experienced a lot of back issues last season with the 76ers, and it caused him to miss more games than he played. Hopefully, the strain isn't too severe and he can return to the court soon. In the meantime, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, and Buddy Hield have seen added opportunities. If Stephen Curry (ankle) returns, however, they wouldn't be the strongest streaming candidates.
Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (groin) has been ruled out for a third consecutive game as he continues to deal with a right groin strain. There hasn't been a firm timetable for his return and the Wizards likely won't rush him back as they give some of their younger prospects extended time on the court. Alexandre Sarr has spent some extra time with the starting five along with Bilal Coulibaly and Marvin Bagley III has seen a few opportunities off of the bench. The former two have served as better streaming options.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Caris LeVert (knee) is suffering from some knee soreness which has made him questionable to go up against the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday. The 30-year-old missed the team's last matchup with the Bucks for the same reason, so it's unclear if he'll be able to give it a go or not at the moment. If he's unable to suit up again, Isaac Okoro should see extended minutes off of the bench along with Sam Merrill.
Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (back) is expected to play on Monday against the Washington Wizards. The veteran wing has received a probable status while dealing with a lower back strain that kept him out of two games. He was, however, able to play 31 minutes in their last contest against the Houston Rockets. If Stephen Curry (ankle) doesn't suit up, Wiggins will likely take on a bigger offensive workload again.
Denver Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray (concussion) is listed as out for Monday night's matchup against the Toronto Raptors. Murray sustained a concussion in Friday night's playoff rematch against the Minnesota Timberwolves and missed Saturday night's game against the Utah Jazz. With Murray going through concussion protocol, it wouldn't be surprising to see him miss more time to allow a proper amount of time to heal. In his absence, expect the Nuggets to start veteran Russell Westbrook in his place. Westbrook has gotten off to a rocky start with Denver, scoring more than six points just twice this season. Westbrook could be a decent fantasy option for those looking for help with assists, but in most formats he will not be a reliable option until proven otherwise.
Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (ankle) is listed as questionable for Monday night's matchup against the Charlotte Hornets. Gobert is dealing with a left-ankle sprain. The 32-year-old has yet to miss any action this season, averaging 10.8 points and 10.3 rebounds to start 2024. With a matchup against the Hornets on deck, it wouldn't be surprising if the Timberwolves gave Gobert a little extra time to heal his ankle if it's serious. Otherwise, fantasy managers should expect Gobert to get the start on Monday. If he is ruled out, though, expect Naz Reid to get the start at center. Reid is averaging 13.7 points and 6.2 rebounds off the bench and should be targeted in all fantasy formats, regardless of whether he's coming off the bench or not.
Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (elbow) is listed as questionable for Monday night's matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers. Beal is dealing with a right elbow sprain that's kept him out of one game this season, though he was able to play in Phoenix's most recent game on Saturday. Given that he started in Saturday night's game it should be considered likely for Beal to play on Monday night even with the questionable tag. However, if the 31-year-old isn't able to play, expect Ryan Dunn to get the start. Dunn has averaged 7.8 PPG this season but has scored 13 points and 16 points in his two starts in Beal's place this season. Beal should be considered a must start in all fantasy formats if he gets the start. If Dunn gets another start he should be considered a solid option in all fantasy formats and would be a very sneaky play in DFS formats.
Chicago Bulls shooting guard Zach LaVine (hip) is listed as questionable for Monday night's game against the Utah Jazz. LaVine is dealing with a right adductor strain. The 29-year-old has yet to miss any games this season, though he was listed as questionable going into Friday night's game against the Nets with a shoulder injury. LaVine has averaged 22.7 PPG to start the season and if he were to miss any time it'd be a big blow to the Bulls. If LaVine is ruled out on Monday then expect Ayo Dosunmu to get the start at guard. Dosunmu is already averaging over 26 minutes per game off the bench and has made quite a few spot starts for Chicago in the past. His production should rise, as should Coby White's numbers in LaVine's potential absence.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (ankle) is listed as questionable for Monday night's game against the Washington Wizards. Curry has been dealing with an ankle sprain that has kept him out of the team's last three games. The questionable mark is a step in the right direction for the 36-year-old and the Warriors, who are off to a 5-1 start. With the lowly Wizards on deck, it may not be a shock to see the Warriors let Curry rest his ankle a little longer before their next game on Wednesday against the Boston Celtics. If he does start, he is obviously a must start in all formats. If not, expect Brandin Podziemski to get another start. Podziemski has put up 14.7 PPG, 5.3 RPG and 6.0 APG while starting in Curry's place. Podziemski should be on all fantasy managers' radars and would make a sneaky DFS play if he gets the start on Monday.
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