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Chauncey Billups pleads not guilty in rigged poker case

Mon Nov 24 12:19pm ET
Field Level Media

Portland Trail Blazers coach and basketball Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups pleaded not guilty Monday in a Brooklyn federal courthouse to charges of conspiring with the mafia to rig illegal poker games.

Billups was arrested on Oct. 23 and accused of helping to lure players into games where high-tech equipment allegedly was used to cheat them out of millions of dollars.

He pleaded not guilty to charges of wire fraud, conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy at his arraignment in front of U.S. District Judge Ramon Reyes. He faces a maximum punishment of 20 years in prison if convicted.

Billups has been free on bond since his initial court appearance in Oregon last month.


According to prosecutors, Billups served as a celebrity "face card" to help draw wealthy players to poker games in such locations as New York, Las Vegas, Miami and the Hamptons. Hidden cameras, X-ray machines and marked cards allegedly were used to defraud players of an estimated $7 million.

After one crooked poker game in October 2020, for example, prosecutors said Billups received a $50,000 wire from the scheme's mob-affiliated organizers.

Billups, 49, is in his fifth season coaching the Trail Blazers and currently is suspended without pay. Tiago Splitter is serving as Portland's interim coach.

Billups played 17 years in the NBA, winning a championship as the Finals MVP with the Detroit Pistons in 2004. The five-time All-Star guard entered the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2024.

Billups coached the Blazers to a combined 117-211 (.357) record in his first four seasons from 2021-22 to 2024-25.

Player Notes
Jett Howard Sun Nov 23 11:00pm

Orlando's G Jett Howard scored 30 points on 11-of-23 shooting in a 129-138 loss to Boston on Sunday, Nov. 23. Howard is owned in very few, if any leagues.

Aaron Gordon Sun Nov 23 7:10pm

Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (hamstring) will miss at least four to six weeks after being diagnosed with a Grade 2 right hamstring strain, removing one of Denver's key frontcourt pieces for the foreseeable future. Gordon was producing 18.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.2 blocks in 28.3 minutes on 53.2 percent shooting before the injury, making him an IL stash in most formats. Peyton Watson steps in as the primary replacement and should see a clear bump in minutes, while Cameron Johnson gains added stability across scoring and rebounding. With Christian Braun (ankle) also out, Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. remain viable short-term streamers for threes, points, and supplemental defensive stats.

Anthony Davis Sun Nov 23 6:00pm

Dallas Mavericks forward/center Anthony Davis (calf) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's matchup with Miami, keeping his availability very much in question after already missing a lengthy stretch. Davis has appeared in only five games for Dallas but has delivered strong production when available, posting 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.2 blocks in 30.0 minutes on 52.0 percent shooting. His limited durability remains the primary concern for fantasy managers, as another missed game reinforces the need for contingency plans at center. P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford gain stability in the frontcourt, while Dereck Lively II's (foot) continued absence further concentrates minutes among the remaining bigs.

Ryan Dunn Sun Nov 23 5:40pm

Phoenix Suns forward Ryan Dunn (wrist) has been ruled out for Sunday's meeting with the Spurs, marking his first missed game of the season after being downgraded from questionable. Dunn has been a steady defensive presence, averaging 8.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.7 blocks in 24.1 minutes while shooting 47.8 percent from the field and 34.0 percent from deep. His on-ball disruption remains his most bankable fantasy trait, highlighted by multiple multi-steal outings throughout the month. With Dunn unavailable, Dillon Brooks and Royce O'Neale take on additional wing responsibilities, and Isaiah Livers profiles as a deeper-league three-and-D streaming option for managers seeking short-term production.

Goga Bitadze Sun Nov 23 5:40pm

Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze (ankle) was ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Celtics. Wendell Carter Jr. (ankle) wasn't available, so Bitadze was in line to take over at the five. However, the 26-year-old developed ankle soreness, resulting in him being scratched after the team had already announced he would be in the starting lineup. Orlando Robinson ended up taking his spot in the rotation. Fantasy managers will now have to wait and see if either Carter or Bitadze will be back on the floor for Tuesday's NBA Cup clash with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Robert Williams Sun Nov 23 5:10pm

Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game in Oklahoma City due to knee maintenance. Williams has averaged 4.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks in 12.8 minutes this season, and his last five games included 5.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks on 60.9 percent shooting. With Williams sidelined and Donovan Clingan (knee) available to start, Portland will consolidate its interior workload around Clingan, who has been a steady rebounder and finisher. Yang Hansen and Duop Reath profile as deep-league streamers for rebounds and blocks, while Deni Avdija and Jerami Grant could absorb extra minutes in smaller lineups if Portland adjusts its rotation.

