NBA Player News

Tyson provided three points (1-6 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 1-2 FT), six rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal across 24 minutes during Thursday's 114-106 loss to the 76ers.

Tyson struggled offensively, missing all four attempts from beyond the arc, but salvaged some fantasy value with his rebounding and defensive contributions. His 24-minute workload was encouraging, though he'll need to improve his shooting efficiency to become a more reliable fantasy contributor.

Merrill chipped in five points (2-5 FG, 1-3 3Pt), five rebounds, two assists and one steal over 24 minutes during Thursday's 114-106 loss to Philadelphia.

Merrill struggled to make an offensive impact in Cleveland's season opener, connecting on just one three-pointer despite logging a solid workload off the bench. His perimeter shooting should remain his primary source of fantasy value, though his production could fluctuate depending on his opportunities.

Prince (personal) is available for Friday's game against the Heat.

Prince is back with the team after attending to a personal matter. The veteran forward is ready to make his Pistons debut, though his role is uncertain.

Black (ankle) has been ruled out for Friday's game against Minnesota but participated in shootaround and has experienced no setbacks in his recovery, Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel reports.

"He's doing a good job, still ramping up and looked good," coach Sean Sweeney said. Black continues to make encouraging progress from a right ankle sprain that sidelined him throughout the preseason. His participation in shootaround is a positive sign, though the Magic have yet to establish a timetable for his return. He'll look to carve out a role in Orlando's backcourt once cleared to play.

Nnaji (coach's decision) did not play in Thursday's 96-84 loss to Oklahoma City.

Nnaji was left out of Denver's rotation, with the team using Marvin Bagley and Trevon Brazile off the bench. With both players ahead of him in the frontcourt pecking order, Nnaji appears unlikely to provide consistent fantasy production without a change in his role.

Thomas (coach's decision) did not play in Thursday's 114-106 loss to Philadelphia.

The rookie guard was left out of Cleveland's initial rotation, with Craig Porter and Tyrese Proctor both receiving playing time off the bench. Thomas showed scoring potential during the preseason, but he'll need to work his way into coach Kenny Atkinson's rotation before becoming a viable fantasy option.

Bryant (coach's decision) did not play in Thursday's 114-106 loss to Philadelphia.

Bryant was left out of Cleveland's rotation despite the Cavaliers entering the season with some frontcourt injury concerns. With Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley handling the primary frontcourt responsibilities, Bryant could struggle to see consistent playing time when the team is healthy.

Holmes recorded three points (1-2 FG, 1-2 3Pt), one rebound and one assist over two minutes during Thursday's 96-84 loss to the Thunder.

Holmes saw action only in the closing minutes of Denver's season opener, knocking down a three-pointer during his brief appearance. The limited playing time suggests the young big man remains outside the regular rotation, leaving him with little immediate fantasy value.

Barnhizer totaled one assist in two minutes during Thursday's 96-84 victory over Denver.

Barnhizer entered late in the contest and saw minimal involvement in Oklahoma City's rotation. With the Thunder featuring considerable backcourt and wing depth, the second-year guard faces an uphill battle for consistent playing time.

Hawkins (illness) is probable for Friday's game against the Hawks.

Hawkins was previously labeled as questionable. The guard is on a two-way deal and isn't guaranteed any minutes.