NBA News & Fantasy Basketball Notes 2/13

Feb 13th 2023Connor Learn

Each day, this column will provide live updates for all NBA news. Enjoy up-to-the-minute alerts for injuries and lineup confirmations. The Key News to Watch section will highlight notable injuries to monitor for the current NBA slate.

Key NBA News to Watch

  • Joel Embiid (foot) — Available

  • LeBron James (ankle) — Out

  • Anthony Davis (foot) — Available

  • Trae Young (shoulder) — Available

  • Tyrese Haliburton (thigh) — In

  • Bam Adebayo (knee) — Available

  • Kyle Kuzma (ankle) — Out

  • Tyler Herro (knee) — Out

  • CJ McCollum (ankle) — Out

  • Jamal Murray (knee) — Out

  • Jerami Grant (concussion) — Out

  • Rudy Gobert (groin) — In

  • Myles Turner (back) — Out

  • Keldon Johnson (ankle) — Available

  • Aaron Gordon (rib) — Out

  • Andrew Wiggins (ankle) — Available

  • John Collins (hip) — Out

Recent NBA News

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Atlanta Hawks News

Confirmed Lineup: Trae Young, Dejounte Murray, De'Andre Hunter, Saddiq Bey, Clint Capela

  • Trae Young (shoulder) — Available

  • John Collins (hip) — Out

  • Bogdan Bogdanovic (hip) — In

  • Saddiq Bey (trade pending) — Available

  • Garrison Mathews (acquired) — Expected to be available

  • Bruno Fernando (acquired) — Expected to be available

Hunter could move up to the four and open up wing minutes if Collins is ruled out, so Jalen Johnson, AJ Griffin, Bey, and Bogdanovic could all be candidates to start in that event. Young has registered a +5.3% usage differential with Collins off the court this season.

Charlotte Hornets News

Confirmed Lineup: LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward, PJ Washington, Mark Williams

  • Cody Martin (knee) — Out

  • Svi Mykhailiuk (acquired) — Expected to be available

  • Kai Jones (ankle) — Doubtful

  • Kelly Oubre (hand) — Injured

Nick Richards posted a double-double off the bench in both games he played against Atlanta this season. Additionally, he played 27.1 minutes as a reserve Saturday, while Williams played 21.5 minutes in the start.

San Antonio Spurs News

Confirmed Lineup: Malaki Branham, Keldon Johnson, Keita Bates-Diop, Jeremy Sochan, Zach Collins

  • Keldon Johnson (ankle) — Available

  • Tre Jones (foot) — Out

  • Jeremy Sochan (back) — Available

  • Romeo Langford (adductor) — Out

  • Doug McDermott (Achilles) — Out

  • Charles Bassey (leg) — Available

  • Devin Vassell (knee) — Injured

  • Khem Birch (knee) — Injured

  • Stanley Johnson (released) — Out

Sochan played 21.3 minutes despite excelling in his return Saturday and could remain similarly restricted after coach Popovich confirmed that Sochan was limited. In addition, the Spurs have scored the second-highest percent of their points in the paint (50.0%), and the Cavs have allowed the third-fewest points in the paint per game (46.0) this season. As a result, Devonte' Graham might not start in Jones' stead, but his shooting could be essential in a sixth-man role.

Cleveland Cavaliers News

Confirmed Lineup: Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Isaac Okoro, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen

  • Danny Green (plans to sign) — TBD

After being out of rhythm post-injury, Mitchell averaged 29.5 points on 29.4% usage and a 64.1 eFG% during the last two matches. The Cavs have posted a 17-4 record and allowed the second-fewest points per 100 possessions (106.7) against teams with bottom-ten offensive ratings this season. The Spurs have registered the third-lowest offensive rating (111.0) thus far but beat Cleveland 112-111 at home in December.

Utah Jazz News

Confirmed Lineup: Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson, Lauri Markkanen, Kelly Olynyk, Walker Kessler

  • Russell Westbrook (not with team) — Unlikely to play

Talen Horton-Tucker retained a prominent sixth-man role despite Clarkson returning Friday, contributing 23 points and seven assists on eight-for-12 shooting in 27.4 minutes. Olynyk's time was limited by foul trouble, and Ochai Agbaji could be deployed for more than 19.0 minutes in other matchups, but Horton-Tucker appears primed to continue playing a key bench role.

Indiana Pacers News

Confirmed Lineup: Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Buddy Hield, Aaron Nesmith, Daniel Theis

  • Tyrese Haliburton (thigh) — In

  • Myles Turner (back) — Out

  • Daniel Theis (injury management) — Not on injury report

  • George Hill (rest) — Expected to be available

  • Jordan Nwora (rest) — Expected to be available

Theis served as the backup center during his last four games but could be limited if Turner is ruled out, creating the potential for a three-center rotation. Nembhard (+6.8%) and Turner (+2.6%) posted the highest usage differentials among current Pacers, while Nembhard (+13.2%) and TJ McConnell (+5.6%) logged the highest assist rate differentials on the team in games Haliburton has missed this season.

