Thu Feb 6 7:47pm ET
Field Level Media
LeBron James and Anthony Davis will be teammates once again -- not with the Los Angeles Lakers, but on "Team Shaq" in the 2025 All-Star Game.
"Inside the NBA" analysts Shaquille O'Neal, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley on Thursday drafted the teams for which they're serving as honorary captains in the All-Star Game's new format.
O'Neal picked James with the first overall choice. Smith picked Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards second overall.
"Team Chuck" has plenty of size with former MVPs Nikola Jokic (third overall pick) and Giannis Antetokounmpo along with Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns and Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama. This will be Wembanyama's first All-Star Game.
O'Neal added former MVPs Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and James Harden, but his most intriguing decision was to take Davis with his third selection. James and Davis won a championship together with the Lakers in 2020, but Los Angeles has struggled since, and Davis was shipped to Dallas in a stunning trade for Luka Doncic over the weekend.
NBA scoring leader Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (32.8 points per game) is on Team Chuck.
The event is shifting to a four-team tournament with a pair of semifinal games and a final. The fourth team, made up of the best first- and second-year players and G League stars, will be called Team Candace and captained by WNBA legend Candace Parker.
The All-Star Game will be played Feb. 16 in San Francisco.
The full rosters are below, in order of player selection:
Team Shaq:
LeBron James, L.A. Lakers
Stephen Curry, Golden State
Anthony Davis, Dallas
Jayson Tatum, Boston
Kevin Durant, Phoenix
Damian Lillard, Milwaukee
James Harden, L.A. Clippers
Jaylen Brown, Boston
Team Kenny:
Anthony Edwards, Minnesota
Jalen Brunson, New York
Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis
Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City
Darius Garland, Cleveland
Evan Mobley, Cleveland
Cade Cunningham, Detroit
Tyler Herro, Miami
Team Chuck:
Nikola Jokic, Denver
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City
Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio
Pascal Siakam, Indiana
Alperen Sengun, Houston
Karl-Anthony Towns, New York
Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (calf) is questionable for Monday's game against the Utah Jazz. Although he's not a lock to suit up, at least according to the official NBA injury report, multiple reports suggests he'll be out there on Monday night. Doncic hasn't played since the Mavs' loss to the Timberwolves on Christmas Day. As a result, he could see a reduced workload, at least for a few games. However, Doncic is a must-start in all fantasy formats, especially since he will be eager for an impressive showing in his Lakers debut.
According to Lisa Salters of ESPN and ABC, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) may need another surgery. While the organization hasn't reported this, it appears the 2023 NBA MVP is gearing up for another surgery to address a nagging left knee issue that has been ailing him for quite some time. It's unknown if and when a procedure could take place. But it appears the knee injury is more severe than initially believed. Embiid has only appeared in 15 games this season and was listed as questionable heading into Sunday's loss to the Detroit Pistons. For now, fantasy managers should expect occasional time off for Embiid, at least for the foreseeable future. But it's definitely something to monitor in the weeks and months ahead.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (hip) is questionable for Monday's game in Cleveland. Edwards missed the February 1 loss to the Washington Wizards because of an illness, his first absence of the 2024-25 campaign. However, he missed Saturday's meeting with the Portland Trail Blazers because of a sore hip. As a result, Nickeil Alexander-Walker entered the starting lineup and ended with 21 points. Yet, it was Jaden McDaniels who led the way, with the 24-year-old finishing with a game-high 30 points. If Edwards remains on the shelf, both Alexander-Walker and McDaniels could continue to see an uptick in production.
Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (ankle) is questionable for Monday's game against the visiting Kings. Washington returned for Saturday's win over the Rockets after missing three games. But he logged only 16 minutes due to a sprained ankle. With Anthony Davis (Adductor) sidelined, Washington could move back to the four spot if he's available. But either way, it appears Naji Marshall, who had 16 points on Saturday, could find his way back into the starting lineup.
Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (Adductor) won't play on Monday night versus Sacramento. AD made his Mavericks debut on Saturday versus the Rockets. He had an excellent showing, amassing 26 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks. Unfortunately, Davis suffered an Adductor strain in that one and was ruled out for the remain of the contest. It's unknown how much time he'll miss. If P.J. Washington (ankle) suits up, he'll likely slide back to the four spot. But if Washington is also out, Naji Marshall, who had 16 points on Saturday, should continue to benefit from an offensive standpoint.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (finger) is questionable for Monday's matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He didn't suit up for Saturday's victory over the Portland Trail Blazers because of a finger injury. As a result, Rob Dillingham entered the starting lineup, finishing with eight points, six assists, and two steals in 23 minutes of work. If Conley remains sidelined on Monday night, Dillingham will presumably remain at the one. However, Anthony Edwards' (hip) potential return could significantly cap the rookie's fantasy potential.
Milwaukee Bucks' G Damian Lillard scored 43 points on 14-of-27 shooting in a 135-127 win over the 76ers on Sunday, Feb. 9.
