NBA continues tradition of Election Day pause
Wed Nov 6 12:13pm ET
Field Level Media
Observing Election Day with a clear schedule is a tradition the NBA plans to continue.
Commissioner Adam Silver was encouraged by multiple prominent coaches to avoid playing games on national Election Day every two years to allow employees, including league staff, team workers and coaches and players, to exercise their right to vote. Silver was a strong supporter of the approach and extended voter engagement efforts led by Warriors head coach Steve Kerr and Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich.
"The scheduling decision came out of the NBA family's focus on promoting nonpartisan civic engagement and encouraging fans to make a plan to vote during midterm elections," the league said of the 2022 policy.
Bucks guard Damian Lillard advised voters to understand their responsibility goes beyond one day at the ballot box.
"Pay attention. Get informed," he said in a recorded interview aired by the NBA last week.
Spurs guard Chris Paul and Lakers forward LeBron James became vocal leaders in the league's outreach to voters in 2020 as part of the concerted effort to shed light on initiatives to address racial inequality. Paul said in a "Get Out the Vote" campaign ad running during NBA games the past two weeks: "Voting is a team sport. Take people with you."
Rockets forward Jeff Green said elections are important to him as a chance to "help put people who are less fortunate in a better position."
Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma said it's important for first-time voters to understand they "shape the future."
Only four games have been played on Election Day in November since 2018.
Kerr was a speaker at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August. He said Monday that Election Day should be viewed as significant and important no matter which side of the political fence a voter stands on.
"Get out and vote tomorrow. Pick who you want to vote for," Kerr said. "But understand that these elections are legitimate. They're real. It's never been an issue, ever, in my lifetime, not a single instance of anybody even thinking that the elections weren't legitimate until the convicted felon who's running for office again decided to conjure up all this stuff to put fear in the air, which is a direct threat to our system and our democracy."
- Four-time All-Star Paul Millsap officially retires
- Return on hold for Lakers F Jarred Vanderbilt
- NBA roundup: Wolves limit Lakers to 80 points
- Hornets star LaMelo Ball (calf) out at least two weeks
- Lakers C Jaxson Hayes (ankle) out 2-3 weeks
- Nuggets' Russell Westbrook fined $35K for obscene gesture
- NBA roundup: Rockets edge Thunder in battle of top 2 West teams
- NBA roundup: Giannis Antetokounmpo's triple-double lifts Bucks to 6th straight win
- NBA roundup: Anthony Edwards, Wolves edge Clippers
- NBA roundup: Hawks send Cavs to first home loss
- NBA roundup: Damian Lillard hoists banged-up Bucks over Heat
- NBA roundup: Kristaps Porzingis returns as Celtics club Clippers
- Suns expect Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal to play vs. Lakers
- G Ja Morant set to return Monday for Grizzlies
- Rockets G Fred VanVleet fined $50K for late-game outburst
- Pelicans G Dejounte Murray to return Wednesday
- Kristaps Porzingis to make season debut Monday
- NBA roundup: Heat turn back Mavericks in OT
- Hornets F Grant Williams (knee) out for season
- NBA roundup: LaMelo Ball scores 50 in Hornets' loss to Bucks
Los Angeles Lakers forward/centerAnthony Davis(foot) is listed as probable for Wednesday's matchup against the Miami Heat. Davis, as usual, is expected to play through his foot issues. He's suited up for 20 of 21 games so far this season, averaging 27.8 points and 11.5 rebounds. However, he has failed to reach the 20-point mark in four of the last six contests.
Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall (illness) will miss Tuesday's matchup versus the Trail Blazers, marking his second-straight absence. The former Pelican had been starting, mostly while Klay Thompson (foot) sat on the shelf. He has played well in such opportunities, averaging 13.1 points and 4.0 rebounds. But with Thompson returning for this one, Marshall's ceiling would have dropped significantly, although his absence will continue to keep Spencer Dinwiddie involved.
Dallas Mavericks forward Klay Thompson (foot) will play on Tuesday night versus Memphis after missing the last four games because of plantar fasciitis in his left foot. The former Golden State Warrior has struggled to find his footing in his first season with the Mavs, averaging 13.2 points, the second-lowest of his career. He'll likely bounce back at some point. But fantasy managers should lower their expectations for at least a game or two, especially since Thompson is coming off a four-game layoff. With Naji Marshall (illness) out, Spencer Dinwiddie, coming off a 20-point showing in Sunday's win over the Portland Trail Blazers, is still worth considering for fantasy lineups.
Philadelphia 76ers forward Caleb Martin (back) is available ahead of Tuesday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. Martin is back in the mix following a two-game absence due to back soreness. He'll head to the bench with Kenyon Martin Jr. getting the starting nod on Tuesday. Martin is coming off a 19-point game across 27 minutes during his last game. He figures to lose some minutes here, but could still be worth a look as a low-end streaming option.
Los Angeles Lakers guardAustin Reaves(pelvis) is listed as questionable and could miss his third consecutive contest on Tuesday due to a left pelvic contusion. If the 26-year-old is unable to suit up against the Heat, D'Angelo Russell will likely be in the starting five after he 20 points, three rebounds, five assists, and one steal across 34 minutes during Monday's 109-80 loss to the Timberwolves.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (ankle) will make his return to the court for Tuesday's game against the Washington Wizards. Wade is back in the mix following a six-game absence due to a left ankle sprain. His return won't mean too much with the Cavs mostly healthy at the forward spot. Wade figures to resume his role playing in the teens, which doesn't result in much fantasy value. Isaac Okoro and Georges Niang are likely to see a few less minutes with Wade returning.
