A post where NBA fans can see some information in one place. I'm no insider or anything, but it's fun to track everything that's going on. Hopefully, this can prove to be a helpful resource. Enjoy! Will be continually updated
Injuries
Bradley Beal will return tonight against the Thunder for the Wizards, who have stood ground in the Eastern Conference this season. The reason for absence? He tested positive for Covid-19 and had to recondition.
Numerous toe injuries around the league that have been reported: Isaiah Stewart and Desmond Bane, as you all likely know, will be out for at least 2-3 weeks with big toe sprains. Bane has experienced yet another breakout this season alongside Ja. He's averaged a scorching hot 24.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.8 assists with an incredible on/off rating. The Grizzlies, who as of Tuesday are fourth in the NBA standings, will have to weather the storm. On the other end, with Beef Stew's injury, one question surrounding the Pistons will be if Jalen Duren gets more playing time, even starts. The Raptors also announced Otto Porter Jr. has a dislocated toe; in 8 games this season, he's averaged 5.5 points in 18.3 minutes. Saddiq Bey will likely return to the starting lineup, as well as Marvin Bagley.
One of the league's worst tanking teams in the Houston Rockets have announced another contributor, in Jae'Sean Tate, is out 2-3 weeks with a sore left ankle. Tate has played only 3 games this season, averaging 8.3 points on 50/40/75 splits.
Zion Williamson's health is always something to monitor, and it was revealed that he had a right foot contusion. He's day to day, missing last night's game against the Grizzlies, but the foot injuries will always be something noteworthy. Update: Zion is listed out against the Bulls.
Despite Bane's injury, the Grizzlies did get a boost on Tuesday when Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 7 points on 3 of 14 shooting.
Speaking of NBA returns, Chauncey Billups said Gary Payton Jr. is close to returning from his core muscle ailment. It is widely expected Portland's offseason addition will help immensely with the suspect perimeter defense, and help them remain deep in the playoff mix.
Omer Yurtseven underwent a left ankle surgery on Tuesday, as widely expected. He and Victor Oladipo ("chronic knee pain") are sidelined long term for this shaky Heat team. The Heat, likely after learning of the expected Yurt injury news, released Dru Smith from his two-way and converted Sioux Falls G Leaguer Orlando Robinson into a two-way contract. It is a possibility that Robinson, an undrafted rookie from Fresno State, gets minutes over the course of the regular season. A report indicated that he'll be out for at least three months, but there is still optimism the Turkish center can come back by March.
Paolo Banchero did not practice for the Orlando Magic Tuesday. He's missed the last three games with a sprained ankle, and it is unclear when precisely he'll return. Banchero will miss tonight's game against Minnesota.
Jake Layman, a longtime NBA journeyman, has a herniated disk in his back, and after agreeing to a deal in Spain, has returned to the United States to undergo a procedure for the issue. Layman has made NBA rosters before, and should he come back from this injury, he could be on NBA radars.
Injury news for one big game on Wednesday: Cavs vs. Bucks. After practicing on Tuesday, Holiday is questionable with a right ankle sprain. Pat Connaughton will also strengthen the Bucks' wing corps, as he could also make his return with a right calf strain. Wesley Matthews is out with right hamstring soreness, and Ingles and Middleton will obviously not be making their returns. On the other side, as of Tuesday, Jarrett Allen is OUT and was not expected to travel with the Cavs according to a report. Mitchell is questionable, while Dean Wade is doubtful.
Update: Mitchell participated in shootaround today. Allen is officially out, but is now listed on the injury report as having a non COVID illness. Pat Connaughton is highly likely to make his regular season debut on Wednesday, upgraded to probable.
Nikola Jokic and Bones Hyland are both out against the Knicks on Wednesday, due to health and safety protocols.
Malcolm Brogdon, who has been listed as day to day because of a hamstring issue, has been upgraded to questionable for Wednesday's tilt against the Atlanta Hawks. Update: No Malcolm Brogdon or Marcus Smart for the Celtics tonight.
Mitchell Robinson has been out with a sprained right knee, the timetable remains unclear.
Chris Paul hasn't played since Nov. 7 due to a sore right heel. He could be in action on Wednesday.
