
CLE • Guard • #5
about 13 hours ago
Merrill has not appeared in a game since November 17, which has freed up additional minutes for Jaylon Tyson and De’Andre Hunter. That will remain the case on Sunday, with Tyson offering a slightly higher fantasy ceiling for managers competing in category leagues.
Source: NBA Injury Report

CLE • Center • #31
about 13 hours ago
Allen is on track to make his first appearance since November 28, and it would come at an excellent time for the Cavaliers. With Evan Mobley (calf) out for at least two to four weeks, Allen would possess a higher fantasy ceiling as the lone post player in the starting lineup. If he remains out on Sunday, expect to see plenty of Dean Wade and Thomas Bryant.
Source: NBA Injury Report

CHA • Forward • #31
about 14 hours ago
Salaün is dealing with a sore left hip. While he is not positioned to affect fantasy basketball, the second-year forward would be missing out on rotation minutes off the bench if he cannot play on Sunday.
Source: Charlotte Hornets

CHA • Guard • #23
about 14 hours ago
Mann’s absence will hit six games on Sunday. While his injury alone would not affect fantasy basketball, the Hornets are also without LaMelo Ball and Collin Sexton. KJ Simpson will continue to start at point guard, while multiple players take on additional playmaking responsibilities, including Kon Knueppel and Miles Bridges.
Source: Charlotte Hornets

CHA • Guard • #2
about 14 hours ago
Sexton will miss a fourth straight game as he continues to deal with a strained left quad. With LaMelo Ball and Tre Mann also out, the Hornets have given rookies Sion James and Kon Knueppel more time on the ball as playmakers, with the latter already in the starting lineup. Knueppel can still be found on some 12-team league waiver wires; do not hesitate to add him if he’s available.
Source: Charlotte Hornets

CHA • Guard • #1
about 14 hours ago
Sunday’s game will be the third that Ball has missed since suffering a bone bruise in his left ankle. KJ Simpson has been the replacement in the starting lineup, but Sion James has also seen more time on the ball despite coming off the bench. Both players offer limited fantasy ceilings, with Simpson being the slightly better option in the short term.
Source: Charlotte Hornets

CLE • Center • #4
about 14 hours ago
While Mobley played 36 minutes in Friday’s win over the Wizards, he suffered a strained left calf and will be sidelined for a bit. According to the Cavaliers, it’s a Grade 1 strain and Mobley is expected to miss approximately two to four weeks. With Jarrett Allen sidelined by finger injuries on both hands, Dean Wade and Thomas Bryant will figure more prominently in the frontcourt rotation. Wade has played more than Bryant, making him the preferred streaming option if Allen can’t play on Sunday against the Hornets.
Source: Cleveland Cavaliers

CLE • Guard • #45
1 day ago
The Cavaliers got back in the win column on Friday behind Mitchell’s highest scoring performance of the season. The veteran combo guard got up over 30 shot attempts for the first time this season, which he converted efficiently en route to a near 50-point performance. He used the three-point shot to his advantage and, despite the high volume of shots, he made at least a little bit of impact as a facilitator along the way. Mitchell has been on a tear lately, scoring 40 or more points in three of his last seven games and nailing at least seven threes in each of said games. He will look to stay hot against the Hornets on Sunday.

CLE • Center • #4
1 day ago
While he wasn’t his usual efficient self from a shotmaking perspective, Mobley was quite impactful on the offensive end. He produced both inside and outside the arc en route to finishing with 20 or more points for the 12th time this season, and tied a team-high in assists, as well. Mobley didn’t produce any counting stats on the defensive end, which is rare for him, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. Nonetheless, he put forth some strong production from a fantasy standpoint and continues to put up solid numbers overall.

CHA • Forward • #24
1 day ago
While Miller did provide a complete stat line on Friday, the field-goal percentage remains an issue. He shot 2-of-8 from beyond the arc against the Bulls and made just under 50 percent of his two-point attempts. For the season, Miller is shooting 36.6 percent from the field, which is why he’s ranked outside the top-150 in eight-cat formats. Hopefully, he can turn it around in time, because Miller’s fantasy value suffers for that reason.

