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League suspends Naji Marshall, Jusuf Nurkic, P.J. Washington for altercation

Sat Dec 28 4:43pm ET
Field Level Media

The Dallas Mavericks' Naji Marshall has been suspended four games without pay and the Phoenix Suns' Jusuf Nurkic is suspended three games without pay for their altercation in a game on Friday night, the NBA announced Saturday.

Mavericks forward P.J. Washington was suspended one game without pay for escalating the fight by pushing Nurkic to the floor.

The incident started with 9:02 left in the third quarter of Dallas' 98-89 road victory over Phoenix. Nurkic committed an offensive foul and the center had words with Marshall. Nurkic swung his arm and hit the Mavericks forward on the top of his head, and Marshall retaliated by punching Nurkic in the face.

Game officials and players attempted to separate the players when Washington shoved Nurkic, who fell to the floor.


All three players were assessed technical fouls and ejected from the game. Marshall tried to "engage Nurkic in a hostile manner in the corridor outside the locker rooms," the NBA said in a statement.

Marshall will begin his suspension and Washington will serve his on Saturday night when the Mavericks visit the Portland Trail Blazers. Nurkic starts his suspension on Saturday night in a road game against the Golden State Warriors.

Marshall, 26, is averaging 10.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 23.2 minutes in 26 games (eight starts) this season. He has career averages of 7.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 19.9 minutes in 256 games (44 starts) with the New Orleans Pelicans (2020-24) and Mavericks.

Nurkic, 30, has averages of 8.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 24.3 minutes in 23 games (all starts) this season.

Chicago selected him 16th overall in the 2014 NBA Draft, and the Bulls traded him on draft day to the Denver Nuggets. Nurkic has career averages of 12.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 24.6 minutes in 562 games (481 starts) for the Nuggets (2014-17), Trail Blazers (2017-23) and Suns (2023-present).

Washington, 26, is averaging 12.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 32.4 minutes in 25 games (24 starts) this season.

The Charlotte Hornets selected him 12th overall in the 2019 draft out of Kentucky. Washington has career averages of 12.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 30.4 minutes in 358 games (288 starts) for the Hornets (2019-24) and Mavericks.

Player Notes
Isaiah Stewart Sat Dec 28 8:10pm

Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart (knee) is active ahead of Saturday's game against the Denver Nuggets. Stewart is back in the lineup after missing each of the last four games due to a hyperextended knee. His return to the lineup means that Paul Reed will see a reduced role and possibly fall out of the rotation completely. Jalen Duren should continue starting at the center spot with Stewart being his primary backup. Fantasy managers who have Stewart rostered can get him back in their lineups here.

LeBron James Sat Dec 28 8:10pm

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (illness) has been ruled out ahead of Saturday's game against the Sacramento Kings. The superstar forward was questionable coming into this game, but will sit out as the Lakers want to take the cautious approach here. Both Cam Reddish and Dalton Knecht should see expanded roles with James sidelined. Between the two, Knecht has more upside, but neither offer great streaming appeal for Saturday's slate.

Andre Drummond Sat Dec 28 8:00pm

Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond (toe) has been downgraded to out ahead of Saturday's game against the Utah Jazz. This was an interesting turns of events considering Drummond started the day as probable, but now won't suit up for Saturday's game. Normally, Drummond's status wouldn't mean much, but starting center Joel Embiid (foot) remains uncertain for this game. If Embiid sits, Guerschon Yabusele would likely be asked to play heavy minutes. He has been a productive fantasy option lately and is worth a look as a streaming option with an expanded role.

Robert Williams Sat Dec 28 7:50pm

Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Saturday's game against the Dallas Mavericks. The big man is set to miss his third game in a row due to a right ankle sprain. His absence isn't going to mean a ton with Deandre Ayton and Dovonan Clingan both healthy and active for this game. The next chance for Williams to get on the court will be Monday versus the Philadelphia 76ers. Clingan is likely to benefit the most on Saturday, but he hasn't done much with the extended playing time lately.

Toumani Camara Sat Dec 28 7:50pm

Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara (foot) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Dallas Mavericks. Camara will miss his first game of the season due to a left foot sprain. His absence leaves a decent sized hole to fill given Camara is averaging 30 minutes per game. Fellow forward Deni Avdija (back) remains a game-time decision, but he stands to gain solid fantasy value if active. Otherwise, Kris Murray and Rayan Rupert would see more run, but neither player is an ideal streaming option.

Jamal Murray Sat Dec 28 7:40pm

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (ankle) has been upgraded to available ahead of Saturday's game against the Detroit Pistons. Murray is dealing with an ankle sprain, but has been able to play nearly 40 minutes in each of the last two games. It doesn't appear to be something that is going to cause Murray to miss time or impact his performance on the court. Fantasy managers should feel comfortable leaving Murray in their lineups for Saturday's game. Murray is coming off a double-double on Friday and looks to keep it going against Detroit.

Draymond Green Sat Dec 28 7:30pm

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (back) is available ahead of Saturday's game against the Phoenix Suns. Green is returning to the lineup after sitting out Friday's game due to a lower back contusion. The return of Green should mean that Kyle Anderson heads back to the bench after playing 15 minutes on Friday. Green figures to return to his regular role for Saturday's contest. He hasn't been a great fantasy option, but his above average defensive ability does give him decent fantasy value.

