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Cavaliers fined $100K for player participation violation

Tue Nov 18 4:30pm ET
Field Level Media

The Cleveland Cavaliers were fined $100,000 by the NBA on Tuesday after All-Stars Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley missed last Wednesday's 130-116 loss to the Miami Heat.

The absence for both players was listed as "rest" on the official box score, with the league imposing the fine as a violation of the Player Participation Policy.

One of the stipulations of the policy, which was updated in 2023, states that teams must "ensure that no more than one star player is unavailable for the same game."

Mitchell, 29, has missed two games this season while averaging 30.9 points with 5.5 assists in 13 games played. The six-time All-Star has averaged 24.9 points with 4.7 assists in 552 games (544 starts) in nine seasons with the Utah Jazz (2017-22) and Cavaliers.


Mobley, 24, has only missed one game this season. An All-Star for the first time last season, Mobley has averaged 18.9 points with 8.8 rebounds in 14 games on the court this season. In five seasons, all with the Cavaliers, he has averaged 16.5 points and 8.9 rebounds in 283 games (all starts).

Player Notes
LeBron James Tue Nov 18 5:10pm

Los Angeles Lakers forwardLeBron James(sciatica) is still considered questionable for Tuesday's contest against the Utah Jazz. However, ESPN's Shams Charania reports that James is aiming to make his season debut this evening. He has been dealing with sciatica on his right side. Barring any setbacks, fantasy managers should expect the Lakers to decide on the 40-year-old's status right before tip-off. If he is good to go, his minutes on the floor will likely be restricted.

Grayson Allen Tue Nov 18 5:00pm

Phoenix Suns guard/forwardGrayson Allen(quadriceps)is unavailable for Tuesday's clash with the Portland Trail Blazers. Allen will miss his second game in a row due to a right quadriceps contusion. Allen is averaging 18.5 points, 4.3 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.9 threes in 32.1 minutes per contest across 13 games this season. With Allen out of action, Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks will continue to see extra scoring opportunities, while Collin Gillespie and Ryan Dunn will likely have expanded roles during tonight's contest.

Gabe Vincent Tue Nov 18 4:30pm

Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports that Los Angeles Lakers guard Gabe Vincent (ankle) is available for Tuesday's matchup with the Utah Jazz. Vincent has been out of action since October 26 due to a left ankle sprain. Across three appearances this season, the 29-year-old has averaged 3.7 points, 2.3 assists, 1.0 rebounds and 1.0 steals in 24.0 minutes per contest. In his return, Vincent will be assigned to a reserve role and won't provide enough production to make an impact in fantasy this evening.

Jonathan Kuminga Tue Nov 18 2:40pm

Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (knee) will miss his third straight game this Tuesday while battling bilateral knee tendonitis. Kuminga's absence will allow players like Moses Moody, Will Richard, and Buddy Hield to get more work against the Magic in Orlando. Kuminga got off to a strong start before battling soreness in both his knees, so the Warriors will likely be cautious with the young forward. He was moved out of the lineup just before the injury, so it looks like even when he is healthy, the Warriors will try to reduce his workload if possible. Hield (illness) is probable, so if he's limited, Moody will likely have the highest ceiling of the Warriors' wings on Tuesday.

Keegan Murray Tue Nov 18 2:30pm

Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (thumb) has been cleared for five-on-five, contact practices, and he could be ready to join the team's rotation later this week. The Kings assigned him to the G League for practice as he ramps back up after injuring his thumb in the preseason. The team hopes he can return during the team's current road trip, potentially Thursday against the Memphis Grizzlies or Saturday against the Denver Nuggets. Murray's return will be a huge boost for the Kings, who have missed him on both ends of the floor in their woeful 3-11 start.

Caris LeVert Tue Nov 18 2:20pm

Detroit Pistons guard/forward Caris LeVert (ankle) will not play on Tuesday when his team finishes a back-to-back on the road in Atlanta. He played just 17 minutes on Monday and had eight points and eight assists. His next chance to return will be Saturday against the Bucks. While he's out, Cade Cunningham (hip), Ausar Thompson (ankle), and Tobias Harris (ankle) are all questionable. Daniss Jenkins has been outstanding lately and should have plenty of playing time in almost any scenario with LeVert out, and Chaz Lanier should get a few minutes as well. If Cunningham and Thompson need more time, Jenkins and Lanier will have even more work to do on the road in this matchup.

