

Sun Oct 26 3:45pm ET
Field Level Media
Los Angeles Lakers star guard Luka Doncic is expected to miss a week with a left finger sprain and a lower left leg contusion, ESPN reported Sunday.
The timetable means the Lakers are expected to be without Doncic and star forward LeBron James for games against the Sacramento Kings on Sunday, the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday, the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday and the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday.
James has not played in either of the Lakers' first two games because of sciatica on his right side. James is not expected to return until next month.
The Lakers opened the season 1-1 as Doncic stepped up without James by scoring 46.0 points per game with 11.5 rebounds and 8.5 assists. Doncic, 26, became the first player in NBA history to open a season with consecutive games of at least 40 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.
In eight seasons with the Dallas Mavericks (2018-25) and Lakers, Doncic has averaged 28.7 points with 8.6 rebounds and 8.2 assists in 452 games (all starts).
Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (ankle) continues to carry a questionable tag on the injury report ahead of Monday's encounter with the Chicago Bulls. The French talent sprained his right ankle in the season opener and has missed two games. Risacher's injury has allowed Vit Krejci to enter the rotation, but he has not made a significant impact. Jalen Johnson (ankle) and Kristaps Porzingis (illness) are also currently dealing with health issues, which increases the workload for Luke Kennard, Mouhamed Gueye, and Asa Newell.
Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine (illness) will be available for Sunday's tilt against the Los Angeles Lakers. The team has upgraded his status from questionable to available. The two-time All-Star has been battling an illness, and it remains to be seen whether it will impact his performance on Sunday. LaVine has kicked off the campaign with back-to-back 30-point efforts, shooting close to 55 percent from the field. On paper, he's in a great spot to extend the scoring streak, as the Kings face a Lakers team that's missing Luka Doncic (finger, leg) and LeBron James (sciatica).
Atlanta Hawks forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (illness) has been tagged as questionable for Monday's meeting with the Chicago Bulls. The Latvian big man has missed the last two games due to illness and may need additional time to recover before returning to the court. Onyeka Okongwu has started at center in back-to-back games without Porzingis. He's done solid work on both ends on the floor and looks poised for another productive evening on Monday if Porzingis can't shake off his illness. Even if Porzingis returns, Okongwu should still see plenty of work in the Hawks frontcourt.
Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (ankle) has been listed as questionable for Monday's matchup against the Chicago Bulls. He's in danger of missing a second straight game due to a right ankle sprain. Johnson's absence on Saturday against the Oklahoma City Thunder gave Mouhamed Gueyean opportunity to start. He had a solid showing with 11 points, six rebounds, and two blocks. If Johnson remains out on Monday, Gueye will maintain additional fantasy value. The likes of Asa Newell and Onyeka Okongwu may also contribute more in the frontcourt.
Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (knee) will remain out on Monday against the Orlando Magic. Following offseason knee surgery, the veteran star has returned to practice, but he isn't yet ready for game action. Philadelphia won't be able to count on Joel Embiid (knee, injury management) either on Monday, putting the keys to the offense in the hands of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. Furthermore, Jabari Walker and Justin Edwards may see increased playing time, especially with Dominick Barlow (elbow) also sidelined for the game on Monday.
Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center Chet Holmgren (back) is considered questionable for Monday's matchup against the Dallas Mavericks. He may be sidelined for the first time this season due to lower back soreness. The reigning champions are already dealing with several injuries, so losing Holmgren would be another setback for the team, especially given his strong start to the season. Holmgren has averaged 24.7 points and 10.0 rebounds in 35.0 minutes per game. Jaylin Williams could get additional work in the frontcourt if Holmgren doesn't play on Monday, while there might also be extra minutes available in the rotation for players like Aaron Wiggins and Ousmane Dieng.
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (wrist) will remain in street clothes on Monday night against the Dallas Mavericks. He still hasn't been cleared for action following a wrist procedure. With him out, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren (back) have carried a massive load offensively, combining for over 64 points per game. As Holmgren is also now battling a health issue, Gilgeous-Alexander may have to put in a superhuman effort in Monday's game. Aaron Wiggins, Cason Wallace, and Luguentz Dortall see more time on the court with Williams sidelined.
Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (finger) has been listed as questionable for Monday's contest against the Atlanta Hawks. He's dealing with a finger sprain on his shooting hand, which may significantly impact Giddey's performance even if he is in the lineup. The talented playmaker has averaged 20.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists through the first couple of games this season. Tre Jones, Ayo Dosunmu, and Kevin Huerter could all have a larger say in the Bulls offense if Giddey has to skip Monday's game.
Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (ankle) will remain sidelined for Sunday's tilt against the Toronto Raptors. The big man had yet to play this season due to a right ankle sprain. He was listed as doubtful on the initial injury report before the team downgraded him, so Gafford's prospects of being available for Monday's clash against the Oklahoma City Thunder don't appear to be good either. Dereck Lively II benefits from Gafford's absence, but he's been largely quiet early in the season.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee, injury management) won't play in Monday's game against the visiting Orlando Magic. The 31-year-old logged 20 minutes in both of the Sixers' two contests to begin the 2025 campaign. That is by design, as the team wants to take things slow in his recovery from offseason knee surgery. Of course, Embiid's reduced workload has resulted in subpar averages of 12.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.0 steals. Assuming he stays healthy, his statistical contributions should improve. However, until that happens, Embiid isn't the safest option in any fantasy format, although stashing him is highly recommended. Embiid will likely return to the lineup on Tuesday night versus the Washington Wizards for the second of back-to-back games for the 76ers.
Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (knee) will miss a second consecutive game on Sunday versus the Sacramento Kings. The big man was initially listed as questionable for the contest due to a sore knee. It doesn't appear to be a serious issue, so Hayes could be back in the lineup on Monday night against the Portland Trail Blazers. With Deandre Ayton healthy, Hayes has little to no fantasy value. His absence may allow Christian Koloko to get some extra work on Sunday, but he is not expected to make a significant impact against the Kings.
New York Knicks guard Miles McBride (personal) won't play on Sunday versus the Miami Heat. The 25-year-old got the start in Friday's game against the Boston Celtics, finishing with 10 points while shooting a rough-2-for-9 from deep. He'll sit this one out due to personal reasons, so fantasy managers will wait and see if he will play on Tuesday night versus the Milwaukee Bucks. Without McBride in the lineup, Jordan Clarkson and Landry Shamet should get more work. However, neither player can be trusted from a fantasy standpoint.
New York Knicks forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns (quadriceps) will play on Sunday against the Miami Heat. KAT has appeared on the injury report all season because of strained quadriceps. However, it hasn't been enough to keep him off the floor. Towns has averaged 22.5 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists so far during the 2025 campaign. He's also shot an efficient 50.0% from behind the arc. As always, Towns is a must-start in all fantasy formats.
Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (shoulder) won't play on Sunday against the Washington Wizards. He suffered a left shoulder injury during the 125-121 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night. It's unknown if the 22-year-old will be healthy enough to suit up for Tuesday's meeting with the Miami Heat. In the meantime, rookie Kon Knueppel, who had 14 points in 30 minutes from off the bench on Saturday, could find himself in the starting lineup. However, Knueppel is still worth starting even if he comes off the bench.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (finger, leg) won't play on Sunday versus the Sacramento Kings. In addition, he'll miss upcoming games against the Portland Trail Blazers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Memphis Grizzlies because of a sprained left finger along with a lower left leg contusion. Doncic will be reevaluated in seven days, so there's a chance he may be out longer. The 26-year-old has looked fantastic, averaging 46.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 8.5 assists, and 1.0 steals in the first two contests of the 2025 campaign. It's possible the Lakers are being overly cautious with Doncic, considering he's battled multiple injuries throughout his career. With LeBron James (back) also sidelined, the team will likely turn to Austin Reaves to pick things up on the scoring end. Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, and Gabe Vincent may also see an uptick in production sporadically while Doncic is on the shelf.
New York Knicks forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns (quad) is currently listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Miami Heat. Towns continues to nurse a quad issue, but has been able to play through the injury. He has recorded back-to-back double-doubles, so the injury isn't impacting his performance on the court. If he sits, Josh Hart (back) and Guerschon Yabusele should have increased roles in the rotation. Between the two, Hart is the much better streaming choice for Sunday's game. Fantasy managers should check back closer to tip-off for another update on Towns.
New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Miami Heat. The Knicks continue to be extremely cautious with Robinson who has yet to make his season debut. There isn't an exact timetable on his return, so fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day. Guerschon Yabusele and Ariel Hukporti figure to have increased roles, but neither offer much streaming appeal.
New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (back) is currently listed as probable ahead of Sunday's game against the Miami Heat. Hart sat out the season opener due to back spasms, but was able to play on Friday. The Knicks will likely wait and see how he feels closer to game-time before making a final decision. On Friday, Hart recorded two points and 14 rebounds across 19 minutes of action. If he sits, Mikal Bridges and Jordan Clarkson figure to see larger roles during Sunday's game. Bridges should already be rostered in all formats, but Clarkson could offer streaming appeal if he gets increased playing time.
New York Knicks guard Miles McBride (personal) is currently listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Miami Heat. He played in the first two games of the season, but is currently uncertain to suit up due to personal reasons. On Friday, McBride registered 10 points, four rebounds, and four assists across 32 minutes of action. His absence would free up playing time for Jordan Clarkson, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart (back) for Sunday's contest. Fantasy managers will need to check back closer to tip-off for another update.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (toe) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. As expected, Garland will remain sidelined as he continues to ramp up from offseason toe surgery. It sounds like Garland is making good progress, but he's not quite ready yet. The hope is that Garland will be ready to go by early November. In the meantime, Jaylon Tyson, Lonzo Ball, and Sam Merrill should see increased minutes in the rotation. Between the three, Tyson offers the most streaming value at the moment.
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