Detroit's G Cade Cunningham recorded a triple-double, finishing with 19 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds in a 112-102 win over the Hornets on Sunday, Feb. 9.
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (ankle) is available for Sunday's matchup with Charlotte. He wasn't available for Friday's win over the 76ers. As a result, Malik Beasley entered the starting lineup and finished with 36 points, a career-high. But with Cunningham back in the Mix, Beasley will head back to the bench, which should lower his fantasy potential.
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (ankle) won't play on Sunday against Detroit. In Friday's win over the San Antonio Spurs, the 23-year-old had 24 points and 10 assists. He popped up on Sunday's injury report due to ankle soreness, so it seems there's a good chance he'll be back on Monday in Brooklyn. With Nick Smith Jr. (back) also sidelined, Miles Bridges should take over as Charlotte's top offensive option. In addition, KJ Simpson, who had 15 points, three assists, and one steal in his only start of the season, definitely deserves starting consideration in all fantasy setups.
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo will be sidelined for 2-3 weeks because of a calf strain. The injury will also force him to miss the All-Star game. The 30-year-old has already been sidelined for four games. However, the last revelation from Haynes certainly is even worse news for fantasy managers. Without Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis will likely remain in the starting lineup at the four. Portis has played well while Antetokounmpo has been out, even more so in the last two games, combining for 49 points, 32 rebounds, four blocks, and two steals, giving him added value from a fantasy standpoint.
Detroit Pistons guard Dennis Schroder (trade pending) is available for Sunday's matchup with the Hornets. The veteran has bounced around the National Basketball Association this season, suiting up for the Nets and Warriors before getting shipped to the Pistons ahead of the deadline. While he could have a rough time finding consistent minutes in Detroit, he should at least overthrow Marcus Sasser for the spot behind Cade Cunningham (ankle). With that said, Schroder should have spells of efficiency moving forward, although he likely won't be a consistent fantasy performer. Unfortunately, his ceiling might decrease significantly if Jaden Ivey (leg) can work his way back from a broken Fibula.
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Pistons. He had 24 points and 10 assist in Friday's narrow win over the San Antonio Spurs. However, the 23-year-old is now in danger of missing Sunday's contest because of ankle soreness. If Ball isn't available, KJ Simpson, who had 15 points, three assists, and one steal in his only start of the season, is worth streaming. Simpson will also draw interest from DFS managers, even more so if Nick Smith Jr. (back) can't get on the floor.
Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (ankle) isn't available for Sunday's clash with the Toronto Raptors. He injured his right ankle during the February 1 encounter against the Brooklyn Nets. As a result, the 30-year-old has missed the last four games. Without him, Amen Thompson should continue to handle most of the duties at the one spot, giving him a bump in usage and production. Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green should also see more scoring chances without VanVleet on the floor, with Cam Whitmore, coming off a seven-point, four-rebound effort in Saturday's loss to Dallas, remaining more involved from off the bench.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) won't play on Sunday versus the visiting 76ers. He'll now miss his fourth-straight game because of a calf strain. In the meantime, Bobby Portis will presumably remain at the four spot. Portis has surged while Antetokounmpo has been on the shelf, especially in the last two games, combining for 49 points, 32 rebounds, four blocks, and two steals. As such, the 29-year-old has an excellent chance to remain even more productive against a Philadelphia team that could be without Joel Embiid (knee).
New Orleans' F Zion Williamson scored 40 points on 16-of-21 shooting in a 118-123 loss to Sacramento on Saturday, Feb. 8.
Celtics' F Jayson Tatum scored 40 points on 13-of-26 shooting in a 131-104 win over New York on Saturday, Feb. 8.
Lakers' G Austin Reaves scored 45 points on 14-of-26 shooting in a 124-117 win over the Pacers on Saturday, Feb. 8.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the trade between the Lakers and Hornets involving center Mark Williams and guard Dalton Knecht was rescinded. The deal was contingent on both players passing a physical. While Knecht had a clean bill of health, it was a different story for Williams. Per Charania, the Lakers medical staff discovered "multiple issues" during his exam, none of which were related to his previous back issue. As far as Knecht is concerned, he'll head back to Los Angeles, a team that recently acquired Luka Doncic (calf) from the Mavericks in exchange for Anthony Davis (abdomen). The 23-year-old hasn't been a consistent fantasy option. But he has at least averaged 14.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and shot 39.3% from deep in 12 starts. With that in mind, redraft managers likely won't receive routine production from Knecht moving ahead, although he should have at least a few solid outings before the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the trade between the Lakers and Hornets involving center Mark Williams and forward Dalton Knecht was voided. Both teams agreed on the deal ahead of the deadline. However, it was contingent on both players passing a physical. Per Charania, Williams failed his physical, with the Lakers medical staff finding "multiple issues," none of which were related to his pre-existing back injury. It's unknown if Williams is healthy enough to play. But if he is sidelined, Jusuf Nurkic, who was acquired by the Hornets from the Suns, and Moussa Diabate will handle things in the middle.
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