Ausar Thompson Tue Nov 18 2:10pm

Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson (ankle) has been sidelined for four straight games with an ankle sprain, but he seems to be nearing a return after moving well in Monday's shootaround before being ruled out along with Cade Cunningham (hip). Both starters are questionable for Tuesday night in Atlanta as the Pistons look to extend their winning streak to 11 games. If Thompson is ruled out again, Ron Holland II and Javonte Green will continue to get extra minutes and usage at forward and be excellent streaming and DFS options.

Tobias Harris Tue Nov 18 2:10pm

Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (ankle) is nearing a return, and he was listed as questionable for Tuesday's game against the Hawks in Atlanta, along with Cade Cunningham (hip) and Ausar Thompson (ankle). On Monday, coach J.B. Bickerstaff said that Harris had no timetable for return, but now it looks like that timetable could be any day now. Without Harris for the last five games, Ron Holland II and Javonte Green have been playing very well for Detroit, but they will likely return to reduced roles when Harris and Thompson get back in the rotation. If he does play Tuesday, Harris would likely be on a minutes limitation, so temper expectations. It is great to see him near a return, though, for a Pistons team that is thriving early in the season.

Cade Cunningham Tue Nov 18 2:00pm

Detroit Pistons point guard Cade Cunningham (hip) has missed the last three games for his team, which has stayed hot in his absence, extending their winning streak to 10 games by beating the Pacers on Monday. Cunningham could return for the second game of the back-to-back, and if he does, he'll probably resume his heavy workload. In his 11 games this season, Cunningham is averaging 27.5 points, 9.9 assists, 5.4 rebounds, and 37 minutes per game. He hasn't played since his monster 46-point triple-double last Monday against the Wizards. If Cunningham is out again, Daniss Jenkins will be set up for another big workload after averaging 21.8 points, 7.8 assists, 4.3 rebounds, 2.5 triples, and 2.0 steals per contest in his four games in the starting lineup.

Nikola Jokic Tue Nov 18 1:00am

Denver's C Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double, finishing with 36 points, 13 assists and 18 rebounds in a 127-130 loss to the Bulls on Monday, Nov. 17.

Jrue Holiday Mon Nov 17 9:30pm

Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday (calf) will likely sit out a second consecutive game on Tuesday against the Phoenix Suns, as the team has given him a doubtful tag on the injury report. The veteran guard missed his first game of the season on Sunday against the Dallas Mavericks, landing on the sidelines with a sore right calf. Jerami Grant started in his absence and delivered one of his best performances of the season, scoring 26 points. Meanwhile, Caleb Love and Sidy Cissoko shared most of the backup guard minutes, but their impact was minimal.

LeBron James Mon Nov 17 9:20pm

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (sciatica) has been upgraded to questionable on the injury report ahead of Tuesday's tilt against the Utah Jazz. He logged a full practice with the team on Monday and could be ready to make his season debut in Tuesday's game. James has recently also logged additional practice sessions with the Lakers' G League team, so he should be in good shape after dealing with sciatica on his right side. However, it would be surprising if the team didn't monitor his minutes when he returns. If James can't make it back on Tuesday night, he will have a lot more time to prep for his 2025-26 debut, as the Lakers would then be off until Sunday, when they have a rematch with the Jazz.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Mon Nov 17 9:10pm

Milwaukee Bucks forward/center Giannis Antetokounmpo won't finish Monday's contest against the Cleveland Cavaliers due to a left groin strain, Eric Nehm of The Athletic reports. The former MVP left the game in the second quarter after racking up 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists in 13 minutes. Jericho Sims joined Milwaukee's starting unit for the second half. Antetokounmpo's exit from the lineup also creates more playing opportunities for Bobby Portis. Muscle strains typically take several weeks to heal, so the Bucks may be without Antetokounmpo for a significant period. However, we won't know for certain until he undergoes evaluation.