CLE • Guard • #10
1 day ago
Garland was as efficient as one could be inside the arc, shooting 6-of-6 on two-point shots, but his 0-of-11 shooting from deep left him completely unimpactful from behind the line. Yet, even with the shooting struggles, Garland was one of the Cavaliers’ highest scorers on the evening and concluded with a share of the most assists. Surely, fantasy managers will want more production from Garland going forward, but they must remain patient in the early stages of the season as he continues to work his way back from offseason toe surgery.

CHA • Guard • #10
1 day ago
Green saw his first action of the season on Friday, so neither the minutes nor the production should be surprising. And his fantasy prospects moving forward don’t look all that promising, as Kon Knueppel has established himself as a key building block, and Sion James (14/4/1 with two three-pointers) offers a higher offensive ceiling than Green. While his defensive ability should get him on the floor, there’s no need to consider rostering Green in redraft leagues.
CHA • • #
1 day ago
Despite the defeat, the Hornets had to be thrilled by what they saw from Knueppel on Friday. While he was efficient in recording a career-high point total, the rookie also did a good job of helping Charlotte compensate for LaMelo Ball’s absence. Knueppel matched his season-high in assists while committing only two turnovers. He’s still rostered in 50 percent of Yahoo! leagues, which is too low for a rookie of Knueppel’s caliber.

CHA • Forward • #0
1 day ago
It’s safe to say that Bridges has snapped out of the mini-slump he found himself in after dropping 35 points on the Raptors back on November 29. He finished Friday’s defeat with his fifth 30-point game of the season, one shy of his total for the 2024-25 campaign. With LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller having missed extended time due to injury, Bridges has been one of the Hornets’ few constants in fantasy basketball this season. The Hornets end Week 8 with a road game against the Cavaliers on Sunday.

CHA • Forward • #14
1 day ago
Initially questionable for Friday’s game, Diabaté was upgraded to probable earlier in the day. He’s now officially available to play, which will impact the Hornets’ center rotation. Mason Plumlee will likely fall out of the rotation entirely, but this does not affect fantasy basketball.
Source: Charlotte Hornets

CHA • Forward • #14
1 day ago
Diabaté sat out Sunday’s matchup with Denver, which allowed Mason Plumlee to join the rotation. With Diabaté expected to play, he could reclaim his role as Charlotte’s primary backup center, leaving fewer minutes available for Plumlee.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CLE • • #
3 days ago
Proctor is back after missing Cleveland’s last two games for personal reasons. His return will not affect fantasy basketball, even with the Cavaliers not having Sam Merrill or Max Strus.
Source: NBA Injury Report

CLE • Center • #31
3 days ago
While Allen fully participated in Tuesday’s practice, he still has not reached the point where he can play in games. Evan Mobley will continue to start at the center position, which raises his fantasy ceiling. Also, Jaylon Tyson is worth a look in deeper leagues since he has moved into the starting lineup.
Source: NBA Injury Report

CHA • Forward • #14
3 days ago
Diabaté has been hobbled by a sore right knee, most recently sitting out Sunday’s loss to the Nuggets. Mason Plumlee played rotation minutes off the bench, serving as Ryan Kalkbrenner’s backup. If Diabaté can play on Friday, Plumlee will likely fall out of the rotation entirely.
Source: Charlotte Hornets

CHA • Guard • #10
3 days ago
Green is set to make his season debut after undergoing left shoulder surgery in June. Given the time missed, his minutes are likely to be restricted for conditioning reasons. When healthy, Green is a solid defender who does not offer much fantasy value on the offensive end of the floor. He’s worth watching, but should not be considered a must-add, especially with the Hornets adding Kon Knueppel, Sion James and Liam McNeeley via last June’s draft.
Source: Charlotte Hornets

CHA • Guard • #24
3 days ago
Connaughton has been unavailable since November 22 and has no return timeline. His absence does not affect fantasy basketball, as Connaughton did not play consistent rotation minutes when healthy.
Source: Charlotte Hornets

CHA • Guard • #2
3 days ago
Friday’s game will be the third that Sexton has missed due to a strained left quad. With LaMelo Ball and Tre Mann also out, the Hornets will likely stick with KJ Simpson as the starting point guard. While his fantasy ceiling is limited, Simpson is worth a look in deep leagues due to Charlotte’s lack of healthy alternatives.
Source: Charlotte Hornets

CHA • Guard • #1
3 days ago
Ball hasn’t played since leaving Friday’s game against the Raptors with a bone bruise in his left ankle. Sion James and KJ Simpson have seen additional minutes in Ball’s absence. Given his history of ankle injuries, that absence could extend beyond Friday.

