NBA Player News

Yurtseven logged six points (3-6 FG, 0-3 3Pt), seven rebounds, two blocks and one steal in 27 minutes during Saturday's 105-100 win over the Pelicans.

Yurtseven ran with the opening unit Saturday, flirting with a double-double in the process. He has reminded everyone just what he can do when afforded meaningful minutes over the past week. However, with Walker Kessler returning from injury Saturday, opportunities could be about to dry up for Yurtseven. He is someone to monitor just in case he is handed a larger role at some point during the season, but until then, he can be safely left on the waiver wire in most leagues.

Kessler (elbow) supplied 11 points (5-10 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 1-1 FT), 11 rebounds, two blocks and one steal across 21 minutes during Saturday's 105-100 victory over the Pelicans.

Kessler returned to action Saturday following a seven-game absence and played 21 minutes off the bench. Despite the extended layoff, he got right back to business, producing a double-double with three combined steals and blocks. After a slow start to the season, managers will be hoping that Walker has had time to rest his elbow and will start to look more like the player from last season. Given what we saw from him here, Walker should once again be deployed in all leagues moving forward.

Bryant closed with two points (1-5 FG, 0-1 3Pt), one rebound and one steal over 13 minutes during Saturday's 112-97 loss to the Nets.

Bryant got the starting nod Saturday after Bam Adebayo was ruled out with an ongoing hip injury. Despite starting, Bryant was a non-factor, scoring two points in 13 minutes. He remains ahead of Orlando Robinson in the rotation for some reason, a strategy that could change at some point should the coaching staff decide to go with the common sense move.

Holmes will start Saturday's game against the Clippers.

Dereck Lively is sitting out with a back issue, but it sounds like he's day-to-day. Holmes played well Wednesday against the Lakers with four points, 10 rebounds, one assist and a block in 23 minutes, and he'll have a big opportunity to build some momentum Saturday.

Yurtseven is in the starting lineup to face the Pelicans on Saturday, Tony Jones of The Athletic reports.

Yurtseven has recorded more than 15 minutes in each of his last two outings off the bench, and he will replace Walker Kessler, who was originally listed as questionable with an elbow injury, in the starting unit. This will be the first start for Yurtseven in the current season.

Kessler (elbow) will be available off the bench Saturday against the Pelicans, Ben Anderson of KSL News Salt Lake City reports.

Kessler does not have specific restrictions, but coach Will Hardy made it sound like the decision to bring him off the bench was partially to keep his minutes in check. Regardless, Kessler's fantasy managers will be glad to have him back in lineups for his ability to swat shots at an elite level.

Ayton (back) is probable against the Bucks on Sunday.

Ayton has been able to practice since sitting out Wednesday's contest against the Jazz, and previous reports have indicated that he's expected to play Sunday. In his most recent game against the Suns on Tuesday, Ayton scored 18 points with eight rebounds, four assists, one block and one steal.

Eubanks (ankle) is listed as probable for Sunday's game against the Knicks.

Eubanks is dealing with a left ankle sprain, but all signs indicate that he'll be available. Eubanks suffered the injury during Wednesday's game against the Warriors. He's averaging 7.6 points and 4.5 rebounds per game off the bench.

Jokic is listed as probable for Sunday's game versus the Spurs due to low back pain.

Jokic has yet to miss a game this season and isn't expected to do so Sunday despite dealing with back pain. In the last nine games with Jamal Murray (hamstring) out, Jokic is averaging 28.8 points, 14.1 rebounds, 9.7 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.9 rebounds in 33.8 minutes.

Bryant is in the starting five for Saturday's game versus the Nets.

Bryant will replace Bam Adebayo (hip) in the starting lineup Saturday. Bryant is averaging 10.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals in 23.0 minutes across his previous two starts this season.