

Thu Nov 6 1:56pm ET
Field Level Media
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has progressed to contact basketball activity and will be re-evaluated by team physicians in approximately one to two weeks, the team announced Thursday.
James was diagnosed with sciatica on his right side last month. Sciatica is pain in the sciatic nerve that goes down the lower back through the leg.
Despite the absence of James, the Lakers have won five in a row and are off to a 7-2 start to the season.
James, 40, has yet to begin his 23rd NBA season and his eighth with Los Angeles.
The No. 1 scorer in NBA history, James averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds per game last season. A 21-time All-Star and four-time NBA Most Valuable Player, he finished sixth in the MVP balloting and was named second-team All-NBA.
Clippers' G James Harden recorded a triple-double, finishing with 35 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds in a 102-105 loss to the Hawks on Monday, Nov. 10.
Phoenix Suns' G Grayson Allen scored 42 points on 12-of-17 shooting in a 121-98 win over the Pelicans on Monday, Nov. 10.
Detroit Pistons' G Cade Cunningham recorded a triple-double, finishing with 46 points, 11 assists and 12 rebounds in a 137-135 win over the Wizards on Monday, Nov. 10.
Washington Wizards' G CJ McCollum scored 42 points on 14-of-25 shooting in a 135-137 loss to Detroit on Monday, Nov. 10.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (toe) won't return to Monday's game against the Miami Heat. The 26-year-old didn't play in Saturday's win over the Chicago Bulls, the second of back-to-back games for the team. As expected, Garland returned for Monday's meeting with Miami. However, he suffered a toe injury during the contest and was ruled out, finishing with 11 points, five rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 19 minutes. Garland missed seven games to begin the 2025 campaign while recovering from toe surgery. Although it's still too early to tell, there's reason to believe he may at least miss the rematch with the Heat on Wednesday night. There should be an update on Tuesday regarding his condition. If Garland isn't out there on Wednesday, Donovan Mitchell will take over most of the ball-handling duties. Sam Merrill, Lonzo Ball, and Jaylon Tyson would also be in line for more work, with one of them likely to enter the starting lineup.
Brooklyn Nets center Day'Ron Sharpe (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Tuesday's game against the Toronto Raptors. The reserve big man left Sunday's game against the New York Knicks due to left hamstring tightness. Brooklyn re-signed him in free agency to remain part of their rebuilding youth movement. Sharpe has averaged 6.7 points and 5.3 rebounds in 15.9 minutes per game for the Nets so far this season. Starting center Nicolas Claxton could see more time on the court if the 24-year-old backup misses the game due to the in-season tournament games holding extra importance. Brooklyn may also use Noah Clowney, Jalen Wilson, and rookie Danny Wolf more if necessary. Sharpe is a limited fantasy option and should be expected to have his usual numbers if he does suit up vs Toronto.
Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser (wrist) is listed as probable for Tuesday's in-season tournament game against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Celtics already have a limited roster with Jayson Tatum (Achilles) out and many great players from last season traded away. Hauser has been called upon in some big moments this season, but he's only playing one minute more than last season at 22.7 minutes per game. The 27-year-old averages 7.5 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game for a team that needs currently help from everyone. Philadelphia allowing 118.5 points per game provides a nice fantasy matchup for Boston players with more team points expected. Hauser is likely going to play, but he'll have to get hot from three-point range to contribute strong from a fantasy perspective.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain (knee) is listed as available for Tuesday's game against the Boston Celtics. The second-year player has only played two games this season after last season's hot start ended with an injury. McCain looked like the early Rookie of the Year favorite in his first season to set high expectations for his return to the court. Unfortunately, limitations have seen him forced to sit out back-to-backs. Philadelphia has played the 21-year-old a total 24.0 minutes across the two games. McCain has yet to score with averages of 0.0 points, 0.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists this season. The 76ers have a loaded backcourt with Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe and Quentin Grimes making it hard to get the returning youngster easily involved. Philadelphia could opt to play McCain less minutes Tuesday with rotations stricter for the in-season tournament games.
Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams (finger) is listed as available for the Monday night matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. The sprained left finger led to a probable tag, but Williams was always expected to play in this game. Averages of 8.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game have made him a limited fantasy option off the bench. However, Josh Giddey's (ankle) absence due to an ankle injury will see Chicago needing everyone to step up with more points, rebounds, and assists available for all rotation players. Williams should have his highest upside on Monday and more minutes if the injury is not severe enough to limit his play. The bench play of the 24-year-old has led to the Bulls trusting him more, and Monday may be his most important game yet this season.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) is available for Monday's game versus the Dallas Mavericks. The probable tag led fantasy managers to believe the MVP candidate would be active, and it's been confirmed that he won't miss the second half of a back-to-back. Antetokounmpo is having another spectacular season, averaging 33.8 points, 12.3 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game, while shooting a career-best 63% from the field. Sunday's heartbreaking loss to the Houston Rockets saw the power forward call Monday's game a "must-win" in the post-game press conference to make this an enticing fantasy night. Extra motivation being expressed by an All-NBA player entering a game is always a positive. Milwaukee has shown that they have their best chance at winning when Antetokounmpo's usage is very high.
Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (ankle) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the San Antonio Spurs. Saturday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers saw Giddey fall to the floor after a crossover by De'Andre Hunter and injuring his ankle in a memorable moment. There was hope of the 23-year-old suiting up against San Antonio, but he will miss his first game of the season. Giddey has been Chicago's best player this season, with averages of 21.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 9.3 assists per game. Ayo Dosunmu will move into the starting lineup and should have a stronger fantasy upside with increased minutes. Other Bulls starters Nikola Vucevic, Matas Buzelis, and Tre Jones should also see a fantasy uptick due to Giddey's absence opening up more stats across the box score.
Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (ankle) will play against the Bucks. Gafford has been banged up all year. The 27-year-old began the 2025 campaign by missing the first five games because of a knee injury. He injured his ankle a few games ago, resulting in appearances on the injury report ever since. However, it hasn't been enough to keep Gafford off the floor. With that said, he has been limited to around 20-25 minutes per contest, so he's not safest fantasy option, even with Anthony Davis (calf) and Dereck Lively II (knee) ruled out. That will remain the case until Gafford proves he's healthy enough to handle more minutes.
Dallas Mavericks forward/center Anthony Davis (calf) remains out for Monday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. AD injured his calf in the win over the Indiana Pacers on October 29, ending his night after only six minutes of work. Unfortunately, he's not ready to return, so his next chance to get on the floor will be on Wednesday versus the visiting Phoenix Suns. Daniel Gafford (ankle) is available. However, he's been limited to 20-25 minutes per contest, severely restricting his fantasy value. Managers could see increased production out of P.J. Washington and Cooper Flagg. The same applies to Brandon Williams, Naji Marshall, Max Christie, and D'Angelo Russell.
Charlotte Hornets power forward Miles Bridges (back) is probable for Monday night's matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers. Bridges leads the Hornets with 34.4 MPG. His 20.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game remain a strong complement to LaMelo Ball. With Bridges likely to play, expect opportunities inside for Ryan Kalkbrenner as Bridges, Ball, and Kon Knueppel continue to space the floor and allow one-on-one looks inside. Charlotte has attempted 39.6 threes per game (10th in the league). Look for a high-scoring matchup as both the Hornets (119.4) and Lakers (116.8) rank in the bottom ten in defensive rating this season.
Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Austin Reaves (groin) has been upgraded to probable ahead of the team's Monday night matchup with the Charlotte Hornets. Reaves has been an integral piece of the team's 7-3 start to the season. He leads all Lakers with 37.9 minutes per game. The 27-year-old has averaged 31.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 9.3 assists, and 1.4 steals per game as he helps steer the ship until LeBron James (back) returns. Reaves should be started in all formats, as he continues to reward fantasy owners who took a chance on him coming into the season.
San Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet (ankle, shoulder) is listed as questionable for Monday night's matchup with the Chicago Bulls. The veteran big man hasn't played since October 24. Kornet is averaging eight points and eight rebounds through two appearances this season. The return of their backup center would give the Spurs more flexibility while superstar Victor Wembanyama rests. Kornet primarily plays as the team's reserve center, but has shared the floor with Wembanyama for a little more than 12 minutes of his 50 minutes played this season, giving the team a true "twin towers" lineup when they choose to utilize it.
Utah Jazz forward Taylor Hendricks (hamstring) is questionable for Monday night's matchup with the Timberwolves due to hamstring soreness. Hendricks has appeared in all nine games this season, starting three. While the 22-year-old has been a consistent part of the lineup, he is playing just 16.4 minutes per game, averaging 4.4 points and 4.2 rebounds. Ace Bailey and Kyle Anderson may see extra minutes if Hendricks is limited. The Jazz' last matchup with Minnesota came on Friday when they suffered a 137-97 defeat.
Orlando Magic point guard Jalen Suggs (knee) will not be available for the second leg of their back-to-back on Monday night against the Portland Trail Blazers. The team is opting to rest Suggs in an attempt to manage his ongoing left knee injury. The 24-year-old is averaging 12.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.9 steals per game this season. Expect to see increased minutes for Anthony Black and Tyus Jones in a juicy matchup. The Trail Blazers currently have the second-highest pace (105.9) this season, which should maximize possessions for this game.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Taurean Prince (neck) is expected to miss an extended period of time after being diagnosed with a herniated disc in his neck. Prince last appeared on Nov. 4 and was originally believed to be recovering from a neck sprain. Prince has appeared in eight games this season, averaging 6.1 points and 1.6 rebounds over 21.1 minutes per game. Prince has been locked in from deep this season, shooting 42.9% from three. Several players could benefit from increased minutes, including Kyle Kuzma, Bobby Portis, and Amir Coffey.
Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (hamstring) remains sidelined but continues to ramp up toward his season debut, according to coach Rick Carlisle. The veteran has been out since straining his hamstring in early October, and recent workouts indicate he's getting close to returning. His presence would be a welcome boost for an injury-hit Pacers squad still missing Bennedict Mathurin (foot), Obi Toppin (foot), Johnny Furphy (ankle), and Quenton Jackson (hamstring). McConnell's steady playmaking and defensive activity should immediately help stabilize Indiana's second unit. Last season, he averaged 9.1 points, 4.4 assists, and 1.1 steals in under 18 minutes per game while shooting 52 percent from the field. Fantasy managers in deeper 9-cat formats should consider stashing him now, as his efficiency and steals upside can quietly provide category-winning value once he's back.
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