NBA Player News

Lopez chipped in 13 points (5-7 FG, 3-4 3Pt) and two rebounds over 29 minutes during Thursday's 118-117 win over the 76ers.

Lopez had his three-point stroke working in the Bucks' regular-season opener but failed to contribute outside of the scoring column. The veteran big man averaged 6.7 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game en route to finishing as a top-20 overall fantasy contributor in leagues with eight-category settings, so his lack of all-around production is a bit concerning. However, it's just one game, and the Bucks were clearly trying to acclimate recently-acquired Damian Lillard to the mix, so greener pastures should be in Lopez's future.

Embiid chipped in 24 points (9-21 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 3-8 FT), seven rebounds, six assists and one block over 36 minutes during Thursday's 118-117 loss to the Bucks.

The star big man didn't have his best performance as a scorer and struggled in terms of efficiency, both from the field and from the charity stripe, but he still posted a strong fantasy output due to his contributions in other categories. The reigning MVP is expected to have another massive year for Philadelphia, and his usage rate should climb even more compared to 2022-23 if James Harden remains away from the team due to his trade demands.

Huff (ribs) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Grizzlies, Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette reports.

Huff will be unavailable for a second consecutive game to begin the regular season as he continues to deal with a rib fracture. It's not yet clear when he'll be able to return, but his continued absence shouldn't significantly impact the Nuggets' rotation.

Koloko (illness) won't play in Friday's game versus the Bulls.

Koloko will miss his second straight game to start the season while he continues to recover from the respiratory condition that first cropped up during the Las Vegas Summer League. The Raptors haven't provided a clear timeline for Koloko's return, but he may not be included in the rotation when available.

Landale is out for Friday's game versus the Spurs while in the league's concussion protocol.

It's unclear when Landale suffered his concussion, but it will keep him out of Friday's contest. Boban Marjanovic will likely serve as the backup center to Alperen Sengun in his absence. Landale's next chance to suit up is Sunday's matchup with Golden State.

Claxton has been ruled out for Friday's game against Dallas due to a left ankle sprain.

Claxton had a solid performance during Wednesday's regular-season opener and was able to return to the matchup after heading to the locker room with an ankle injury. However, the issue will force him to miss at least one game. Day'Ron Sharpe should see an increased workload Friday, while Claxton's next chance to suit up will be Monday in Charlotte.

Allen (ankle) is out for Friday's game versus the Pacers.

Allen will miss his second straight game to begin the regular season due to a left ankle bone bruise. His next chance to suit up will be Saturday's matchup with Indiana, although it's not yet clear when he'll be able to return. Evan Mobley has filled in at center, with Isaac Okoro starting at power forward in Allen's absence.

Bassey racked up two points (1-1 FG), five rebounds, two assists and one steal across 13 minutes during Wednesday's 126-119 loss to the Mavericks.

Bassey had minimal shot volume off the bench Wednesday, but he was effective on the boards during the narrow defeat. The 22-year-old has limited fantasy upside during the 2023-24 campaign after the Spurs drafted Victor Wembanyama during the offseason, and he can be safely left on waiver wires as long as the team's frontcourt is healthy.

Kessler closed Wednesday's 130-114 loss to Sacramento with eight points (4-5 FG), eight rebounds and one block in 22 minutes.

Kessler tied for the fewest minutes of any starter for the Jazz on Wednesday, but he was still efficient from the floor and approached a double-double in the loss. The 22-year-old averaged 9.2 points and 8.4 rebounds in 23.0 minutes per game while shooting 72.0 percent from the floor as a rookie last year.

The Nets exercised Sharpe's fourth-year team option Thursday, Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News reports.

Sharpe came off the bench during Wednesday's regular-season opener against the Cavaliers and tallied four points, two rebounds and two blocks in 12 minutes. While his role off the bench could remain limited as the season progresses, Thursday's move will keep him under contract with the club through the 2024-25 campaign.