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Spurs: Gregg Popovich suffered mild stroke; full recovery expected

Wed Nov 13 1:13pm ET
Field Level Media

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich is expected to make a full recovery after suffering a mild stroke earlier this month, the team announced Wednesday.

The episode occurred on Nov. 2 in San Antonio prior to the Spurs' 113-103 victory against the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves. The team said Popovich missed the game with an illness.

Popovich, 75, has started a rehabilitation program, however a timeline to return to the sideline has not been determined. Assistant coach Mitch Johnson, 37, has served as the interim coach for the Spurs over the last five games and will continue to in Popovich's absence.

Popovich has coached the Spurs since the 1996-97 season, leading them to five NBA championships and compiling a record of 1,390-827.


On March 11, 2022, Popovich surpassed Don Nelson for the most regular season wins by a coach with his 1,336th victory.

Popovich is a three-time NBA Coach of the Year. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, he coached the U.S. men's national team to a gold medal.

Player Notes
Brandon Clarke Wed Nov 13 9:00am

Memphis Grizzlies forward/center Brandon Clarke (toe) could be out for the first time this season on Wednesday versus the Lakers, with the team listing him as questionable on the injury report. Clarke has been a starter for Memphis for the past couple of games, replacing Zach Edey. However, he's not had a big impact in the role, averaging 7.5 points and 5.0 rebounds in 17.0 minutes. Edey might return to the starting unit if Clarke is out on Wednesday, although the team could also replace him with Marcus Smart (ankle), who is on the cusp of returning to the lineup.

Marcus Smart Wed Nov 13 8:50am

Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (ankle) is nearing his return to action and could be back on the court Wednesday versus the Lakers. He practiced on Tuesday and has been listed as questionable for the game. The defensive specialist has previously carried a doubtful tag. Smart has missed six games with a right ankle sprain. Smart's return is bound to impact Scotty Pippen Jr.'s usage, but he should still be heavily involved and remains a good fantasy option until the Grizzlies get back their starting point guard Ja Morant (hip).

Steven Adams Wed Nov 13 8:40am

Houston Rockets center Steven Adams (knee) is on the injury report as questionable ahead of Wednesday's action against the Clippers. The veteran big man missed the entire 2023-24 campaign with a knee injury and hasn't been used much this season. Adams has made five appearances, logging 13.6 minutes per game. He hasn't played in two consecutive games the entire month, which could be a sign that Adams will not be available on Wednesday. He had two points and seven rebounds in the last game against Washington on Monday. Adams' absence would allow Jock Landale (shoulder) to eat up more minutes, but the Houston big men lack fantasy appeal as long as Alperen Sengun is in the lineup.

Fred VanVleet Wed Nov 13 8:40am

Houston Rockets point guard Fred VanVleet (hamstring) is considered questionable for Wednesday's matchup against the Clippers. He continues to deal with a hamstring issue and might be forced to sit out a second consecutive game. VanVleet's absence could result in another busy night for Amen Thompson, who replaced him in the starting unit Monday versus Washington. Thompson had his fingerprints all over the game, finishing a 107-92 victory with 13 points, eight rebounds, one assist, four steals, and four blocks. Aaron Holiday and Reed Sheppard saw extra minutes off the bench but didn't do much.

Obi Toppin Wed Nov 13 8:30am

Indiana Pacers power forward Obi Toppin (ankle) is in danger of missing a second consecutive game on Wednesday against Orlando. He has been listed as questionable for the contest with a left ankle sprain. Jarace Walker saw extended minutes on Sunday versus the Knicks and will likely play a bigger role again on Wednesday night if Toppin remains unavailable. Walker was a headache for the Magic last week when he produced 17 points, but he's managed a total of 11 points across two games since then, making him an unreliable fantasy piece.

Dorian Finney-Smith Wed Nov 13 8:30am

Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) has been labeled as questionable for Wednesday's tilt against Boston. He could be out for a second consecutive game with a left ankle sprain. The 31-year-old has carved out a starting role for himself this season, averaging 10.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.2 steals. Ziaire Williams filled in for Finney-Smith in the first unit on Monday versus New Orleans and nearly posted a double-double, finishing with 12 points and nine rebounds. He could get another chance to impress on Wednesday, although it's going to be a much tougher matchup for the Nets.

Anthony Davis Wed Nov 13 8:20am

Los Angeles Lakers forward/center Anthony Davis (foot, eye) has been listed as probable for Wednesday's encounter with the Grizzlies. The veteran star has battled a foot injury early in the season and hurt his left eye on Sunday versus Toronto. Davis missed a large chunk of Sunday's game but appears to be on track to play Wednesday. Despite the health issues, Davis has looked great this season, averaging 31.2 points and 10.4 rebounds with 2.0 blocks. A meeting with the Grizzlies will be a good test for his form. Memphis has the third-highest rebounding rate in the league, and centers haven't done too much damage against them in previous games.

Gradey Dick Wed Nov 13 2:00am

Raptors' G Gradey Dick scored 32 points on 7-of-20 shooting in a 85-99 loss to Milwaukee on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Dick is owned in only 67.1% leagues.

