-
Josh Giddey PG | CHI
Bulls' Josh Giddey: Cleared to play Friday
Giddey (wrist) is available for Friday's game against the Bucks.
Giddey was previously listed as probable due to a left wrist sprain, but he'll be able to suit up for the first half of Chicago's back-to-back set. The injury reportedly affected his shooting during Wednesday's season opener against Toronto, when he managed just two points on 1-for-10 shooting. His availability is encouraging, though the wrist issue could continue to affect his offensive efficiency.
-
Tyrese Proctor PG | CLE
Cavaliers' Tyrese Proctor: Limited to five minutes
Proctor contributed zero points (0-1 FG) in five minutes during Thursday's 114-106 loss to the 76ers.
Proctor saw minimal action off Cleveland's bench, missing his lone field-goal attempt and failing to register another counting statistic. With James Harden and Donovan Mitchell commanding the bulk of the backcourt minutes, the second-year guard faces limited opportunities for consistent fantasy production.
-
Jaylon Tyson SF | CLE
Cavaliers' Jaylon Tyson: Struggles from field
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.
-
Sam Merrill SG | CLE
Cavaliers' Sam Merrill: Quiet in opener
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.
-
Anthony Black SG | ORL
Magic's Anthony Black: Still trending up
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.
-
Zeke Nnaji C | DEN
Nuggets' Zeke Nnaji: Healthy scratch in opener
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.
-
Meleek Thomas PG | CLE
Cavaliers' Meleek Thomas: Not in initial rotation
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.
-
Thomas Bryant C | CLE
Cavaliers' Thomas Bryant: Outside rotation in opener
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.
-
DaRon Holmes II PF | DEN
Nuggets' DaRon Holmes: Hits triple in limited run
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.