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Lakers G Luka Doncic to miss a week with finger, leg injuries

Sun Oct 26 3:45pm ET
Field Level Media

Los Angeles Lakers star guard Luka Doncic is expected to miss a week with a left finger sprain and a lower left leg contusion, ESPN reported Sunday.

The timetable means the Lakers are expected to be without Doncic and star forward LeBron James for games against the Sacramento Kings on Sunday, the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday, the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday and the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday.

James has not played in either of the Lakers' first two games because of sciatica on his right side. James is not expected to return until next month.

The Lakers opened the season 1-1 as Doncic stepped up without James by scoring 46.0 points per game with 11.5 rebounds and 8.5 assists. Doncic, 26, became the first player in NBA history to open a season with consecutive games of at least 40 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.


In eight seasons with the Dallas Mavericks (2018-25) and Lakers, Doncic has averaged 28.7 points with 8.6 rebounds and 8.2 assists in 452 games (all starts).

Player Notes
Karl-Anthony Towns Sun Oct 26 2:40pm

New York Knicks forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns (quad) is currently listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Miami Heat. Towns continues to nurse a quad issue, but has been able to play through the injury. He has recorded back-to-back double-doubles, so the injury isn't impacting his performance on the court. If he sits, Josh Hart (back) and Guerschon Yabusele should have increased roles in the rotation. Between the two, Hart is the much better streaming choice for Sunday's game. Fantasy managers should check back closer to tip-off for another update on Towns.

Mitchell Robinson Sun Oct 26 2:30pm

New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Miami Heat. The Knicks continue to be extremely cautious with Robinson who has yet to make his season debut. There isn't an exact timetable on his return, so fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day. Guerschon Yabusele and Ariel Hukporti figure to have increased roles, but neither offer much streaming appeal.

Josh Hart Sun Oct 26 2:20pm

New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (back) is currently listed as probable ahead of Sunday's game against the Miami Heat. Hart sat out the season opener due to back spasms, but was able to play on Friday. The Knicks will likely wait and see how he feels closer to game-time before making a final decision. On Friday, Hart recorded two points and 14 rebounds across 19 minutes of action. If he sits, Mikal Bridges and Jordan Clarkson figure to see larger roles during Sunday's game. Bridges should already be rostered in all formats, but Clarkson could offer streaming appeal if he gets increased playing time.

Miles McBride Sun Oct 26 2:20pm

New York Knicks guard Miles McBride (personal) is currently listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Miami Heat. He played in the first two games of the season, but is currently uncertain to suit up due to personal reasons. On Friday, McBride registered 10 points, four rebounds, and four assists across 32 minutes of action. His absence would free up playing time for Jordan Clarkson, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart (back) for Sunday's contest. Fantasy managers will need to check back closer to tip-off for another update.

Darius Garland Sun Oct 26 2:10pm

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (toe) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. As expected, Garland will remain sidelined as he continues to ramp up from offseason toe surgery. It sounds like Garland is making good progress, but he's not quite ready yet. The hope is that Garland will be ready to go by early November. In the meantime, Jaylon Tyson, Lonzo Ball, and Sam Merrill should see increased minutes in the rotation. Between the three, Tyson offers the most streaming value at the moment.

De'Andre Hunter Sun Oct 26 2:10pm

Cleveland Cavaliers forward De'Andre Hunter (knee) is currently listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Hunter has missed the first two games of the season while nursing a knee injury. The hope is that he'll make his season debut on Sunday. If he does, Hunter could be under a minutes limit, but there is no word about that yet. If he's unable to play, Dean Wade and Larry Nance Jr. figure to see increased roles in the rotation. Neither player is a great option, but both could offer low-end streaming value if Hunter misses another game.

Jaylen Brown Sun Oct 26 2:10pm

Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown (hamstring) is available for Sunday's game versus the Detroit Pistons. The 29-year-old was listed as questionable. However, this isn't his first appearance on the injury report this season, and it likely won't be his last. Brown has averaged 24.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while shooting an efficient 45.5% from downtown, making him a must-start in all fantasy formats. His presence will probably mean Anfernee Simons will come off the bench. With that said, the Celtics will play again on Monday night in New Orleans, so fantasy managers should monitor Brown's status, especially since there's a chance he won't play in the second of back-to-back outings.