Donovan Clingan Sun Nov 23 5:10pm

Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (ankle) has been upgraded to available for Sunday's game in Oklahoma City, while Robert Williams III (knee) has been ruled out, solidifying Clingan as the clear centerpiece of Portland's interior rotation. Clingan has been in strong form recently, averaging 14.6 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks over his past five games, including a 22-point, 10-rebound showing in his last outing. With Williams sidelined, Clingan should handle a heavier dose of minutes and defensive responsibility, giving him a stable path to rebounds and blocks with some scoring upside. Yang Hansen and Duop Reath remain deep-league contingency streamers, while Deni Avdija and Jerami Grant could see occasional small-ball frontcourt usage if Portland adjusts matchups.

Anthony Black Sun Nov 23 5:00pm

Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black will start in Sunday's meeting with the Celtics. Jalen Suggs (knee) will take the night off to rest after logging 32 minutes in Saturday's win over the New York Knicks, opening the door for Black to get some extra action. The 21-year-old has started three times this season, averaging 15.3 points, 1.3 steals, and 1.0 blocks. However, with Paolo Banchero (groin) and Wendell Carter Jr. (ankle) also out, Black might be more productive, giving him plenty of upside for fantasy managers.

Bogdan Bogdanovic Sun Nov 23 4:50pm

Los Angeles Clippers guard/forward Bogdan Bogdanovic (hip) has been ruled out for Sunday's meetings with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The team has downgraded his status from questionable to out. A left hip contusion will keep Bogdanovic sidelined for a second consecutive game. Due to Bradley Beal's (hip) injury, Bogdanovic has had a much larger role in the Clippers' rotation lately, averaging 28.0 minutes a night. His absence from the lineup means more minutes for Cam Christie, who missed a double-double by just two points and one rebound in Saturday's victory over the Charlotte Hornets.

Goga Bitadze Sun Nov 23 4:50pm

Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze will start in Sunday's meeting with the Celtics. With Wendell Carter Jr. (ankle) sidelined, Bitadze will make his first start of the 2025 campaign. He played well in his 42 starts last season, averaging 9.1 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks. With that in mind, the 26-year-old may be even more productive on Sunday night, considering Jalen Suggs (knee) and Paolo Banchero (groin) won't suit up. Fantasy managers can consider Bitadze for all formats.

Tre Mann Sun Nov 23 4:40pm

Charlotte Hornets guard Tre Mann (ankle) has been upgraded to available for Sunday's contest against the Atlanta Hawks, meaning he is ready to end a two-game absence. Mann has missed a pair of games due to a sore left ankle. With LaMelo Ball (ankle) and Brandon Miller (shoulder) on the shelf for Sunday's game, Mann could be one of Charlotte's leading players against the Hawks. The 24-year-old has averaged 10.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists across 22.0 minutes this season.

Ryan Kalkbrenner Sun Nov 23 4:40pm

Charlotte Hornets center Ryan Kalkbrenner (ankle) won't play on Sunday against Boston, marking his second absence of the 2025 campaign. He spent the day riding a questionable designation before eventually being classified as doubtful. All things considered, despite making a few appearances on the injury report, the rookie has played well throughout his inaugural year, averaging 9.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks. Fortunately, Charlotte won't play against until Wednesday versus the New York Knicks, so fantasy managers will wait to see how things work out surrounding his availability. However, as far as Sunday's contest is concerned, Moussa Diabate, who had 15 points, 11 boards, and one steal in his only start of the 2025 campaign, is capable of surging, especially with LaMelo Ball (ankle) and Brandon Miller (shoulder) sidelined.

Luke Kennard Sun Nov 23 4:30pm

Atlanta Hawks guard Luke Kennard (hip) will sit out the second leg of a back-to-back on Sunday against the Charlotte Hornets. The talented sniper is dealing with inflammation in his left hip, exiting the lineup after tallying eight points and three assists in 24 minutes against the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday. Kennard has averaged over 22 minutes per game off the Hawks bench this season, and the likes of Vit Krejci, Caleb Houstan, and Keaton Wallace could get more burn in the second unit on Sunday. However, none of the three players stands out as someone fantasy managers can trust.

