NBA News & Fantasy Basketball Notes 4/9

Apr 9th 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

  • LeBron James (foot) — In

  • Stephen Curry (hip) — In

  • Nikola Jokic (calf) — Out

  • Anthony Davis (foot) — In

  • Jayson Tatum (hip) — Out

  • Ja Morant (hand) — Out

  • Jimmy Butler (rest) — Out

  • Lauri Markkanen (hand) — Out

  • Zach LaVine (injury management) — In

  • Karl-Anthony Towns (calf) — Available

  • Rudy Gobert (back) — In

  • Paulo Banchero (back) — Out

  • Jaren Jackson Jr. (elbow) — Out

  • Bam Adebayo (quad) — Available

  • Jamal Murray (thumb) — Out

  • Talen Horton-Tucker (ankle) — Out

  • Tyler Herro (quad) — Available

  • Keldon Johnson (foot) — Out

  • Desmond Bane (knee) — Out

  • Spencer Dinwiddie (rest) — Out

  • Franz Wagner (ankle) — Available

  • Jarrett Allen (groin) — In

  • Myles Turner (ankle) — Out

  • D'Angelo Russell (foot) — In

  • Aaron Gordon (shoulder) — Out

  • Michael Porter Jr. (injury management) — Out

Recent NBA News

Follow us on Twitter at @Underdog__NBA for notifications.

Atlanta Hawks News

Confirmed Lineup: Aaron Holiday, AJ Griffin, De'Andre Hunter, Saddiq Bey, Onyeka Okongwu

  • Trae Young (groin) — Out

  • Dejounte Murray (ankle) — Out

  • Clint Capela (calf) — Out

  • John Collins (back) — Out

  • De'Andre Hunter (knee) — Available

  • Bogdan Bogdanovic (knee) — Out

Hunter might not play his full workload with the rest of Atlanta's starters resting. Holiday and Trent Forrest should handle lead facilitating responsibilities. Griffin, Bey, and Jalen Johnson will be increasingly featured in the scoring effort, especially if Hunter doesn't play extended minutes.

Boston Celtics News

Confirmed Lineup: Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, Mike Muscala, Blake Griffin

  • Jayson Tatum (hip) — Out

  • Jaylen Brown (finger) — Out

  • Marcus Smart (neck) — Out

  • Malcolm Brogdon (back) — Out

  • Al Horford (back) — Out

  • Robert Williams (knee) — Out

  • Danilo Gallinari (ACL) — Injured

The core of Boston's rotation could stay active with little to play for, but they might not play deep into the second half. Payton Pritchard contributed 22 points on nine-for-14 shooting, four rebounds, and five assists in 24.1 minutes Friday and could be given a similar opportunity if Smart and Tatum are sidelined.

Philadelphia 76ers News

Confirmed Lineup: Shake Milton, Jaden Springer, Danuel House, Jalen McDaniels, Paul Reed

  • Joel Embiid (rest) — Out

  • James Harden (injury recovery) — Out

  • PJ Tucker (calf) — Out

  • Tyrese Maxey (neck) — Out

  • Tobias Harris (injury recovery) — Out

  • De'Anthony Melton (calf) — Out

  • Georges Niang (knee) — Out

The rotation could remain similar to Friday's overtime win, in which Niang, Milton, Springer, McDaniels, and Danuel House played at least 31.4 minutes. Milton led the starting group with 23.4% usage and the 76ers with 16 assists; McDaniels and Niang led the team with 24 points on at least 13 field goal attempts. Reed started and played 24.6 minutes as the lead of a three-center rotation. The remaining starters should be asked to generate even more additional offense if Niang is sidelined.