Bennedict Mathurin Sun Oct 26 2:00pm

Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (toe) won't play on Sunday versus the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 23-year-old has been on a roll this season, averaging 31.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. Unfortunately, he sprained his right Great Toe on Saturday night, so he won't suit up in the Pacers' third contest of the 2025 campaign. These injuries are never easy to deal with, so it's possible he won't play on Wednesday evening in Dallas. With Andrew Nembhard (shoulder) sidelined as well, Pascal Siakam should be doing most of the heavy lifting offensively against the Timberwolves. Fantasy managers could also see an uptick in production from Ben Sheppard, Aaron Nesmith, Jarace Walker, and Obi Toppin.

Andrew Nembhard Sun Oct 26 1:50pm

Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (shoulder) won't play on Sunday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He suffered a strained left shoulder in the double-overtime loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on opening night. Unfortunately, the 25-year-old will miss his second-straight contest, so fantasy managers are now left wondering if he'll be cleared to suit up on Wednesday in Dallas. The Pacers also won't have T.J. McConnell (hamstring) and Bennedict Mathurin (toe). As a result, fantasy managers could see enhanced roles for Obi Toppin, Jarace Walker, Ben Sheppard, and Aaron Nesmith. Of course, Pascal Siakam is expected to lead the way offensively.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Sun Oct 26 1:30pm

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (toe) is listed as probable heading into Sunday's Central Division meeting with the Cleveland Cavaliers. It's a new season. However, as has been the norm in previous years, The Freak is back on the injury report. With that said, that will likely be the theme moving forward, so fantasy managers shouldn't be alarmed. Antetokounmpo has averaged 34.0 points, 17.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists this season. He's also shot 60.0% from behind the arc. Of course, fantasy managers should monitor his status, especially since there's still a chance he could get ruled out. If he's out there, he must be featured in any fantasy lineup. His ceiling will rise even higher if Kyle Kuzma (ankle) and Cole Anthony (Illness) aren't on the floor.

Derrick White Sun Oct 26 1:10pm

Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (wrist) will play on Sunday against the Detroit Pistons. The 31-year-old has played well despite the C's sitting winless after two games, averaging 20.0 points, 4.0 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 1.0 steals. He's struggled from deep, going 29.2% from downtown. However, White should get out of his shooting funk at some point down the road. Jaylen Brown (hamstring) might not play on Sunday afternoon. If that's the case, White may be in line for more scoring opportunities. Fantasy managers will likely see White make appearances on the injury report due to the wrist sprain moving ahead, although it shouldn't keep him off the floor unless he suffers a setback.

Luka Doncic Sun Oct 26 12:40pm

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (finger) is questionable to play in Sunday's game in Sacramento. The 2018 No. 3 overall pick has been on a roll, most recently amassing 49 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists in Friday's win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. He sustained a sprained finger in that one. Fortunately, it's on his non-shooting hand. Of course, with Doncic's injury history, the Lakers will presumably play it safe in an attempt to keep him healthy for the bulk of the 2025 campaign, so there's a chance he won't be out there on Sunday night. If that's the case, Gabe Vincent may spend more time at the one, with Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart entering the starting lineup. However, it will likely be Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Deandre Ayton benefiting the most on the scoring end if Doncic doesn't suit up.

Nikola Jokic Sun Oct 26 12:00am

Nuggets' C Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double, finishing with 14 points, 15 assists and 14 rebounds in a 133-111 win over the Suns on Saturday, Oct. 25.

Mark Williams Sat Oct 25 3:10pm

Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams (knee, injury management) won't play on Saturday versus Denver. The 23-year-old hasn't played well this season, averaging only 4.0 points, 8.5 boards, and 1.0 blocks. As expected, he'll get the night off to rest after logging 14 minutes in Friday's loss to the Clippers. Oso Ighodaro is in line to remain in the starting lineup, with Nick Richards on tap to see increased minutes from off the bench. However, neither player can be trusted from a fantasy standpoint. Williams is expected to return to the lineup on Monday versus the Utah Jazz. Still, until he starts producing, which could happen at some point down the line, he's not worth rostering.