CLE • Center • #31
5 days ago
Allen has missed five straight and eight of Cleveland’s last nine games, but his participation in practice suggests he’s got a chance to take the court for Cleveland’s next game. The Cavs don’t play again until Friday, which gives Allen plenty of time to recover. If Allen is cleared to play, he could reclaim his starting spot from Jaylon Tyson. Sam Merrill (hand) hasn’t played since November 17, and he did not participate in practice.
Source: Danny Cunningham
CHA • • #
6 days ago
McNeeley enjoyed his best outing of the season on Sunday, recording new highs in points and three-pointers. The rookie wing hit three triples in the first half, giving the Hornets a welcome spark off the bench. Unfortunately, McNeeley suffered a left quad contusion during the second half, spending some time on the sideline with a heating pad on his thigh. The Hornets won’t play again until Friday; hopefully, that’s enough time for McNeeley to get back to full strength.

CHA • Forward • #0
6 days ago
With LaMelo Ball and Collin Sexton unavailable due to injury, Bridges spent more time on the ball as a playmaker on Sunday. That factored into him dishing out a season-high eight assists, finishing two helpers and a rebound shy of a triple-double. Sunday’s performance occurred at a good time for Bridges and those who have him rostered, as he’s ranked outside the top-200 in nine-cat per-game value over the past two weeks. He’ll look to build on Sunday’s showing in Week 8, with the Hornets playing on Friday and Sunday.

CHA • Forward • #24
6 days ago
Miller had a rough night inside the arc, making just one of his nine two-point attempts. However, a respectable 40 percent mark from three boosted his point total, and he did finish with a complete stat line. The five assists were the most he’s recorded in a game since the season opener, when Miller dished out seven helpers against the Nets. Staying healthy has been an issue for him this season, so the extra time off due to the NBA Cup may benefit Miller. Charlotte plays games on Friday and Sunday during Week 8.

CHA • Guard • #25
6 days ago
With the Hornets being down multiple point guards, most notably starter LaMelo Ball, Simpson made his first start of the season on Sunday. While he finished with a respectable stat line, the assist category was lacking. Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges spent more time on the ball, which helped them combine to dish out 13 assists. Charlotte does not play its first game of Week 8 until Friday, so there isn’t much need to add Simpson after his showing on Sunday.

CHA • Guard • #25
7 days ago
The Hornets are without LaMelo Ball and Collin Sexton for Sunday’s game, so Simpson has received the starting nod. While his season-long production has not made him worth the risk in fantasy leagues, the opportunity to start raises Simpson’s fantasy ceiling. The other four starters are unchanged, and Kalkbrenner’s playing time may increase with Moussa Diabaté unavailable.
Source: NBA Lineups

CHA • Forward • #14
7 days ago
Diabaté has been downgraded from questionable to out, which means Ryan Kalkbrenner will retain his place in the starting lineup. Mason Plumlee should play rotation minutes as the backup center, but that is not a good spot to find fantasy value. Leave him on the waiver wire.
Source: Charlotte Hornets

CLE • Guard • #45
7 days ago
The Cavaliers got off to an ice-cold start on the second night of a back-to-back, scoring a season-low 36 points in the first half. Mitchell came alive after the break, burying seven three-pointers and dropping 21 points in the second half as Cleveland roared back to make this one close. He had an opportunity to knock down a game-tying three-pointer in the final seconds but came up empty. The 29-year-old scoring machine is averaging 30.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.3 blocks over 23 games this season. The Cavaliers are off until Friday when they face the floundering Wizards before closing out a two-game week with a home matchup against the Hornets.