Brooklyn Nets News

Confirmed Lineup: Patty Mills, Cam Thomas, Mikal Bridges, Yuta Watanabe, Day'Ron Sharpe

  • Spencer Dinwiddie (rest) — Out

  • Cam Johnson (injury management) — Out

  • Nic Claxton (rest) — Out

  • Royce O'Neale (injury management) — Out

  • Dorian Finney-Smith (injury management) — Out

  • Seth Curry (injury management) — Out

  • Joe Harris (rest) — Out

  • Edmond Sumner (hip) — Out

  • Ben Simmons (back) — Injured

Patty Mills, Dru Smith, and RaiQuan Grey are the other Nets not on the injury report or in the projected starting lineup. Bridges values playing in every game possible, but he might not play the entire match. Thomas has registered 28.4% usage with Bridges, Dinwiddie, Johnson, Kevin Durant, and Kyrie Irving off the court this season.

Charlotte Hornets News

Confirmed Lineup: Theo Maledon, Bryce McGowens, Svi Mykhailiuk, JT Thor, Mark Williams

  • Terry Rozier (foot) — Out

  • PJ Washington (foot) — Out

  • Kelly Oubre (shoulder) — Out

  • Gordon Hayward (thumb) — Out

  • Dennis Smith Jr. (toe) — Out

  • Cody Martin (knee) — Injured

  • LaMelo Ball (ankle) — Injured

Cleveland Cavaliers News

Confirmed Lineup: Ricky Rubio, Cedi Osman, Dean Wade, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen

  • Donovan Mitchell (finger) — Out

  • Darius Garland (leg) — Out

  • Evan Mobley (rest) — Not on injury report

  • Jarrett Allen (groin) — In

  • Caris LeVert (knee) — Out

  • Isaac Okoro (knee) — Out

  • Dylan Windler (foot) — Out

Cleveland's spot starters logged 15.2 or fewer first-half minutes when the typical starters were sidelined for Thursday's blowout win, and the rotation could continue being similarly balanced. Mobley, and, if available, Allen's time could be more restricted than the other starters. Mobley, Rubio, Osman, and Raul Neto should play the most active offensive roles as they share facilitating responsibilities.

Orlando Magic News

Confirmed Lineup: Markelle Fultz, Jalen Suggs, Caleb Houstan, Franz Wagner, Wendell Carter Jr.

  • Paulo Banchero (back) — Out

  • Wendell Carter Jr. (hip) — Available

  • Franz Wagner (ankle) — Available

  • Markelle Fultz (knee) — Available

  • Gary Harris (adductor) — Available

  • Moe Wagner (ankle) — Out

  • Jay Scrubb (two-way) — Ineligible

  • Jonathan Isaac (adductor) — Injured

Orlando's starters played 14.8 or fewer first-half minutes when Banchero was sidelined and Harris was a DNP-CD for Friday's blowout loss. Cole Anthony was a DNP-CD when he was projected to start with the initial five sidelined for the previous match. Expect whoever gets starting nods to play limited time, and whoever surprisingly doesn't start could be omitted from the rotation. Anthony, Jalen Suggs, and Bol Bol could be featured in the offense if Fultz, Banchero, and Franz Wagner are sidelined.

Miami Heat News

Confirmed Lineup: Gabe Vincent, Tyler Herro, Max Strus, Haywood Highsmith, Bam Adebayo

  • Jimmy Butler (rest) — Out

  • Bam Adebayo (quad) — Available

  • Tyler Herro (quad) — Available

  • Max Strus (finger) — Available

  • Victor Oladipo (elbow) — Available

  • Kyle Lowry (knee) — Available

  • Kevin Love (rib) — Not on injury report

  • Nikola Jovic (back) — Out

The Heat are locked into their playoff seed, and their starters likely won't play extended minutes with the Play-In Tournament looming. Victor Oladipo led the team with 30 points on 11-for-24 shooting in 26.0 minutes off the bench Friday and could be similarly featured in the second half.