Philadelphia 76ers guards Kyle Lowry (hip) and Reggie Jackson (knee) are both available ahead of Tuesday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. Lowry will make his return to the court after missing each of the last five games due to a hip strain. The veteran guard is averaging 24 minutes per game, but also had two scoreless outings in two of his last three games. That being said, Lowry isn't too appealing of a streaming option right now. As for Jackson, he'll likely return to his bench role which is normally only minutes in the teens, which won't be enough to give viable streaming value.
Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (foot) will make his season debut against the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday. This will be the first time that Williams has played since December of 2023. Fantasy managers should expect Williams to be under heavy minute restriction. He figures to be eased into action for quite some time, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect Williams to be a great fantasy option right away. He figures to split up the center minutes with Nick Richards. For now, Richards is the better streaming option, but Williams should be a strong option once he's back up to full speed.
Utah Jazz forward/centerMicah Potter (illness) has been downgraded to doubtful for Tuesday's matchup with the Thunder. The Jazz have been shorthanded lately, so Potter has played for at least 13 minutes in three consecutive contests. With the 26-year-old likely sidelined, players like Drew Eubanks, Brice Sensabaugh, and Svi Mykhailiuk could potentially see more playing time. However, they will not be factors in fantasy during Tuesday's contest.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome (illness) has been ruled out ahead of Tuesday's game against the Washington Wizards. Jerome will head to the sideline for the first time this season. His absence will free up additional playing time behind Darius Garland. This should result in more playing time for Craig Porter Jr. and possibily Caris LeVert sees more minutes as well. LeVert is already averaging 24 minutes per game, so a few more minutes should give him an uptick in fantasy value for Tuesday's slate.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) is available ahead of Tuesday's game against the Detroit Pistons. As expected, Antetokounmpo will play after being listed as probable on the injury report. The expectation is that Antetokounmpo will have a normal workload in this game. Antetokounmpo has been battling through tendinitis in his knee throughout the season. Despite that, he continues to suit up and play at an elite level. Fantasy managers can feel safe getting Antetokounmpo back in their lineups on Tuesday.
According to Aaron Rose of SI.com, Toronto Raptors guardGradey Dick(calf)will not suit up against the Pacers on Tuesday. Before suffering a left calf contusion, the 21-year-old averaged 18.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 2.3 three-pointers in over 32 minutes per contest. In Dick's absence, Ja'Kobe Walterwill likely start once again, as he's made an impression by posting 12 points and three rebounds in 17 minutes against Miami on Sunday.
Miami Heat have ruled out forward Nikola Jovic (ankle) and center Kel'el Ware (G-League assignment) for Wednesday's matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers. Key players Jimmy Butler (knee), Kevin Love (back), and Josh Richardson (illness) are all listed as questionable, adding uncertainty to Miami's rotation. Jovic, who averages 7.7 points per game, will be a notable absence, for Miami Heat's offense and dealing a blow to fantasy managers. Butler's potential return would provide a significant boost to Miami's offense, while the statuses of Love and Richardson could open the door for other players to make an impact.
According to Eric Nehm of The Athletic, Milwaukee Bucks forwardGiannis Antetokounmpo(knee) remains probable and will likely play against the Pistons on Tuesday. Antetokounmpo participated in the team's morning shootaround, which is a good sign he will be on the court this evening. The 29-year-old has been playing exceptionally well recently, averaging 38.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 9.0 assists during his last four appearances. He's also been on fire from the field, shooting 63 percent.
The Milwaukee Bucks announced guard MarJon Beauchamp (neck) has been downgraded to questionable for Tuesday's contest with the Detroit Pistons due to neck spasms. Beauchamp has also been dealing with a lingering hamstring issue that has caused him to only suit for nine of the 18 Bucks games this season. The 24-year-old averages 1.6 points while playing under five minutes per contest, making him not a strong option for fantasy managers.
On Tuesday, Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (calf) is available to play against the San Antonio Spurs. He's been dealing with a calf injury that caused him to miss Saturday's game against Golden State. The 31-year-old has performed well when available this season, averaging 18.2 points per game. With the Suns' top players healthy, Beal is expected to make a significant impact in fantasy this evening.
Golden State Warriors forwardDraymond Green(calf) is unavailable for Tuesday's matchup with the Nuggets in the Mile High City. Green hasn't been able to practice this week due to calf tightness. With the 34-year-old sidelined, Jonathan Kuminga andKyle Anderson will likely see an uptick in minutes on the court. However, neither player has been a viable fantasy option so far this season.
Portland Trail Blazers point guard Scoot Henderson (quadriceps) carries a questionable tag on the injury report ahead of Tuesday's clash against the Clippers. He has played in only one of the Trail Blazers' last six games. Dalano Banton looks set to get extended action again if Henderson doesn't return on Tuesday. He has averaged 10.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.2 steals across the past five games. However, Banton has been very inconsistent in the scoring department, reaching double figures only twice during the stretch.
Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (concussion) will miss a fourth consecutive game on Tuesday versus the Clippers. He hasn't traveled to Los Angeles as Williams III remains in concussion protocol. Donovan Clingan (knee) is also currently out, giving Deandre Ayton a big workload. During the team's frontcourt injury crisis, Deni Avdija has also logged some minutes as a center. The Portland centers should be in for a good night on Tuesday, as the Clippers give up the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing fives.
Sacramento Kings guard/forward Kevin Huerter (ankle) has been labeled as questionable for Tuesday's battle against Houston. He has just missed his third game of the season due to an ankle sprain. With Huerter absent on Sunday versus San Antonio, Malik Monk made his first start of the season. He provided a full line in 37 minutes of action, scoring 19 points with seven rebounds, six assists, one steal, and one block. Huerter practiced fully on Monday, which signals that there's a good chance he will return against the Rockets. However, Kings head coach Mike Brown suggested on Sunday that Monk may continue to roll with the starters, which will be a big blow to Huerter's fantasy value.
