Wed Oct 30 4:34pm ET
Field Level Media
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is listed as probable for Wednesday night's return to Cleveland due to an illness.
The team also upgraded guard D'Angelo Russell (back) to probable and confirmed that guard Austin Reaves (thigh) is available to face the Cavaliers.
James, 39, is averaging 20.0 points, 7.5 assists and 7.0 rebounds through four starts in his 22nd NBA campaign.
He began his prolific career with his home-state Cavaliers in 2003-04 and led them to their only championship in 2015-16. James is the franchise's all-time leader in games (849), points (23,119), rebounds (6,190), assists (6,228) and steals (1,376).
Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (eye) will be re-evaluated in three weeks after sustaining a right orbital fracture in Monday's overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets. It's a tough blow for the Raptors, considering the team just had RJ Barrett (shoulder) make his 2024-25 debut. It's also rough for Barnes' fantasy managers, especially since he averaged 19.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 2.0 steals in his first four games. With Immanuel Quickley (pelvis) still without a return date, Barrett, Gradey Dick, and Jakob Poeltl should do most of the heavy lifting on the offensive end. Fantasy managers can also consider Ochai Agbaji and Davion Mitchell for streaming purposes until Quickley or Barnes are back on the floor.
Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball (wrist) will be sidelined for at least 10 days. He's dealing with a sprained wrist and will be re-evaluated in 10 days, the team announced. Ball has averaged 4.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 15.7 minutes during his comeback campaign. Ayo Dosunmu looks to be in line for a larger role during Ball's absence. Some horrible shooting has limited Dosunmu to just 5.8 points this campaign, but he's a good all-around talent and fantasy managers should get plenty out of him. The 24-year-old sits among the team leaders with 5.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists.
Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (hip) continues to carry a questionable tag ahead of Wednesday's matchup against Chicago. Isaac was hurt in the season opener and has been held out of action since then. There hasn't really been a direct beneficiary of Isaac's absence, as Orlando's bench mob has not been very productive. However, Wednesday night could be a different story, as Chicago doesn't have a good record against second units. Anthony Black has seen the most minutes off the Magic bench, while Moritz Wagner has been the biggest threat offensively.
Miami Heat forward/center Kevin Love (personal) will not be in the lineup against the Knicks on Wednesday. Love is dealing with personal issues at the moment and hasn't seen any action so far this season. Thomas Bryant has solidified his spot as the backup center during Love's absence, although he doesn't provide a lot for fantasy managers. Bryant has recorded 5.7 points per game with 2.0 rebounds in 13.7 minutes. Haywood Highsmith is also in a position to play a more prominent role in the rotation, but his production has been very underwhelming.
Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze (foot) has been labeled as questionable for Wednesday's clash with the Bulls. Bitadze missed his first game of the season Monday night versus Indiana due to a foot injury. He wasn't a big miss for the Magic, as the Georgian big man has averaged only 5.7 minutes for the campaign. Moritz Wagner gets some extra work with Bitadze out. He's averaging 12.0 points and 4.0 rebounds in 15.0 minutes. The 27-year-old German could be a bit more productive on Wednesday night, as Chicago allows the eight-most points and the third-most rebounds to opposing benches in the league.
Toronto Raptors forward/center Kelly Olynyk (back) will remain out for Wednesday's meeting with Charlotte. The veteran big man has yet to play this season due to a back problem. Olynyk's absence has allowed Chris Boucher to hold down a regular spot in the rotation. He has notched 7.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in 17.3 minutes. Jonathan Mogbo and Bruno Fernando also benefit from Olynyk's absence. With Scottie Barnes (eye) joining Olynyk and Bruce Brown (knee) on the shelf Wednesday, the second unit could have an even larger role to play versus the Hornets.
Atlanta Hawks forward De'Andre Hunter (knee) is considered questionable for Wednesday's matchup against Washington. He has already missed two games with right knee inflammation. Hunter averaged 18.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 29.5 minutes before dropping out of the lineup. His absence has allowed Zaccharie Risacher to make his first career starts. The top pick of this year's draft has struggled in his first appearances in the Association. Risacher shot only 1-for-8 from the field and had four points when Atlanta lost to Washington 121-119 on Monday.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones injured his right shoulder in Tuesday's game against Golden State. He exited the contest in the third quarter, finishing with five points, three rebounds, and one steal in 20 minutes. The two teams meet again on Wednesday, and Jones should be regarded as questionable for the game. Javonte Green and Jordan Hawkins could receive additional minutes with Jones out. Hawkins has the most fantasy upside of the two, but he performed poorly on Tuesday, as the 22-year-old settled for only four points in 26 minutes.
Denver Nuggets' C Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double, finishing with 29 points, 16 assists and 18 rebounds in a 144-139 win over Brooklyn on Tuesday, Oct. 29.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (thigh) is probable for Wednesday's matchup versus Cleveland. He has a left thigh contusion. However, fantasy managers should expect to see him on the court against the undefeated Cavs. The 26-year-old has played well this season, averaging career-highs in points (19.3), rebounds (7.0), and three-point shooting (48.0%). As such, Reaves remains a must-start in any fantasy format. He may also be more involved offensively if D'Angelo Russell (back) can't get on the floor.
Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell (back) is questionable for Wednesday's matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 28-year-old has struggled this season, averaging 11.0 points, 5.8 assists, and 28.0% shooting from behind the arc. Yet, Russell could miss Wednesday's contest because of back soreness, although a night off may help him break out of his slump. Austin Reaves (thigh) is probable, so Max Christie and Gabe Vincent could split time at the one if Russell doesn't play. It's also possible LeBron James slides over, with Dalton Knecht entering the starting lineup.
Atlanta Hawks guard/forward Bogdan Bogdanovic (hamstring) underwent a non-surgical procedure on Monday. He will be re-evaluated in four weeks. The 32-year-old appeared in the opening night win over the Brooklyn Nets, finishing with eight points and two blocks. However, he's been sidelined since due to right hamstring tendinopathy. Bogdanovic is one of the most important players on Atlanta's roster due to his versatility. He's also the team's most reliable bench option. Unfortunately, fantasy managers shouldn't expect Bogdanovic back on the court for a while. With Vit Krejci (adductor) also sidelined, Garrison Mathews will likely see more minutes. While Mathews is worth monitoring, he's not someone who should be added to fantasy rosters until he shows consistent production.
Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (hip) won't play on Wednesday against the Wizards. The former Pelican has a hip flexor strain, which is unfortunate, considering he is averaging career-highs in points (12.8), rebounds (4.3), steals (2.8), and blocks (1.0). The Hawks also won't have Bogdan Bogdanovic (hamstring) and Vit Krejci (adductor) on Wednesday night. At the same time, De'Andre Hunter (knee) is questionable. As a result, Garrison Matthews and Zaccharie Risacher could work their way into the starting lineup while seeing plenty of minutes, giving them value for fantasy managers.
Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (pelvis) is doubtful heading into Wednesday's game versus the Hornets. The former Knick had 13 points, four assists, and one steal in the opener against Cleveland. However, he exited that one after just 14 minutes because of a pelvic contusion and has been on the shelf since. With Scottie Barnes (eye) out, RJ Barrett, who made his 2024-25 debut on Monday night, should pick up some of the slack offensively. Davion Mitchell, averaging 8.0 points, 5.7 assists, and 45.5% shooting from deep in three starts this season, is worth streaming as long as Quickley is officially ruled out.
Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (ankle) is questionable for Wednesday's meeting with the Boston Celtics. The 28-year-old has played well this season, averaging 15.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks. But he's in danger of missing the Pacers' fifth game on the schedule because of a sprained left ankle. If Turner doesn't suit up, Isaiah Jackson, averaging 13.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks in three starts last season, has a place in all fantasy lineups. He'll also be a popular DFS value option.
Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (eye) won't play in Wednesday's matchup with the Charlotte Hornets. The 23-year-old had a stellar showing in Monday's overtime loss to the Nuggets, finishing with 21 points, 12 boards, nine assists, and five steals. However, he exited the contest after taking an elbow to the face by Nikola Jokic. It's not good news for Toronto, considering RJ Barrett just returned from a shoulder injury. With Immanuel Quickly (pelvis) doubtful, Barrett should pick up some slack offensively. At the same time, Gradey Dick, Ochai Agbaji, and Davion Mitchell are viable streaming options.
Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (groin) won't play in Wednesday's rematch with the Hawks. The 29-year-old came close to a triple-double in Monday's game versus Atlanta, amassing 25 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. He also logged a game-high 40 minutes. However, Kuzma couldn't finish the game due to a right groin strain. There's a realistic chance the injury could cost him a substantial amount of time. But until Kuzma is back on the floor, Jordan Poole, Bilal Coulibaly, and Corey Kispert should pick up most of the slack. At the same time, rookie Carlton Carrington, who has averaged 8.7 points in three games this season, is worth monitoring in case his role grows even more.
New York Knicks forward Josh Hart (leg) is questionable for Wednesday's game versus the Miami Heat. He took a beating in Monday's loss to the Cavaliers before exiting late in the contest because of a right lower leg contusion. However, the veteran had played well up to that point and finished with 16 points, 13 rebounds, and three steals. Hart has been known to play through injuries, so there's a good chance he'll be out there. But if he's not, Miles McBride and Ariel Hukporti could see significantly more work from off the bench.
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (ankle) will play on Tuesday versus the Brooklyn Nets. The veteran logged 40 minutes in Monday's overtime win over the Toronto Raptors, finishing with 17 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. He was listed as probable, so there was never much concern about his availability. Instead, fantasy managers were left wondering if Murray would be limited in the second game of a back-to-back. However, that won't be the case, with head coach Michael Malone stating he won't have a minutes restriction. With that in mind, keep Murray starting in all fantasy lineups.
Tim Bontemps of ESPN.com reports that Boston Celtics small forward Sam Hauser (back) will likely be available for Wednesday's matchup with the Indiana Pacers. He played opening night against the New York Knicks, finishing with 10 points (4-10 FG), five rebounds, and an assist. Hauser was on the court for 24 minutes, coming off the bench during the 132-109 blowout win. Since then, the 26-year-old has missed three consecutive contests. Getting Hauser back will add even more firepower to the undefeated (4-0) Celtics.