Mon Nov 11 1:09pm ET
Field Level Media
Now known as the NBA Cup, the league will kick off its second in-season tournament Tuesday with a schedule of eight games.
Known as the NBA In-Season Tournament last year, the Los Angeles Lakers won the first season inside of the season when they defeated the Indiana Pacers 123-109 in the title game Dec. 9 at Las Vegas.
The newly branded NBA Cup again will open with a round-robin format of five teams in six groups that were formed based on last season's standings:
West Group A: Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers
West Group B: Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, Utah Jazz, San Antonio Spurs
West Group C: Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans, Golden State Warriors, Memphis Grizzlies
East Group A: New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets
East Group B: Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, Detroit Pistons
East Group C: Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks, Washington Wizards
Group stage games will take place across four Tuesdays (Nov. 12, Nov. 19, Nov. 26 and Dec. 3) and three Fridays (Nov. 15, Nov. 22 and Nov. 29). The quarterfinals of the single-elimination knockout bracket will be played Dec. 10 and 11.
The tournament will shift from NBA team markets to Las Vegas, where T-Mobile Arena (home of the NHL's Golden Knights) will host the semifinals on Dec. 14 and the championship game on Dec. 17.
All games, except for the NBA Cup championship game, will count toward the regular-season standings. Players on the championship-winning team receive $500,000 each, while players on the runner-up team get $200,000 each.
Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (knee) isn't expected to play in Tuesday's game against the Warriors. The former Hornet is battling a knee sprain. Unfortunately, it appears he'll miss his fourth-consecutive game on Tuesday night. If that's the case, Naji Marshall, averaging 12.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in three starts this season, remains a viable fantasy option in any format.
Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart (ankle) is probable for Tuesday's game versus the Miami Heat. With Jalen Duren (ankle) sidelined for the last few games, Stewart has been handling business underneath the basket. However, he's struggled this season, averaging 5.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks. But if Duren remains out, Stewart's ceiling should remain higher than usual. Yet, if Stewart and Duren don't suit up, Paul Reed would presumably slide into the starting lineup and gain streaming value, although will likely be just for a game or two.
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (ankle) is questionable heading into Tuesday's meeting with the Miami Heat. The 20-year-old sprained his ankle during the November 6 matchup with the Charlotte Hornets and has missed the last two games as a result. Fortunately, the questionable tag gives him a chance to play. If anything, it at least suggests he's moving in the right direction. If Duren can't suit up, Isaiah Stewart (ankle), who is probable, should continue to fill the void underneath the basket, giving him plenty of upside for fantasy managers. But if Stewart is sidelined as well, Paul Reed would see a surge in fantasy potential, even if it's only for one contest.
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (ankle) won't play in Tuesday's game against the Pistons. This will mark his second-consecutive absence because of a sprained ankle. But Miami doesn't play again until Friday in Indiana, so, hopefully, the extra days off will allow him to get back on the floor. Without Butler in the equation, Haywood Highsmith, who had seven points as a starter on Sunday against Minnesota, should continue to fill some of the void in the rotation. However, Jaime Jaquez Jr., who recently returned from a lengthy absence, may find himself with the first five and would be considered a much safer fantasy option than Highsmith.
Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (ankle) will be re-evaluated in two weeks after suffering a "moderate" right ankle sprain in Sunday's win over the Phoenix Suns. The 2017 No. 11 overall pick has provided valuable minutes off the bench for the Kings, averaging 12.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. But now that he'll be sidelined for at least a few weeks, Keon Ellis and Doug McDermott could see more action moving ahead. However, Ellis and McDermott have a long way to go before earning a consistent place in fantasy lineups.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee, suspension) isn't listed on the injury report, meaning he will play on Tuesday against the New York Knicks. The 30-year-old wasn't ready to suit up to begin the 2024-25 campaign. However, while ready was ready to go, he missed the last three games after he was suspended for a locker room altercation with a reporter. Of course, there's a good chance Embiid will see fewer minutes than usual in his first game of the year, so Andre Drummond may have fantasy value for at least a few more games. Yet, the same can't be said for Guerschon Yabusele, who could have a tough time getting on the floor with Embiid and Drummond in the mix.
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (ankle) is currently listed as questionable ahead of Tuesday's game against the Atlanta Hawks. Tatum appears to have suffered a minor ankle issue during Sunday's win over the Milwaukee Bucks. The Celtics will likely wait until closer to tip-off on Tuesday before making a final decision on Tatum's status. If he sits, Jaylen Brown would be asked to take on a heavy workload in the scoring department. Also, Sam Hauser would likely be asked to start in place of Tatum. Hauser is a decent rotational player, but isn't worth a look in fantasy formats.
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (groin) is probable heading into Tuesday's meeting with the Warriors. This is his second time listed on the injury report because of a left groin strain. However, it didn't keep Doncic off the floor for Sunday's loss to the Denver Nuggets. He logged 40 minutes in that one, so he should see his usual workload versus Golden State, barring a setback. Keep him starting in all fantasy formats.
Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (groin) is available ahead of Monday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. LaVine was tagged as probable coming into this game, but there was some doubt surrounding his status after playing 31 minutes in their last game. He missed three games due to this groin issue, but appears to be good to go now. The oft-injured guard has his problems staying on the court, but he's a reliable option when healthy. Fantasy managers should feel comfortable getting him back in their lineups for Monday.
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (Achilles) won't play in Tuesday's meeting with the Celtics. He's dealing with right Achilles Tendinitis, with Tuesday's absence marking his first of the 2024-25 campaign. Outside of Young's turnover woes and 33.3% shooting from behind the arc, he has played well this season, averaging 23.9 points and 11.5 assists. As such, the Hawks will need others to step up without him on the floor on Tuesday (and possibly beyond). Keaton Wallace, averaging 5.4 points this season, will likely slide into the starting lineup and draw streaming attention from fantasy managers. At the same time, Zaccharie Risacher, Jalen Johnson, and Dyson Daniels should see an uptick in scoring chances.
Boston Celtics center Al Horford (toe) is currently listed as questionable ahead of Tuesday's game against the Atlanta Hawks. It's the first night of a back-to-back set, so it wouldn't be shocking to see the Celtics rest Horford here. The absence of Horford would mean that Neemias Queta, Luke Kornet, and Xavier Tillman Sr. should see more time in the rotation. Out of the trio, Queta is the best streaming choice if Horford misses this game. Queta is a solid rebounder with seven boards or more in each of his last four games. He has double-double potential with more playing time, so fantasy managers should keep that in mind.
Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Monday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Finney-Smith was a late addition to the injury report due to a left ankle sprain. The team has decided to hold him out on Monday, but hopefully it won't be a long term issue. The absence of Finney-Smith will leave a big hole to fill in the rotation. Noah Clowney, Jalen Wilson, and Ziaire Williams could all benefit from the loss of Finney-Smith. None of these players are viable streaming options ahead of Monday's slate. Williams might have the most upside out of the three, but it's a great option even with an extended look.
Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (foot) won't play on Tuesday versus the Charlotte Hornets. This will mark his fifth-straight absence, so his next chance to get on the floor will be on Wednesday against the Pacers. In the meantime, Goga Bitadze will likely remain with the first five, with the 25-year-old averaging 10.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks in four starts this season. Moritz Wagner, who had 16 points, six rebounds, and one steal in Sunday's meeting with the Wizards, has streaming value in deep fantasy setups.
Atlanta Hawks forward De'Andre Hunter (personal) has been ruled out ahead of Tuesday's game against the Boston Celtics. Hunter has missed the last nine games due to personal reasons. It sounds like him and his partner have welcomed their first child, but the baby was born two months premature. It's unclear when Hunter is going to return to the court. In the meantime, Zaccharie Risacher should continue starting for the Hawks. The rookie forward has put together some nice performances and is worth a look with the Hawks shorthanded right now.
Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (ankle) has been ruled out for Monday night's contest against the San Antonio Spurs. The sixth man is dealing with a sprained ankle and won't be suiting up for the first time this season. Keon Ellis should see some more minutes off of the bench while Doug McDermott could see some more opportunities for the offensive side of the ball. Ellis would be the better streaming option if defensive stats are needed.
Los Angeles Lakers center Anthony Davis (eye) took a hit to the eye from Jakob Poeltl on Sunday night. ESPN's Dave McMenamin says that the superstar big man was experiencing swelling in his eye and he will have his eye examined as a precautionary measure on Monday. Right now, it seems like Davis could need to get some goggles or other eye wear, but fantasy managers will want to wait and see the results before moving to any backup plans.
Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) was a later addition to the injury report when he popped up in the afternoon. The veteran is apparently dealing with an ankle sprain which he didn't seem to suffer during the team's back-to-back. With the later addition to the report, it appears more than likely that he'll miss a game. If that's the case, Ziaire Williams could be in line to get a starting spot while Jalen Wilson sees some extra playing time from the bench.
New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Trey Murphy III (hamstring) has officially been upgraded to available according to the team's X account. He'll make his season debut against the Brooklyn Nets after dealing with a hamstring issue that stemmed from the preseason. There hasn't been any word about a minute restriction, but it's likely that he won't be a 100%, full go right away. The Pelicans are dealing with a slew of injuries right now, so Murphy can start right away, but Jose Alvarado will continue to get big minutes while Brandon Boston Jr. might take the biggest hit fantasy-wise.
San Antonio Spurs guard Malaki Branham (ankle) is considered questionable again on Monday for their game against the Sacramento Kings. The former first-round pick was unable to play in their last contest on Saturday due to the same ankle issue, so it's unclear if he'll be able to suit up or not. Tre Jones (ankle) remains sidelined as well, so if Branham can't give it a go, Stephon Castle and Devin Vassell will see some heavy minutes while Blake Wesley gets some opportunities too.
Chicago Bulls forward/center Jalen Smith (illness) remains on the injury report as he deals with an illness and he's officially listed as questionable for the contest against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 24-year-old was previously listed with a knee injury ahead of their game on Saturday and was able to play through it. The illness is a new issue appearing on the injury report, so this could come down to a game-time decision. If he's unable to play, Julian Phillips and Matas Buzelis may see some extra minutes from the bench while Patrick Williams could get some extended time too.
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