Spurs, Heat both trying to snap losing streaks
Sat Jan 18 12:21pm ET
Field Level Media
The Miami Heat, still in the middle of a Jimmy Butler controversy, are set to host the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday afternoon.
On the surface, the Spurs, at two games below .500, and the .500 Heat are similar.
Both teams entered this weekend just outside playoff position. And both teams are on losing streaks -- three games for Miami and two for San Antonio.
But while the Spurs are led by 21-year-old superstar Victor Wembanyama, the Heat -- from a spiritual standpoint -- are getting dragged down by the 35-year-old Butler, who has asked to be traded.
The Heat suspended Butler for seven games for what they termed "conduct detrimental to the team."
On Friday, Butler returned and produced 18 points, three rebounds and two assists in a 133-113 loss to the visiting Denver Nuggets.
It was hardly a vintage performance for a six-time All-Star, who just last season averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists.
Was Butler's low stat line on Friday due to rust from not having played since Jan. 2?
Was it a lack of effort for a player who has said he has lost his "joy" for the game?
Or is Butler declining due to his age and the 956 regular-season and playoff games he has played during his 14-year NBA career?
Butler offered few clues on Friday as he answered "no comment" when asked if the situation could be fixed.
He did say it felt good to play with his teammates again.
"These guys are cool -- they're my friends," Butler said. "My beef was never with them."
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, usually very friendly with the media, was a bit terse with some of his answers on Friday.
"I know what storylines you're looking for," Spoelstra said to a reporter. "I'm not feeding into that. We got our asses kicked (by Denver). From a defensive standpoint, it wasn't good enough, and that's three straight games."
Spoelstra also said that his "methods are none of your business."
Meanwhile, the Spurs are coming off two straight home losses to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Mitch Johnson, who is San Antonio's interim coach, is preaching patience.
"I think our guys are trying to make plays," said Johnson, who has stepped in for Gregg Popovich, who is out for the season due to health reasons.
Wembanyama has faced the Heat twice so far, and Miami won both times. In those two games, he averaged 18.0 points, 12.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists.
But after winning NBA Rookie of the Year last season, Wembanyama is even better in the current campaign. He is averaging 24.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and a league-leading 4.1 blocks per game.
At point guard, the Spurs are led by Chris Paul, who is nearly twice as old as Wembanyama. Paul, who turns 40 in May, is averaging 9.6 points and leads the team in assists (8.2) and steals (1.4).
The presence of Paul helps explain why the Spurs are so improved after finishing 22-60 in each of the past two seasons.
"He's seen everything on a basketball court," Johnson said of Paul. "To have someone like Chris, who probably has a better solution than I do ... is worth its weight in gold."
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Golden State Warriors small forward Kyle Anderson (hamstring) won't play on Saturday versus the Washington Wizards. The veteran forward will be out of action for the second consecutive contest. Anderson has played 33 games this season averaging 5.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game for the Warriors, shooting 44.3% from the floor and 37.3% from beyond the arc. Anderson's next chance to play will be on Monday against the Boston Celtics. The good news for the Warriors is that Draymond Green, who has been dealing with illness, is expected to return against the Wizards.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo (toe) won't play on Saturday versus Cleveland. The former Knick got off to a slow start to his tenure in Minnesota. However, he's played well of late, most recently amassing a season-high 28 points with nine assists and six boards in a recent game against the Warriors. Unfortunately, DiVincenzo will now miss his second consecutive contest because of a great toe sprain. Mike Conley, who filled the hole in the lineup in Friday's win over New York and ended the night with 13 points, will likely re-enter the starting lineup. Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Naz Reid should also see more work from off the bench.