Houston Rockets News

Confirmed Lineup: Jalen Green, Jae'Sean Tate, KJ Martin, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun

  • Kevin Porter Jr. (foot) — Injured

Tate's minute limit increased from roughly 20.0 minutes to around 24.0 during the last two games, including when he joined the starting lineup Friday following Eric Gordon's trade. TyTy Washington went from out of the rotation to leading reserves with seven field goal attempts, six assists, and 22.6 minutes in that match. Washington could continue to play a similar sixth-man role until Porter Jr. rejoins the lineup.

Philadelphia 76ers News

Confirmed Lineup: James Harden, De'Anthony Melton, Tobias Harris, PJ Tucker, Joel Embiid

  • Joel Embiid (foot) — Available

  • Shake Milton (eye) — Available

Embiid played the last nine games after being listed as questionable, including both sides of a back-to-back set and three matchups with two of the five worst teams league-wide. Harris registered a 29.7 eFG% during the previous three games, but a matchup with a Rockets team that remains vulnerable to shooters could help him regain his rhythm.

Denver Nuggets News

Confirmed Lineup: Bruce Brown, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Michael Porter Jr., Vlatko Cancar, Nikola Jokic

  • Jamal Murray (knee) — Out

  • Aaron Gordon (rib) — Out

  • Reggie Jackson (plans to sign) — TBD

  • Zeke Nnaji (shoulder) — Out

Bam Adebayo is potentially the defender best equipped to defend Jokic. Denver's MVP has averaged 21.2 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 8.6 assists on reduced 24.3% usage in five matchups against Adebayo and the Heat during the last three seasons. Murray and Gordon's potential returns will be crucial if Jokic is less able to shoulder the offensive burden in this matchup.

Miami Heat News

Confirmed Lineup: Gabe Vincent, Max Strus, Jimmy Butler, Caleb Martin, Bam Adebayo

  • Bam Adebayo (knee) — Available

  • Tyler Herro (knee) — Out

  • Victor Oladipo (ankle) — Out

  • Gabe Vincent (ankle) — Available

  • Max Strus (shoulder) — Available

  • Haywood Highsmith (elbow) — Available

  • Udonis Haslem (personal) —Available

  • Kyle Lowry (knee) — Injured

  • Duncan Robinson (finger) — Injured

  • Nikola Jovic (back) — Injured

  • Omer Yurtseven (ankle) — Injured

Strus averaged 36.6 minutes per game off the bench during the last two contests as his shooting was valued against two teams vulnerable to shooting, but he could play less time against a Nuggets team that has allowed the second-fewest made threes per game (10.2) across their last 15 contests. However, Strus would be locked into similar minutes if Herro is sidelined, though Martin, Highsmith, and Jamaree Bouyea would absorb most of Herro's time in that event.

Brooklyn Nets News

Confirmed Lineup: Spencer Dinwiddie, Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Dorian Finney-Smith, Nic Claxton

  • Seth Curry (adductor) — Injured

Johnson and Bridges led the starting group in field goal attempts in their team debuts Saturday. Bridges led the Nets with 23 points on eight-for-18 shooting, while Johnson contributed 12 points, seven rebounds, and three assists on four-for-13 shooting in a more involved role than he had been playing in Phoenix.

New York Knicks News

Confirmed Lineup: Jalen Brunson, Quentin Grimes, RJ Barrett, Julius Randle, Jericho Sims

  • Mitchell Robinson (thumb) — Injured

Josh Hart immediately gained coach Thibodeau's trust in his team debut, playing the final 16.5 minutes of a close contest while Grimes remained on the bench. Hart's 13.2% usage reflected his career-low rate from this season, but he shot two-for-three from three and could rebuild confidence in his shot on a new team.

Orlando Magic News

Confirmed Lineup: Markelle Fultz, Gary Harris, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr.

  • Chuma Okeke (knee) — Not on injury report

  • Cole Anthony (wrist) — Out

  • RJ Hampton (not with team) — Out

Chicago Bulls News

Confirmed Lineup: Ayo Dosunmu, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Patrick Williams, Nikola Vucevic

  • Alex Caruso (foot) — Out

  • Javonte Green (knee) — Injured

  • Lonzo Ball (knee) — Injured

Vucevic has averaged 13.0 rebounds in seven games against his former team since being traded to the Bulls, including 14.5 per game in two matches this season. Coby White will most likely be given increased time if Caruso is ruled out, potentially exceeding 24 minutes in a sixth-man role.

