Tue Dec 3 7:25pm ET
Field Level Media
Wednesday's game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the host Miami Heat appears to be a marquee matchup, but the NBA standings suggest otherwise.
Both teams have struggled to sustain momentum in the season's early weeks, with the Lakers entering at 12-9 and the Heat coming in at 9-10. Each squad sits in a fringe playoff position: Los Angeles is eighth in the Western Conference, and Miami is seventh in the East.
"We've been good at times, and we've been poor at times," Lakers star LeBron James said. "But that's what to expect with a new system, new coaching staff, new players. ... We're trying to work in new things.
"I wouldn't say, ‘I'll take it.' I never want to say that. But that's our record, and we have to continue to get better on both sides of the floor."
James leads Los Angeles in assists per game (9.1) and ranks second in scoring (22.0) and rebounding (8.0). He turns 40 on Dec. 30 but is determined to play in all 82 regular-season games. The 22nd-year veteran last accomplished the feat during the 2017-18 season, when he finished up his second stint with Cleveland.
Anthony Davis has shined for the Lakers, leading the team in scoring (27.8), rebounding (11.5), blocks (2.0) and steals (1.2). Austin Reaves chips in 16.7 points and 4.8 assists per game, while D'Angelo Russell has added 12.5 points, 4.9 assists.
Russell returned to the starting lineup and led Los Angeles with 20 points in Monday's 109-80 loss at Minnesota.
The Lakers' top 3-point shooters include Rui Hachimura (43.1 percent) and rookie first-round pick Dalton Knecht (41.0 percent).
Los Angeles has lost five of its last seven games, while Miami has dropped two straight and three of its last five. The Heat have never been more than two games below or one game above .500 this season.
Miami, which is just 4-4 at home, may be without star forward Jimmy Butler, who missed Monday's 109-89 loss at Boston due to a knee injury. Butler, who is questionable for Wednesday with right knee soreness, has missed five of the Heat's 19 games this season. He ranks second on the team in scoring (18.9) and third in assists (4.8).
Tyler Herro paces Miami with 23.7 points per game and shares the team lead in assists with Bam Adebayo (4.9).
Adebayo leads the Heat in rebounding (9.8) but is averaging just 15.6 points per game as his scoring continues to regress. He tallied 19.3 points per game last season after averaging 20.4 the year before.
Miami remains confident in its captain, however.
"I don't think he's struggling," Herro said of Adebayo. "He is playing a great brand of basketball. He is impacting the game on the defensive end.
"Bam gets his looks, and he's going to make shots. We know what he's capable of."
Added Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr.: "We're not going to be who we need to be without Bam."
Los Angeles and Miami have an intriguing history together. The Lakers defeated the Heat in the COVID-affected 2020 NBA Finals, and Heat president Pat Riley is a former Lakers player and coach.
Meanwhile, Miami has not won an NBA title since James left in the summer of 2014 after he led the Heat to two championships in four years.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (foot, injury management) is good to go heading into Tuesday's game versus the Wizards. The multi-time All-Star has appeared on the injury report often throughout the 2024-25 campaign. However, he's only missed three games. With a favorable matchup versus the Wizards on tap, James could be in line for an above-average fantasy performance. But there's also a chance he spends more time on the bench if the Lakers build up a decisive lead. Either way, James remains a must-start, although that's not news to anyone.
Los Angeles Lakers center Anthony Davis (calf) will play on Tuesday versus Washington. AD battled a foot injury throughout most of the 2024-25 campaign. However, he's recently appeared on the injury report because of calf soreness. Fortunately, it won't be enough to keep Davis off the floor for the favorable matchup against the Wizards, and he could be more productive than normal against arguably the worst team in the National Basketball Association.
Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (groin) is good to go for Tuesday's game versus Denver. The 34-year-old has spent plenty of time on the injury report this season. However, he's missed the last two games because of a groin injury. But now that George has been cleared, fantasy managers can get him back in their starting lineups. Unfortunately, George's return will likely result in Ricky Council IV heading back to the bench, significantly decreasing his fantasy value.
Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond (toe) has been cleared to play in Tuesday's game against the Nuggets. The 31-year-old was limited to just one appearance in Philadelphia's previous eight contests because of a toe injury. Fortunately, he'll be back on the floor versus Nikola Jokic and company. Drummond has been decent in his 15 starts during the 2024-25 campaign, averaging 8.1 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.6 steals, giving him streaming value for fantasy managers. With Guerschon Yabusele (knee) also in the equation, it will likely result in little-to-no work for Adem Bona, who had 10 points, six boards, one steal, and one block as a starter in Sunday's loss to Milwaukee.
Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall (illness) is questionable for Wednesday's game versus Minnesota. The former Pelican has had the best year of his career. Unfortunately, he's not feeling well, jeopardizing his availability for Wednesday's contest. Luka Doncic (calf), Dwight Powell (hip), and Jaden Hardy (ankle) are already ruled out. But with Klay Thompson (ankle), Dereck Lively II (ankle), and Quentin Grimes (back) also uncertain to suit up against the Timberwolves, Marshall could find himself on the floor to begin the game. The 26-year-old has played well enough in his 14 starts during the 2024-25 campaign, averaging 11.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. But he might be more productive depending on who is available.
Dallas Mavericks forward Klay Thompson (ankle) is questionable for Wednesday's matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The former Warrior hasn't had a productive year, averaging 13.6 points, the second-lowest mark of his career, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists. However, he's at least remained relatively healthy, missing only five games throughout the 2024-25 campaign. But the Mavs are in trouble as far as depth is concerned, considering Luka Doncic (calf) and Jaden Hardy (ankle) will remain sidelined, with Dereck Lively II (ankle), Naji Marshall (illness), and Quentin Grimes (back) carrying questionable designations. As of now, Spencer Dinwiddie and Kyrie Irving appear to be on tap for a productive evening on Wednesday. But others should also benefit, depending on who is cleared to suit up.
Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (shoulder) is questionable for Wednesday's game versus the visiting Pistons. He missed five games because of right shoulder inflammation. However, the 23-year-old has appeared in Atlanta's previous two contests, amassing a double-double in both. Atlanta will play the Raptors on Thursday, so head coach Quin Snyder may hold him out for precautionary reasons. If that's the case, there's several directions Snyder could go as far as the starting unit is concerned. But it's logical to assume De'Andre Hunter, Vit Krejci, and Dyson Daniels could benefit, although Trae Young would remain the favorite to lead the team in scoring.
Los Angeles Clippers guard Norman Powell (back) is listed as questionable ahead of Wednesday's game against the Boston Celtics. It's worth noting that Powell was also questionable for Monday's contest, but ended up playing against the Chicago Bulls. He looked fine on the court as he finished with 27 points across 38 minutes of action in the loss. The Clippers are dealing with a handful of injuries, so it's uncertain who would benefit the most from the loss of Powell. Right now, Kris Dunn (knee), Terance Mann, and Kevin Porter Jr. all stand to gain value if Powell is unable to go.
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (Achilles) is listed as probable ahead of Wednesday's game against the Detroit Pistons. Young has been tagged on the injury report for quite some time due to this Achilles issue. However, Young has only missed one game this month, so the chances of him sitting out on Wednesday are low. Fantasy managers should check back ahead of tip-off on Wednesday just in case something changes. Vit Krejci would likely see more playing time if Young is unable to play. He's well worth a look as a streaming choice, especially with increased playing time.
Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (illness) has been ruled out for the rest of Tuesday's game against the Toronto Raptors. Isaac was questionable coming into this game due to an illness, but he ultimately decided to suit up. He only managed to play about five minutes before exiting the contest due to this illness. The Magic have ruled him out for the rest of the night, which is a bummer for anyone who started him in fantasy leagues. Trevelin Queen and Wendell Carter Jr. figure to see an increased roles for the rest of the game and possibly longer if Isaac misses more time.
Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (groin) is listed as questionable ahead of Wednesday's game against the Boston Celtics. Harden was uncertain to play on Monday, but he suited up and played 35 minutes in the loss to the Chicago Bulls. He struggled as he only knocked down five shots from the floor, so possibly the groin injury was impacting his performance. The Clippers would likely use a committee approach to fill the void if Harden was unable to play. Out of everyone, Kevin Porter Jr. would likely gain the most streaming value if Harden is unavailable for Wednesday's contest.
Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac (eye) has been ruled out ahead of Wednesday's game against the Boston Celtics. The big man will miss his second game in a row due to a left eye issue. This is the front end of a back-to-back set, so hopefully Zubac can return for Thursday's game. For now, Mo Bamba figures to move into the starting five, but he only played 15 minutes during their last game. He finished with 10 points and seven rebounds, so Bamba is still worth a look as a streaming choice. Also, Nicolas Batum should see an increase in minutes with Zubac and Kawhi Leonard (rest) sitting out on Wednesday.
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (rest) has been ruled out ahead of Wednesday's game against the Boston Celtics. The superstar forward will now miss his second game in a row due to right knee injury management. It's worth noting that Wednesday is the front end of a back-to-back set, so Leonard will hopefully be back in action against the Washington Wizards on Thursday. The absence of Leonard should mean more minutes for Kris Dunn, Amir Coffey, and Nicolas Batum for Wednesday's contest. None of them have great streaming appeal, but Coffey might be the best choice out of the bunch right now. The 27-year-old is averaging 10.3 points and 2.6 rebounds in 25 minutes per game. Coffey has been playing more minutes recently, but that could go down once Leonard is back in the picture.
Brooklyn Nets point guard D'Angelo Russell (hamstring) will suit up against the Knicks on Tuesday. He has received a couple of upgrades throughout the day and will be available for a third consecutive game. A shin injury dealt an early blow to Russell's second stint in Brooklyn, but he has played well with the team. Russell has averaged 13.2 points, 8.0 assists, and 1.7 steals in 23.2 minutes across six games since returning to Brooklyn.
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (thumb) will play in Tuesday's matchup against Brooklyn. He was initially considered probable for the game as Towns continues to deal with a thumb injury. Towns returned from a two-game absence on Monday versus Atlanta but struggled to hit shots and finished with only 13 points. He has an opportunity to bounce back in a good matchup, as Towns dominated against the Nets with 26 points and 15 rebounds in the previous head-to-head meeting.
New York Knicks guard/forward Josh Hart (neck) will play against Brooklyn on Tuesday. The feisty veteran was banged up last week in a game against Minnesota but logged 37 minutes in Monday's 119-110 win over Atlanta and is good to go again on Tuesday after initially receiving a probable tag ahead of the game. Hart has become a double-double machine for the Knicks and has notched three triple-doubles in his last 12 appearances.
Orlando Magic point guard Cole Anthony (illness) has been ruled out for Tuesday's contest against Toronto. He has failed to shake off an illness ahead of the game. The Magic will start the game with Anthony Black at the point guard position, while Cory Joseph and Trevelin Queen could get extra burn off the bench. Black has played well as of late, averaging 11.6 points, 3.7 assists, and 1.1 steals for the month.
Portland Trail Blazers forward Kris Murray (chest) will not feature against Miami on Tuesday. He has been downgraded from questionable to out. The team will also be without Toumani Camara (illness), leaving Portland without two rotational pieces for the game. Dalano Banton and Rayan Rupert are in a position to benefit from the situation, but they have not previously done enough to warrant fantasy attention.
Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (ankle) will return to the lineup on Tuesday against Miami. He has been upgraded from questionable to available. Williams III is in the midst of another injury-hit campaign and most recently sustained a left ankle injury that kept him sidelined for one game. The former Celtic will fill backup minutes behind Deandre Ayton at the center position. He will likely not have a major impact in the game, as Williams III has been limited to 6.2 points and 5.1 rebounds this season.
Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara (illness) will come out of the lineup on Tuesday against Miami. He was a late addition to the injury report due to an illness, and the team has officially ruled him out for the contest ahead of tip-off. Camara's absence should allow Shaedon Sharpe to regain a starting role. He came off the bench for the third time this season in the last game against Chicago.
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