Indiana Pacers News

Confirmed Lineup: Andrew Nembhard, Bennedict Mathurin, Aaron Nesmith, Jordan Nwora, Isaiah Jackson

  • Tyrese Haliburton (ankle) — Out

  • Myles Turner (ankle) — Out

  • Aaron Nesmith (head) — Available

  • TJ McConnell (hip) — Out

  • Jalen Smith (knee) — Out

  • Isaiah Jackson (head) — Available

  • Chris Duarte (ankle) — Out

  • Oshae Brissett (back) — Available

Turner was questionable for the last five matches before being ruled out. Smith or Jackson could play additional time if the other is sidelined while Turner is inactive. Mathurin logged 38.6 minutes Friday, and no other Pacer exceeded 30.1 minutes. Though other Pacers could play increased minutes if multiple players are ruled out, Mathurin is assured to play extended time after averaging 36.3 minutes during the last six games.

New York Knicks News

Confirmed Lineup: Immanuel Quickley, Quentin Grimes, RJ Barrett, Obi Toppin, Mitchell Robinson

  • Jalen Brunson (injury maintenance) — Out

  • Mitchell Robinson (rest) — Not on injury report

  • Duane Washington Jr. (hip) — Out

  • DaQuan Jeffries (calf) — Available

  • Isaiah Roby (signee) — TBD

  • Julius Randle (ankle) — Injured

Barrett was featured in the offense when he rejoined the lineup Friday, leading the team with 28 points on 11-for-25 shooting and six assists. Toppin and Grimes' roles diminished sharply as a result. Quickley was also less central to the offensive effort, scoring 24 points on eight-for-17 shooting but recording just two assists. However, Barrett and Quickley will likely assume additional facilitating responsibilities as they share the floor more with Robinson than Isaiah Hartenstein, who logged five assists Friday.

Milwaukee Bucks News

Confirmed Lineup: Jevon Carter, MarJon Beauchamp, Jae Crowder, Bobby Portis, Meyers Leonard

  • Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) — Out

  • Jrue Holiday (rest) — Out

  • Khris Middleton (knee) — Out

  • Brook Lopez (rest) — Out

  • Pat Connaughton (ankle) — Out

  • AJ Green (foot) — Out

  • Grayson Allen (ankle) — Injured

The rotation likely functions similarly to Friday's game, in which Joe Ingles and Bobby Portis were DNP-CDs. Wigginton, Beauchamp, and Thanasis Antetokounmpo played at least 38.1 minutes and could be deployed for similar time. Wigginton played the most active role, leading the Bucks with 25 points on 10-for-20 shooting and 11 assists. Jevon Carter, Goran Dragic, and Wesley Matthews should complete the rotation, but there might not be a fourth Buck to exceed 30 minutes.

Toronto Raptors News

Confirmed Lineup: Malachi Flynn, Gary Trent Jr., Scottie Barnes, Precious Achiuwa, Jakob Poeltl

  • Pascal Siakam (rest) — Out

  • Fred VanVleet (thumb) — Out

  • OG Anunoby (ankle) — Out

  • Jeff Dowtin (two-way) — Ineligible

  • Otto Porter (toe) — Injured

Poeltl and Barnes aren't assured of assuming their typical workload with the other starters sidelined and Toronto locked into their playoff seed before the Play-In Tournament. Flynn and Dalano Banton should act as lead facilitators if Barnes and Poeltl play limited time. In that event, Trent Jr., Boucher, Precious Achiuwa, and Will Barton would be increasingly featured in the scoring effort.

Houston Rockets News

Confirmed Lineup: Jalen Green, Josh Christopher, KJ Martin, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun

  • Kevin Porter Jr. (knee) — Out

  • TyTy Washington (G League) — Available

  • Darius Days (G League) — Available

  • Trevor Hudgins (G League) — Available

  • Jae'Sean Tate (knee) — Injured

Porter Jr.'s minutes could be absorbed by Nix, Washington, Josh Christopher, and potentially Hudgins. Sengun has logged a +6.2% assist rate differential, while Green has posted +1.8% usage and +4.3% assist rate differentials in games Porter Jr. and Eric Gordon have been unavailable this season.