Stephen Curry Sat Dec 28 7:20pm

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (knee) is available ahead of Saturday's game against the Phoenix Suns. The veteran guard sat out of Friday's contest versus the Los Angeles Clippers due to knee management. However, Curry is back in the mix for the second game of the back-to-back set. He figures to handle his regular workload in the backcourt. Curry is averaging 22.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 6.5 assists in 31 minutes per game this season. The return of Curry should mean that Buddy Hield heads back to the bench where he'll have less streaming appeal. Fantasy managers can go ahead and get Curry back in their lineups on Saturday.

Matas Buzelis Sat Dec 28 7:10pm

Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (illness) will be available for Saturday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks after missing one game due to illness. The rookie has had an up-and-down season, but his minutes off the bench have increased in recent games. He hasn't reached double digits in scoring since December 5th, when he had 11 points, but Buzelis has shown he is capable of contributing in a minimal role.

Jalen Smith Sat Dec 28 6:50pm

Chicago Bulls center Jalen Smith (ankle) will not play in Saturday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks due to a sore left ankle. Smith, who typically logs around 15 minutes per game, plays a key role in providing rebounding and defense off the bench. His next chance to return will be on Monday against the Hornets. With Smith sidelined, Torrey Craig is expected to step up and take on additional minutes backing up Nikola Vucevic at center.

Lonzo Ball Sat Dec 28 6:40pm

Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball (illness) is available for Saturday night's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Ball was sidelined for the previous two games due to illness, but he's set to return Saturday. Given his history with injuries, any appearance on the court is a welcome sight. This season, he's averaged 5.2 points, 3.6 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game. However, his production has been inconsistent, making it tough for fantasy managers to predict what he'll bring on a nightly basis.

Josh Giddey Sat Dec 28 6:30pm

Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (ankle) is available to play on Saturday against the Milwaukee Bucks. After missing the past four games due to an ankle injury, Giddey is ready to get back on the court. The 22-year-old has been solid this season, averaging 11.9 points, 6.9 assists, and 6.4 rebounds. Fantasy managers will be hoping he continues his recent form, having come close to a triple-double in each of his last three games.

Damian Lillard Sat Dec 28 6:20pm

Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (calf, illness) will return from a four-game absence for Saturday's meeting with the Chicago Bulls. The 34-year-old has played well this season, averaging 25.7 points, 7.5 assists, and 37.1% shooting from behind the arc. But with Giannis Antetokounmpo (illness) sidelined, Lillard could be even more productive, giving him added value for both redraft and DFS formats.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Sat Dec 28 6:20pm

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (illness) won't play on Saturday against the Bulls. Giannis is in the MVP conversation this season, averaging a career-high 32.7 points with 11.6 boards, 6.0 assists, and 1.5 blocks. However, he's missed the last three games. Without question, fantasy managers are hoping Antetokounmpo can get back on the floor on Tuesday versus the Pacers. Fortunately, Damian Lillard (calf, illness) is back, so that will help lessen the blow. Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis could also be in line for added fantasy production.

Jordan Poole Sat Dec 28 6:10pm

Washington Wizards guard Jordan Poole (hip) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the New York Knicks due to a bruised left hip. Poole has been a key offensive contributor this season, averaging 21.3 points and 31.6 minutes per game. With Poole sidelined, Malcolm Brogdon and Carlton Carrington are expected to start in the backcourt, while Johnny Davis could see increased minutes off the bench. His next opportunity to suit up will come Monday when the Wizards face the Knicks again.

Branden Carlson Sat Dec 28 5:00pm

Oklahoma City Thunder center Branden Carlson (concussion) is unavailable for Saturday's contest with the Charlotte Hornets due to a left-ankle sprain. Carlson is set to miss his sixth straight game but he might return on Sunday against the Memphis Grizzlies. Five days ago, the Oklahoma City Thunder announced that Carlson sustained a concussion during team practice and has been placed in the NBA's concussion protocol. Carlson wasn't part of the rotation before suffering the injury, so his absence shouldn't have any fantasy impact.

Ayo Dosunmu Sat Dec 28 4:50pm

Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu (calf) will miss time after suffering a calf strain in the December 23 matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks. He'll be re-evaluated in 10 days. Dosunmu is having the best season of his career, averaging 12.6 points and 4.8 assists. Without him, the team will look to Talen Horton-Tucker and Dalen Terry to absorb some of the minutes. However, neither can be trusted for consistent fantasy production.

Mark Williams Sat Dec 28 4:40pm

Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (thumb) will play versus OKC on Saturday night. The 23-year-old missed the start of the 2024-25 campaign due to a sore foot. But he's played well enough since returning, averaging 11.0 points and 6.3 assists. Williams might be even more productive with LaMelo Ball (wrist, ankle), Cody Martin (knee), and Brandon Miller (ankle) off the floor, although his presence will mean less work for Nick Richards.

Jalen Brunson Sat Dec 28 4:40pm

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (calf) remains questionable for Saturday's game in Washington. He has a sore calf. However, the former Maverick will warm up, with a decision to be made shortly after regarding his availability. If Brunson is not on the floor, Cameron Payne and Miles McBride could be in line for added production. Yet, if he's available, he's a must-start against one of the worst teams in the NBA.

Brandon Miller Sat Dec 28 4:30pm

Charlotte Hornets guard Brandon Miller (ankle) won't play on Saturday against the Thunder. The 22-year-old missed the three games leading up to Thursday's clash with the Washington Wizards. While Miller was back on the floor for that one, finishing with 18 points and nine assists, he'll now miss another game. With LaMelo Ball (wrist, ankle) and Cody Martin (knee) also out, the team will look to Miles Bridges to get it done on the scoring end, with Vasilije Micic and Josh Green both in line for more offensive opportunities.


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