Philadelphia 76ers forward Guerschon Yabusele (knee) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's matchup with the Indiana Pacers. The veteran is dealing with right knee swelling ahead of the game. It was reported by Keith Pompey that Yabusele along with Paul George, Kyle Lowry and KJ Martin didn't practice for the Sixers on Friday. Appearing in all 39 games for the Philadelphia 76ers so far, Yabusele has averaged 10.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. In games where Yabusele has played, the Philadelphia 76ers averages 107.2 points per game compared to 121 points when he is absent.
Philadelphia 76ers guard/forward Caleb Martin (groin) will remain out on Saturday against the Indiana Pacers. Martin is still dealing with a strained right groin injury and will miss his fourth consecutive contest. It was reported yesterday that Martin was a partial participant at practice while Andre Drummond was a full participant. Martin has played in 31 games this season, contributing an average of 9.1 points per game, 4.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. He will have the next chance to return on Sunday when Philadelphia faces the Milwaukee Bucks.
Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (back) has been added to the injury report ahead of Saturday's matchup with the Houston Rockets. He recently recorded 14 points and seven rebounds against the Los Angeles Clippers. But the 26-year-old is now in danger of missing this one because of low back soreness. With Donovan Clingan (ankle) already ruled out, Robert Williams III may find himself in the starting lineup if Ayton isn't available. If that's the case, Williams must be included in all fantasy lineups.
Phoenix Suns forward Bradley Beal (ankle) won't play on Saturday against the Pistons. The veteran was listed as doubtful, so fantasy managers already had a feeling this was coming. With Beal out again, Ryan Dunn will remain in the starting lineup, with the 22-year-old recently amassing 18 points, 11 rebounds, and one block versus the Washington Wizards.
Philadelphia 76ers point guard Kyle Lowry (hip) has been ruled out ahead of Saturday's game against the Indiana Pacers. Lowry will miss his seventh game due to a hip injury he is battling through. Alongside Lowry, the 76ers have several players sidelined, including Joel Embid (foot), Kenyon Martin Jr. (foot), and Caleb Martin (groin). The hip injury has been affecting Lowry since late December. His stats this season include an average of 4.4 points per game and 2.9 assists per game. Lowry's next chance to suit up will be on Sunday against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond (toe) will likely return to the lineup on Saturday against the Indiana Pacers, as the team lists him as probable for the contest. Drummond has missed the last six games due to his toe injury but was able to practice in full on Friday. This season, Andre Drummond has averaged 7.0 points and 7.9 rebounds per game. He has played in 25 games, starting in 13 of them. With Joel Embiid out again, there is a chance Drummond could land back in the starting five.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (calf) is questionable for Saturday's game against Minnesota. After missing 32 games last season, the 23-year-old has been sidelined for just two contests during the 2024-25 campaign. Not only that, he's also had the best year of his career, averaging 18.6 points with 8.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks while shooting 42.1% from deep. If Mobley doesn't suit up, Max Strus could find himself back in the starting lineup, with Dean Wade sliding over to the four spot. Georges Niang would presumably also see more action, giving all three players a bump in fantasy potential on Saturday. However, Mobley's absence will likely benefit Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, and Jarrett Allen the most.
Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (adductor) remains out heading into Saturday's meeting with the Celtics. The 19-year-old, who wasn't available in the win over the Bulls because of an adductor strain, has been inconsistent for fantasy managers this season, averaging 10.5 points and 3.5 rebounds. He's also shot just 28.1% from behind the arc. Until he's back on the floor, De'Andre Hunter (foot), who is probable, will likely fill the void in the lineup. Hunter played well in two starts this season, averaging 18.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.0 steals, giving him plenty of upside for fantasy managers. That will still apply even if he comes off the bench.
Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (groin) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Indiana Pacers. Fantasy managers are used to seeing him on the injury report. However, there's a chance his current ailment, groin tightness, keeps him off the floor versus the Pacers. Without question, Philly needs George out there, considering Joel Embiid (knee) will miss more time. In addition, Caleb Martin (hip) won't suit up, and Guerschon Yabusele (knee) is questionable. With that said, if George doesn't play, Tyrese Maxey should get as many scoring opportunities as he can handle, with players like Kelly Oubre Jr., Jeff Dowtin Jr., Justin Edwards, and Eric Gordon on tap for a bump in fantasy production.