Washington Wizards News

Confirmed Lineup: Jordan Goodwin, Johnny Davis, Corey Kispert, Isaiah Todd, Xavier Cooks

  • Bradley Beal (knee) — Out

  • Kyle Kuzma (ankle) — Out

  • Kristaps Porzingis (illness) — Out

  • Deni Avdija (elbow) — Out

  • Daniel Gafford (ankle) — Out

  • Monte Morris (ankle) — Out

  • Delon Wright (knee) — Out

  • Jay Huff (G League) — Out

Goodwin, Quenton Jackson, and Kendrick Nunn should play active offensive roles while assuming increased minutes sans Wright. However, Davis could continue being increasingly featured offensively after attempting 17, 18, and then 20 field goals during the last three matches. Additionally, Huff had been splitting center minutes with Gafford. If coach Unseld Jr. doesn't opt to start Cooks and Gill, Taj Gibson and Isaiah Todd are options for additional frontcourt minutes.

Detroit Pistons News

Confirmed Lineup: Killian Hayes, Jaden Ivey, RJ Hampton, Jalen Duren, James Wiseman

  • Isaiah Livers (ankle) — Out

  • Eugene Omoruyi (ankle) — Out

  • Alec Burks (foot) — Out

  • Rodney McGruder (foot) — Out

  • Isaiah Stewart (shoulder) — Injured

  • Bojan Bogdanovic (Achilles) — Injured

  • Hamidou Diallo (ankle) — Injured

  • Cade Cunningham (shin) — Injured

Hampton's role should remain stable after logging 19.1% usage and a 14.3% defensive rebound rate while averaging 33.1 minutes during the last two matches. Ivey posted heightened 29.0% usage and 37.1% assist rates while averaging 40.6 minutes during the last three contests. Ivey being more aggressive for longer periods while Hampton played a more active role than Livers or Omoruyi has led to the big men being less involved offensively.

Chicago Bulls News

Confirmed Lineup: Patrick Beverley, Alex Caruso, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic

  • DeMar DeRozan (rest) — Not on injury report

  • Zach LaVine (injury management) — In

  • Patrick Beverley (rest) — Not on injury report

  • Alex Caruso — Not on injury report

  • Lonzo Ball (knee) — Injured

The Bulls appear to value keeping their starters active and in rhythm ahead of the Play-In Tournament, but they could be unlikely to play their full workload. Coby White could assume the most active role as a featured scorer and lead facilitator, while Ayo Dosunmu and Patrick Williams are also more involved offensively if the starters don't play in the second half.

San Antonio Spurs News

Confirmed Lineup: Tre Jones, Malaki Branham, Keita Bates-Diop, Julian Champagnie, Sandro Mamukelashvili

  • Keldon Johnson (foot) — Out

  • Devin Vassell (injury management) — Out

  • Jeremy Sochan (knee) — Out

  • Zach Collins (finger) — Out

  • Doug McDermott (ankle) — Out

  • Devonte' Graham (adductor) — Out

  • Romeo Langford (injury management) — Available

  • Charles Bassey (knee) — Injured

  • Khem Birch (knee) — Injured

Dallas Mavericks News

Confirmed Lineup: Jaden Hardy, Frank Ntilikina, Theo Pinson, Davis Bertans, Markieff Morris

  • Luka Doncic (injury recovery) — Out

  • Kyrie Irving (injury recovery) — Out

  • Tim Hardaway Jr. (ankle) — Out

  • Maxi Kleber (injury recovery) — Out

  • Josh Green (rest) — Out

  • Christian Wood (rest) — Not on injury report

  • Reggie Bullock (rest) — Out

Hardy was limited to 16.4 minutes Friday. He and Wood aren't assured of being featured offensively if coach Kidd similarly limits the time of Dallas' best remaining offensive players. Instead, Wright could handle lead facilitating responsibilities for most of the game, leading the team in minutes with Ntilikina, AJ Lawson, Justin Holiday, and Davis Bertans.