New Orleans Pelicans News

Confirmed Lineup: Jose Alvarado, Herb Jones, Brandon Ingram, Trey Murphy, Jonas Valanciunas

  • CJ McCollum (ankle) — Out

  • Josh Richardson (acquired) — Available

  • Dyson Daniels (ankle) — Injured

  • Zion Williamson (hamstring) — Injured

Jose Alvarado would likely start and play a boosted offensive role along with Ingram if McCollum is ruled out. Richardson's ball handling and facilitating could also factor more in that event, though it isn't clear how much he could be utilized in his team debut. Ingram's +11.1% assist rate differential with McCollum and Williamson off the floor leads the team.

Oklahoma City Thunder News

Confirmed Lineup: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, Lu Dort, Jalen Williams, Jaylin Williams

  • Dario Saric (acquired) — Available

  • Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (ankle) — Available

  • Ousmane Dieng (G League) — Out

  • Tre Mann (G League) — Out

  • Eugene Omoruyi (ankle) — Out

  • Aleksej Pokusevski (leg) — Injured

  • Chet Holmgren (foot) — Injured

Dort played 20.0 minutes as he came off the bench in his return from a hamstring injury Friday, but he looked sharp, finishing with 18 points on six-for-six shooting from the field and three-for-five from the line. Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe could continue to play additional time if Dort remains restricted.

Minnesota Timberwolves News

Confirmed Lineup: Mike Conley, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Taurean Prince, Rudy Gobert

  • Rudy Gobert (groin) — In

  • Kyle Anderson (back) — Available

  • Karl-Anthony Towns (calf) — Injured

Conley was deferential in his team debut Friday, shooting three-for-seven from the field and finishing third on the team with three assists in 25.7 minutes. However, he could increasingly take charge of the offense as he practices and becomes familiar with his new teammates.

Dallas Mavericks News

Confirmed Lineup: Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Josh Green, Reggie Bullock, Dwight Powell

  • Tim Hardaway Jr. (hamstring) — Out

  • Davis Bertans (calf) — Injured

  • Maxi Kleber (hamstring) — Injured

Doncic (30.4%) and Irving (25.0%) both logged decreased usage rates, while Doncic also posted a diminished 19.2% assist rate in the first game they played together Saturday. Hardaway Jr. didn't play after halftime during that match, which led to increased minutes for Green, Reggie Bullock, and reserve wings.

Washington Wizards News

Confirmed Lineup: Monte Morris, Bradley Beal, Corey Kispert, Kristaps Porzingis, Daniel Gafford

  • Kyle Kuzma (ankle) — Out

  • Will Barton (not with team) — Out

The Wizards are facing a back-to-back set, potentially positioning Kuzma to return Tuesday instead of testing his ankle for both matches. The starters would continue to see increased opportunities if Kuzma remains sidelined, and it isn't clear if Corey Kispert or Deni Avdija would start in that event.

Golden State Warriors News

Confirmed Lineup: Jordan Poole, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green, Kevon Looney

  • Andrew Wiggins (ankle) — Available

  • Anthony Lamb (G League) — Available

  • Andre Iguodala (hip) — Out

  • Stephen Curry (leg) — Injured

  • Gary Payton II (core) — Injured

  • Ryan Rollins (foot) — Injured

The Warriors have been attempting to preserve the games remaining on Lamb's two-way contract, but they might not have that luxury if Wiggins is ruled out. Lamb and Jonathan Kuminga would likely absorb most of Wiggins' minutes in that event, though Looney and Donte DiVincenzo could also play additional time.

Los Angeles Lakers News

Confirmed Lineup: Dennis Schroder, D'Angelo Russell, Troy Brown Jr., Rui Hachimura, Anthony Davis

  • LeBron James (ankle) — Out

  • Anthony Davis (foot) — Available

  • Mo Bamba (suspension) — Out

Russell led the Lakers with six assists with James sidelined Friday, and Schroder led the team with 26 points on increased 26.1% usage. Davis shot five-for-19 from the field in that match but has led the Lakers with a +5.4% usage differential in games James has missed this season. If available, James could face a more favorable matchup if Jerami Grant (concussion) is sidelined for Portland.

Portland Trail Blazers News

Confirmed Lineup: Damian Lillard, Anfernee Simons, Matisse Thybulle, Cam Reddish, Drew Eubanks

  • Jerami Grant (concussion) — Out

  • Matisse Thybulle (acquired) — In

  • Trendon Watford (ankle) — Available

  • Keon Johnson (ankle) — Available

  • Kevin Knox (trade pending) — Available

  • Ibou Badji (knee) — Out

  • Jusuf Nurkic (calf) — Injured

  • Justise Winslow (ankle) — Injured

Simons (+9.2%) and Lillard (+7.8%) have logged significant usage differentials with Grant and Nurkic off the court this season. Coach Billups could utilize Trendon Watford less than he typically would if Grant is ruled out to sufficiently match up with the Lakers, deploying Reddish, Little, and Thybulle at forward for defensive purposes instead.