Cameron Johnson Mon Nov 17 9:00pm

Denver Nuggets forward Cameron Johnson (biceps) will play on Monday night against the Chicago Bulls. The 29-year-old sustained a right biceps strain last week and sat out Saturday's win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Initially, he was in danger of missing a second straight game after the team listed him as questionable for Monday's matchup. With Johnson sidelined against Minnesota, Tim Hardaway Jr. had a sparkling performance with 22 points as a starter. On Monday, Hardaway Jr. will head back to the bench. Johnson's time in Denver has been a nightmare so far, as he has averaged only 7.2 points and 2.6 rebounds in 24.5 minutes. Hardaway Jr. has been significantly more productive than him and will remain a better fantasy option even as a reserve.

Julian Strawther Mon Nov 17 9:00pm

Denver Nuggets guard/forward Julian Strawther (back) won't play in Monday's contest against the Chicago Bulls. The team has downgraded Strawther from questionable to out. He won't be a big miss for Denver, as Strawther has been limited to 7.9 minutes per game across seven contests. The rest of the Nuggets' reserve should share Strawther's minutes on Monday night. The 23-year-old will have his first opportunity to return to the lineup on Wednesday in a matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Nikola Jokic Mon Nov 17 8:50pm

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (wrist) will officially be active against the Chicago Bulls on Monday night. The Serbian superstar is dealing with a left wrist sprain, but the team has upgraded his status from probable to available. Jokic is once again having an MVP-caliber season, averaging 28.7 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 10.9 assists. On Monday, Jokic faces a 20th-ranked defense, and it's a significant pace-up spot for the Nuggets. As a result, the three-time MVP could end up with a particularly silly stat line.

Onyeka Okongwu Mon Nov 17 8:40pm

Atlanta Hawks forward/center Onyeka Okongwu (knee) is listed as questionable for Tuesday's tilt against the Detroit Pistons. He may have to exit the lineup for the first time this season due to a right knee contusion. In the past two games, Okongwu has produced big performances as Kristaps Porzingis' (knee) replacement in the starting lineup. Porzingis is also on the injury report with a questionable tag for Tuesday's game. If neither player is healthy enough to play, Mouhamed Gueye would get a massive workload against the Pistons.

Zaccharie Risacher Mon Nov 17 8:40pm

Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (hip) carries a questionable tag on the injury report ahead of Tuesday's matchup against the Detroit Pistons. He is nursing a left hip contusion after taking a hard fall on a dunk attempt in Sunday's win over the Phoenix Suns. Risacher has contributed 12.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in 24.8 minutes as a regular starter for the Hawks this season. Vit Krejci and Luke Kennard will likely share Risacher's minutes on Tuesday night if he can't play. With Kristaps Porzingis (knee) and Onyeka Okongwu (knee) also questionable for the game, there might be a massive chunk of extra minutes available for Atlanta's usual reserves.

Kristaps Porzingis Mon Nov 17 8:30pm

Atlanta Hawks forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (knee) remains on the injury report ahead of Tuesday's clash against the Detroit Pistons, with the team listing him as questionable for the game. Porzingis has missed a pair of contests with a sore right knee, allowing Onyeka Okongwu (knee) to enjoy life as a starter. However, Okongwu is also listed as questionable for Tuesday, meaning the frontcourt might have to lean heavily on Mouhamed Gueye against Detroit. Previously, Gueye has shown potential, averaging 16.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.5 blocks across a couple of starts this season.

Jalen Suggs Mon Nov 17 8:20pm

Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (groin) is on the injury report as questionable for Tuesday's game against the Golden State Warriors. After recovering from offseason knee surgery, Suggs has recently dealt with right groin soreness, and the issue might keep him sidelined for a second consecutive game. With Suggs out of commission, Anthony Black made his third start of the season in Sunday's overtime loss to the Houston Rockets. The 21-year-old has boosted his productivity to 15.3 points and 2.7 assists in a starting role. Golden State allows the seventh-most points and eighth-most assists to point guards this season, giving Black a good opportunity to impress if he keeps hold of a larger role on Tuesday.


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