New Orleans Pelicans News

Confirmed Lineup: CJ McCollum, Herb Jones, Brandon Ingram, Trey Murphy, Jonas Valanciunas

  • Jose Alvarado (leg) — Injured

  • Zion Williamson (hamstring) — Injured

The Pelicans-Timberwolves matchup is the only game in this slate where both teams are incentivized to win. Ingram shot four-for-18 from the field in his lone matchup with Minnesota this season. McCollum contributed 25 points, five rebounds, and eight assists in that contest and could similarly shoulder more of the offense if Ingram struggles.

Minnesota Timberwolves News

Confirmed Lineup: Mike Conley, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Karl-Anthony Towns, Rudy Gobert

  • Karl-Anthony Towns (calf) — Available

  • Rudy Gobert (back) — In

  • Austin Rivers (illness) — Available

  • Jaylen Nowell (knee) — Out

  • Naz Reid (wrist) — Injured

Memphis Grizzlies News

Confirmed Lineup: John Konchar, David Roddy, Vince Williams, Ziaire Williams, Kenneth Lofton Jr.

  • Ja Morant (hand) — Out

  • Jaren Jackson Jr. (elbow) — Out

  • Desmond Bane (knee) — Out

  • Dillon Brooks (groin) — Out

  • Tyus Jones (foot) — Out

  • Santi Aldama (elbow) — Out

  • Jake LaRavia (calf) — Out

  • Ziaire Williams (foot, ankle) — Available

  • Jacob Gilyard (signed) — TBD

  • Brandon Clarke (Achilles) — Injured

  • Steven Adams (knee) — Injured

Kennard, Konchar, and, if available, Gilyard should form a three-guard rotation and play the most active offensive roles while directing the offense. Vince Williams Jr. is the third available forward, and Roddy could be the most involved offensively among Memphis' forwards in this match. In addition, Kenneth Lofton Jr. will play increased minutes if Tillman doesn't play his typical workload.

Oklahoma City Thunder News

Confirmed Lineup: Tre Mann, Jared Butler, Ousmane Dieng, James Robinson-Earl, Olivier Sarr

  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (injury management) — Out

  • Josh Giddey (rest) — Out

  • Jalen Williams (wrist) — Out

  • Lu Dort (shoulder) — Out

  • Jaylin Williams (back) — Out

  • Aleksej Pokusevski (knee) — Out

  • Kenrich Williams (wrist) — Injured

  • Chet Holmgren (foot) — Injured

Jared Butler, Ousmane Dieng, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, and Olivier Sarr will also be available. Mann has registered 27.2% usage and led the team with a 27.1% assist rate with Gilgeous-Alexander, Giddey, and Jalen Williams off the court this season.

Sacramento Kings News

Confirmed Lineup: De'Aaron Fox, Kevin Huerter, Harrison Barnes, Keegan Murray, Domantas Sabonis

  • De'Aaron Fox (ankle) — Not on injury report

  • Domantas Sabonis (ankle) — Not on injury report

  • Kevin Huerter (injury management) — Not on injury report

  • Malik Monk (leg) — Available

  • Davion Mitchell (knee) — Out

  • Matthew Dellavedova (finger) — Injured

The Kings have nothing to play for but appear to value not extending the time their starting unit will go without playing together. That doesn't mean that they will play their typical workload.

Denver Nuggets News

Confirmed Lineup: Bruce Brown, Christian Braun, Peyton Watson, Vlatko Cancar, DeAndre Jordan

  • Nikola Jokic (calf) — Out

  • Jamal Murray (thumb) — Out

  • Aaron Gordon (shoulder) — Out

  • Michael Porter Jr. (injury management) — Out

  • Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (illness) — Out

  • Bruce Brown (knee) — Available

  • Jeff Green (face) — Out

  • Reggie Jackson (back) — Available

Utah Jazz News

Confirmed Lineup: Kris Dunn, Ochai Agbaji, Luka Samanic, Kelly Olynyk, Udoka Azubuike