Wendell Carter Jr. Sun Nov 23 4:30pm

Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (ankle) won't play on Sunday against the Celtics. The former Duke Blue Devil has averaged 12.3 points and 7.4 rebounds while shooting a career-high 45.8% from behind the arc. He also hasn't missed a game, so fantasy managers are hoping Sunday's absence is an isolated incident. With Carter out of the equation, Goga Bitadze could be making his first start of the 2025 campaign. Bitadze started 42 times last season, averaging 9.1 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks. However, with Paolo Banchero (groin) and Jalen Suggs (knee) ruled out, he has an excellent chance of being more productive.

Onyeka Okongwu Sun Nov 23 4:20pm

Atlanta Hawks forward/center Onyeka Okongwu (ankle) will return from a one-game absence on Sunday against the Charlotte Hornets. Initially, the team listed Okongwu as questionable for the contest after he missed Saturday's win against the New Orleans Pelicans with an ankle issue. With no Kristaps Porzingis (knee) in the Hawks lineup on Sunday, Okongwu is poised to make his seventh start of the season. He has boosted his numbers to 20.0 points and 6.7 rebounds per game in a starting role this season, posting two double-doubles.

Collin Murray-Boyles Sun Nov 23 4:10pm

Toronto Raptors forward/center Collin Murray-Boyles (knee) is available on Sunday against the Brooklyn Nets. He was in danger of missing a third consecutive game due to a knee problem. With Jakob Poeltl (back) resting on Sunday, Murray-Boyles could play a significant role in the contest. The 20-year-old has averaged 8.5 points and 3.5 rebounds in 20.0 minutes through his first month as an NBA player. Sandro Mamukelashvili, coming off a season-best 23-point performance in Friday's win over the Washington Wizards, figures to also benefit from Poeltl's absence on Sunday.

Nicolas Claxton Sun Nov 23 4:00pm

Brooklyn Nets center Nicolas Claxton (elbow) will suit up for Sunday's contest against the Toronto Raptors. The team has upgraded Claxton's status from probable to available. Claxton has yet to miss any action this season, averaging 14.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.3 blocks in 29.8 minutes. Fantasy managers may even get a bit more production from Claxton on Sunday, as he won't have to deal with Jakob Poeltl (back). With that said, even with Poeltl in the lineup, the Raptors recently struggled to contain Claxton, who notched 21 points and eight rebounds in this matchup last week.

Kevin Durant Sun Nov 23 2:50pm

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (personal) won't play on Monday in Phoenix or Wednesday in Golden State. The 37-year-old has had a down season, averaging 24.6 points, his fewest since his rookie campaign. He's dealing with a family matter, so fantasy managers will need to take the wait-and-see approach regarding his availability for Sunday's game in Utah. While Durant is off the floor, Ausar Thompson, Alperen Sengun, and Jabari Smith Jr. are the favorites to benefit the most offensively. However, Reed Sheppard, who had a team-high 27 points in Friday's three-point NBA Cup loss to the Denver Nuggets, could be entering the most productive stretch of his career.

Kristaps Porzingis Sun Nov 23 1:50pm

Atlanta Hawks center Kristaps Porzingis (rest) won't play on Sunday night versus the Charlotte Hornets. The veteran had a fantastic showing in Saturday's win over the New Orleans Pelicans, finishing with a game-high 30 points with seven rebounds and three blocks. The Hawks may not have Onyeka Okongwu (ankle), who is currently questionable after missing the meeting with the Pelicans. If Okongwu is back, he's an automatic starting option for fantasy managers. However, if he remains out, Mouhamed Gueye, averaging 16.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, 1.0 steals, and 54.5% shooting in two starts this season, is worth streaming in all fantasy setups.

Kawhi Leonard Sun Nov 23 1:40pm

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (ankle) is off the injury report and will suit up for Sunday's meeting with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 34-year-old had played well before going down with an ankle injury, averaging 24.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.5 steals while shooting 40.0% from behind the arc. He'll likely see limited action in his first contest back from a 10-game layoff. However, Leonard can be plugged back into the starting lineup for fantasy managers, regardless of format. With that said, his return should mean less minutes and scoring opportunities for John Collins, Kris Dunn, and Kobe Sanders, with at least one of them in line to head back to the bench.


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