Atlanta Hawks forward De'Andre Hunter (foot) is probable for Saturday's game in Boston. The 27-year-old was sidelined for recent meetings with Phoenix and Chicago due to foot soreness. Fortunately, it appears a two-game stint on the shelf is all that is needed for him to get back out there for the matchup with the Celtics. Jalen Johnson (shoulder) has a chance to return for this one. However, Hunter will still likely draw the start in place of Zaccharie Risacher (adductor), who remains out with an adductor strain. With that in mind, the Celtics have allowed 108.4 points per game this season, the sixth-best mark in the National Basketball Association, meaning anyone on the offensive end for the Hawks may not be as productive as usual. Still, Hunter is a capable fantasy starter for redraft managers, although his DFS value is limited because of the tough matchup on the horizon.
Bulls' C Nikola Vucevic recorded a double-double, scoring 40 points and grabbing 13 rebounds in a 123-125 loss to the Hornets on Friday, Jan. 17.
Denver's C Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double, finishing with 24 points, 10 assists and 12 rebounds in a 133-113 win over Miami on Friday, Jan. 17.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (foot) won't suit up versus the Spurs on Friday. The 25-year-old had 21 points, 12 assists, and two steals when the Grizzlies and Spurs met on Wednesday night, the first of back-to-back contests between the clubs. However, he popped up on the injury report due to foot soreness. Without Morant in the equation, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane are the favorites to lead the way offensively. But Scotty Pippen Jr., who will presumably enter the starting lineup, Jaylen Wells, and Santi Aldama are all worth streaming.
Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic (illness) won't play on Saturday in Detroit. The 30-year-old has missed the last five games because of an illness, although it's been reported the Suns are looking to move him. But with no teams interested in his services, at least at the moment, there's a chance he'll remain on the roster. However, Nurkic likely won't see playing time, even if he's cleared to play in the near future, considering Nick Richards, Mason Plumlee, and Oso Ighodaro are above him on the depth chart.
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (rib) is expected to play on Saturday versus the Celtics. He has been dealing with a rib contusion, keeping him off the floor for Wednesday's win over the Chicago Bulls. Keaton Wallace got the start in that one and finished with a game-high 27 points. However, with Young likely to return against Boston, Wallace probably won't be as productive, assuming he's active.
Phoenix Suns forward Bradley Beal (ankle) is doubtful ahead of Saturday's matchup with the Pistons. The veteran tweaked his ankle and wasn't available versus the Wizards on Thursday. But it appears he'll miss his 11th game of the 2024-25 campaign on Saturday night. Without him, Ryan Dunn will likely remain in the starting lineup, with the 22-year-old amassing 18 points, 11 rebounds, and one block against Washington. With double-digit scoring performances in the last four games, Dunn deserves starting consideration from fantasy managers for the meeting with Detroit.
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (knee) is upgraded to available ahead of Friday's game against the Miami Heat. Murray was listed on the injury report with left knee inflammation, but that isn't going to stop him from playing on Friday. The 27-year-old continues playing big minutes as he's averaging 35 minutes per game coming into Friday's contest. He won't be asked to shoulder as big of a workload on offense with Nikola Jokic (elbow) back in the mix. Fantasy managers can go ahead and get Murray active in their lineups ahead of tip-off.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (elbow) is officially active ahead of Friday's game against the Miami Heat. The superstar big man is back in the mix after missing Wednesday's game due to sprained elbow. There is no word on Jokic being limited, so fantasy managers should expect him to have his full workload on Friday. DeAndre Jordan will head back to his role of backup center and playing minutes in the teens, which keeps him off the fantasy radar. Fantasy managers can go ahead and get Jokic active in their lineups ahead of tip-off.