  • Lauri Markkanen (hand) — Out

  • Talen Horton-Tucker (ankle) — Out

  • Jordan Clarkson (finger) — Out

  • Kelly Olynyk (rest) — Not on injury report

  • Collin Sexton (injury maintenance) — Out

  • Rudy Gay (back) — Out

  • Vernon Carey Jr. (signee) — TBD

  • Walker Kessler (concussion) — Injured

Kris Dunn dominated the facilitating effort as he led the team with 14 assists with Horton-Tucker, Markkanen, and Olynyk sidelined Saturday. Agbaji's role also vaulted as he scored 28 points on 10-for-25 shooting. Luka Samanic contributed 23 points and eight rebounds on nine-for-14 shooting. Dunn, Agbaji, and Samanic will remain featured if Markkanen, Horton-Tucker, Olynyk, and Clarkson remain out.

Los Angeles Lakers News

Confirmed Lineup: D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Jarred Vanderbilt, Anthony Davis

  • LeBron James (foot) — In

  • Anthony Davis (foot) — In

  • D'Angelo Russell (foot) — In

  • Dennis Schroder (Achilles) — Out

  • Tristan Thompson (signee) — Out

  • Shaq Harrison (signee) — Out

James and Davis haven't faced any reported setbacks and should be considered likely to suit up with the Lakers still actively playing for playoff seeding. James and Reaves excelled with Russell sidelined for Los Angeles' 135-133 overtime win over the Jazz on Tuesday. James scored 37 points on 14-for-27 shooting, and Reaves scored 28 points on eight-for-13 shooting from the field and eight-for-eight from the line.

Los Angeles Clippers News

Confirmed Lineup: Russell Westbrook, Eric Gordon, Kawhi Leonard, Nicolas Batum, Ivica Zubac

  • Marcus Morris (back) — Out

  • Paul George (knee) — Injured

Phoenix Suns News

Confirmed Lineup: Saben Lee, Landry Shamet, Josh Okogie, Ish Wainright, Jock Landale

  • Devin Booker (rest) — Out

  • Kevin Durant (injury management) — Out

  • Chris Paul (rest) — Out

  • Deandre Ayton (rest) — Out

  • Cam Payne (back) — Out

  • Bismack Biyombo (knee) — Out

  • TJ Warren (illness) — Out

Lee, Shamet, and Terrence Ross likely split most of the facilitating responsibilities and could play the most active offensive roles on the team. However, Landale should also play a heightened role while he plays increased minutes due to Biyombo joining Ayton on the inactive list. Landale has recorded 22.1% usage with Booker, Durant, Paul, Ayton, and Duane Washington Jr. off the court this season.

Golden State Warriors News

Confirmed Lineup: Stephen Curry, Donte DiVincenzo, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Kevon Looney

  • Stephen Curry (hip) — In

  • Jonathan Kuminga (toe) — In

  • Andrew Wiggins (personal) — Out

  • Ty Jerome (illness) — Out

  • Andre Iguodala (wrist) — Injured

  • Ryan Rollins (foot) — Injured

Portland Trail Blazers News

Confirmed Lineup: Skylar Mays, Jeenathan Williams, Shaedon Sharpe, Kevin Knox, Trendon Watford

  • Anfernee Simons (foot) — Out

  • Jerami Grant (quad) — Out

  • Jusuf Nurkic (knee) — Out

  • Drew Eubanks (ankle) — Out

  • Nassir Little (ankle) — Out

  • Shaedon Sharpe (quad) — In

  • Trendon Watford (ankle) — Available

  • Matisse Thybulle (knee) — Out

  • Kevin Knox (quad) — Available

  • Cam Reddish (back) — Out

  • Chance Comanche (signed) — TBD

  • Damian Lillard (calf) — Injured

  • Keon Johnson (finger) — Injured

  • Ibou Badji (knee) — Injured

  • Justise Winslow (ankle) — Injured

Shaq Harrison's 10-day contract expired, and he signed with the Lakers. Mays was re-signed and should now handle additional facilitating responsibilities with Sharpe as a result.