Josh Hart Wed Nov 13 2:00am

New York Knicks' F Josh Hart recorded a triple-double, finishing with 14 points, 10 assists and 12 rebounds in a 111-99 win over Philadelphia on Tuesday, Nov. 12.

Tyler Herro Wed Nov 13 2:00am

Heat's G Tyler Herro scored 40 points on 14-of-27 shooting in a 121-123 loss to Detroit on Tuesday, Nov. 12.

Jalen Johnson Wed Nov 13 2:00am

Atlanta's F Jalen Johnson recorded a triple-double, finishing with 18 points, 10 assists and 13 rebounds in a 117-116 win over Boston on Tuesday, Nov. 12.

Zach LaVine Tue Nov 12 9:40pm

Chicago Bulls guard/forward Zach LaVine (adductor) is probable heading into Wednesday's game in New York. His presence on the injury report isn't anything new, so he should be out there against the Knicks, barring a setback. LaVine's name has been tied to trade rumors for years. Yet, things intensified during the offseason. But he remains with the Bulls, at least for now, and has averaged 22.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 41.7% shooting from behind the arc. With that in mind, if LaVine's health takes a turn for the worse before Wednesday's contest, Ayo Dosunmu, averaging 14.7 points in three starts this season, could find a place in most fantasy lineups.

Jose Alvarado Tue Nov 12 9:40pm

New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado (hamstring) won't play in Wednesday's contest against the Thunder. The Pels are thin currently, with Jordan Hawkins (back), Herbert Jones (shoulder), CJ McCollum (adductor), Dejounte Murray (hand), and Zion Williamson (hamstring) all on the shelf. But now Alvarado will join them after tweaking his hamstring in Monday's narrow loss to the Brooklyn Nets. With Alvarado and company sidelined, Brandon Ingram is the favorite to lead the way offensively. But there's also room for Trey Murphy III, Yves Missi, and Jaylen Nowell to get more involved.

Donovan Clingan Tue Nov 12 9:20pm

Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan will start in Tuesday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The rookie has averaged 4.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks this season. However, with Deandre Ayton (finger) ruled out, Clingan will get a chance to show his stuff. Without question, he'll be a popular late-night DFS option, although Robert Williams III could be in line for a productive outing, even though he'll continue to operate under a minutes cap.

Luka Doncic Tue Nov 12 9:20pm

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (groin) is good to go for Tuesday's matchup against the Golden State Warriors. He was listed as probable heading into this one. However, Doncic was downgraded to a game-time decision hours before the contest. Fortunately, fantasy managers will have the multi-time All-Star in the lineup, although that means Spencer Dinwiddie and Jaden Hardy won't be worth starting.

Andrew Wiggins Tue Nov 12 9:10pm

Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (back) will play in Tuesday's matchup against the Dallas Mavericks. He was listed as questionable because of lower back soreness. However, the injury isn't anything new, with Wiggins already missing time during the 2024-25 campaign because of it. The 2014 No. 1 overall pick has played well this season, averaging 15.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and a career-high 41.0% shooting from behind the arc. He's a must-start, although his presence will mean fewer minutes for Buddy Hield and Kyle Anderson.

Deandre Ayton Tue Nov 12 9:10pm

Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (finger) won't play in Tuesday's matchup versus the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 2018 No. 1 overall pick has averaged 13.3 points and 10.5 assists this season. He's also shot a career-high 38.5% from behind the arc. But he'll miss his first game of the 2024-25 campaign due to a sprained right index finger. Without him, Donovan Clingan will get the start. However, fantasy managers could see a productive evening from Robert Williams III, although he likely continue to operate under a minutes restriction.

PJ Washington Tue Nov 12 9:00pm

Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (knee) won't suit up for Tuesday's meeting with the Golden State Warriors. The 2019 No. 12 overall pick has averaged 9.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 1.3 blocks this season. Unfortunately, he'll now miss his fourth-straight contest because of a knee injury he picked up during the November 4 contest against the Indiana Pacers. With Luka Doncic (groin) in danger of missing this one, Washington could have been in line to see more scoring opportunities. But now that he's out again, Naji Marshall, averaging 12.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in three starts during the 2024-25 campaign, has streaming potential.

Luka Doncic Tue Nov 12 8:50pm

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (groin) is now considered a game-time decision heading into Tuesday's matchup with Golden State. The multi-time All-Star was initially listed as probable, so most assumed he'd be out there. However, he's in danger of missing his first game of the 2024-25 campaign. If Doncic can't get on the floor, Kyrie Irving would take over most of the ball-handling duties, with Spencer Dinwiddie and Jaden Hardy in line for more work and scoring chances.

Gary Trent Jr. Tue Nov 12 7:50pm

Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Trent Jr. (hip) is active on Tuesday night for Milwaukee's game against the Toronto Raptors. Trent will come off the bench and Ryan Hollis will get the start in place of the injured Damian Lillard. Trent has missed two games with a nagging hip issue but is now in a spot where he's able to play. Fantasy managers should expect moderate production out of the 25-year-old who has struggled from the three point line, an area he's generally strong at. DFS managers willing to take a risk on a cheap option may find more value out of Trent tonight compared to fantasy managers in traditional leagues.


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