Zaccharie Risacher Sat Oct 25 3:10pm

Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (ankle) won't play on Saturday versus OKC. The 20-year-old tweaked his ankle in the loss to the Toronto Raptors on opening night. As a result, he didn't suit up for Friday's win over the Orlando Magic. Nickeil Alexander-Walker got the start in that one, scoring 19 points despite going 1-for-10 from behind the arc. It's reasonable to assume Alexander-Walker will shoot better this time around, so he may be even more productive for fantasy managers, especially if Kristaps Porzingis (illness) and Jalen Johnson (ankle), who are both questionable, can't play. Risacher's next chance to get on the floor will be on Monday night in Chicago.

Jalen Johnson Sat Oct 25 2:50pm

Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (ankle) is questionable for Saturday's game versus OKC. Zaccharie Risacher (ankle) has already been ruled out. To make matters worse, Kristaps Porzingis (illness) is also questionable because of Flu-like symptoms. While Nickeil Alexander-Walker is already in line for more scoring opportunities, his fantasy ceiling will increase even more if Johnson and Porzingis are sidelined. Luke Kennard, who had six points, two assists, and one steal in Friday's win over the Orlando Magic, could also see extra work, depending on who ends up getting ruled out. The same can be said for Mohamed Gueye, who is coming off a 13-point, eight-rebound showing.

Andrew Nembhard Sat Oct 25 2:40pm

Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (shoulder) is sidelined for Saturday's clash with the Memphis Grizzlies. He recorded four points and four assists in Thursday's double-overtime loss to OKC. Unfortunately, Nembhard's night came to an abrupt end after only 17 minutes of work due to a sprained shoulder. The Pacers will play again on Sunday in Minnesota, although it's realistic to assume he won't consider suiting back up until Wednesday's game in Dallas. Either way, Pascal Siakam and Bennedict Mathurin should pick up more of the scoring load while Nembhard is sidelined. Ben Sheppard and Obi Toppin, combining for 35 points and 13 boards on Thursday, should also be in line for more minutes and scoring opportunities.

Kristaps Porzingis Sat Oct 25 2:30pm

Atlanta Hawks center Kristaps Porzingis (illness) is questionable for Saturday's meeting with OKC. The 30-year-old had 20 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks in 26 minutes in the loss to the Raptors on opening night. However, he's now dealing with Flu-like symptoms, which caused him to miss Friday's win over the Orlando Magic. If he can't get out there, Onyeka Okongwu, who had 17 points, four boards, and three swats against the Magic, will presumably handle things at the five spot to begin the contest, making him a must-start in any fantasy format. Mouhamed Gueye also played well in the meeting with Orlando, posting a 13-point, eight-rebound effort, giving him streaming potential if Porzingis stays on the shelf.

Jalen Suggs Sat Oct 25 2:20pm

Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (knee, injury management) won't play on Saturday versus Chicago. The 24-year-old logged 19 minutes in Friday's loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Still, he's coming off knee surgery, so he'll take the night off to rest before presumably suiting back up on Monday against the Philadelphia 76ers. Without him, the Magic may roll with Tyus Jones at the one to begin the game. However, Tristan da Silva, who had 15 points in 24 minutes on Friday, and Anthony Black may also be in the equation. There's also a chance da Silva or Black may start over Jones.

Chet Holmgren Sat Oct 25 2:10pm

Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center Chet Holmgren (back) is available for Saturday's meeting with the Atlanta Hawks. The 23-year-old popped up on the injury report because of back soreness. However, that's not surprising, considering OKC went into double-overtime in both games to begin the 2025 campaign. He is currently averaging 21.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 1.0 steals this season. While Holmgren's statistical contributions are somewhat inflated due to the extra quarters played in the Thunder's first two contests, he is an All-Star caliber performer regardless. Of course, Holmgren should be starting in all fantasy formats. Although category managers haven't appreciated his 18.2% shooting from deep, he's made up for it by sinking 91.7% of his tries from behind the charity stripe. Kristaps Porzingis (illness) is also back on the injury report after missing Friday's win over the Orlando Magic due to Flu-like symptoms. If Porzingis remains on the shelf, Holmgren's ceiling will increase even more.


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