Bam Adebayo is out for Wednesday against Toronto.
Luka Doncic (rest), Maxi Kleber (low back contusion), and JaVale McGee (neck strain) are out tonight against the Rockets.
Kira Lewis was assigned to the Birmingham Squadron to continue rehabbing his torn ACL, according to Andrew Lopez. Movements are getting more efficient, getting faster.
Mark Williams suffered a left ankle strain in the G League and is doubtful against Indiana.
Dylan Windler will be out the next 4 to 6 weeks after undergoing an injection in his right ankle. Has been active for one game this season.
Wednesday:
Max Christie, Lakers second round selection, has entered health and safety protocols. Christie has averaged 3.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, and shot 54.5% on threes in 8 games for the Lakers.
LeBron James participated in the non contact portion of Wednesday's practice, Darvin Ham said. He did not scrimmage (groin).
Dave McMenamim has reported both Dennis Schroeder and Thomas Bryant, nursing thumb injuries, looked "unbelievable" in practice today, and are expected to make their season debuts on Friday.
Otto Porter Jr. is day to day for the Raptors, according to coach Nick Nurse.
Trades:
Rumors have suggested the stalemate involving the Lakers and Pacers during Myles Turner trade talks has been centered around trying to get into position to strike for Bradley Beal. Turner has averaged 17.9 points, 8.7rebounds on 50.7% shooting and 37% from three this season, and along with Buddy Hield, he could bring some impact to the Lakers, but the Pacers have refused a deal without two future picks (unclear what the protections might be). This has obviously led to reports of another LA team jumping in for Turner, but reports have suggested Pelinka is thinking that the Wizards may have a downfall before this year's trade deadline, and their coveted scorer Bradley Beal could be available. Beal has averaged 21.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 5.7 assists in 9 games for the Wizards this season. The question? What's the appeal in a Lakers trade package? The Lakers attaching Westbrook to the deal could help the Wizards save some cap space, but Westbrook and two picks isn't going to get it done, considering the money the Wizards attached to Beal. A team deprived of young assets has to get really creative with that one. Additional note: Only way a trade could be foreseeable is if Beal really forces his hand out of Washington using that no trade clause.
The Knicks have been embroiled in turmoil once again. Evan Fournier's lucrative deal has turned into a very negative asset for this team to move, as through Tuesday he has averaged 6.9 points on 34|33/82 shooting splits in 13 games, playing on and off the bench. A fun international player to watch, he's been disappointing so far this NBA season. Julius Randle hosted a players' only meeting on Monday to try to regroup ahead of this upcoming road trip. The Knicks are 10th in the Eastern Conference standings, with a 6-7 record following that embarrassing loss to OKC. Additional note: Tom Thibodeua is also rumored to be on the hot seat. Update: Thibs cut Grimes and Fournier from the rotation last night, leading to a W.
The Bucks are reportedly shopping Grayson Allen to get a "defensive frontcourt player." Allen, who is currently nursing an ankle injury, has averaged 10.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists and shot 42.6% from three this season. It is presumed the Bucks are looking for a player in the PJ Tucker mold, and the swap that comes to mind is Jae Crowder, who the Suns have recently engaged talks with even more with Cam Johnson now being out. When thinking about it, a starter in Allen is about the best value the Suns can get for Crowder. Both teams seem to want to get rid of each other's problem; how would the value work considering the leverage? The Bulls have also expressed interest in Allen, but it is unlikely they have the contributor to get him off the Bucks' hands.
The Bulls are shopping Coby White again, after he was involved in talks during the summer as well. White has been out the last 7 games of the season with a quad injury, and hasn't been that good when he has actually played: 8.1 points on .382|.294|.556 shooting splits. What's more, according to Crafted NBA he's graded out in the 4th percentile in crafted DPM. The Bulls, in a Grayson Allen package, could theorectically offer White in a Grayson Allen package, but a young guard with efficiency/injury issues that's closer to a negative than a positive defensively isn't a desirable asset.
Brian Windhorst speculated the Celtics may be interested in trading for Jakob Poeltl and strengthening their big man rotation even further. Robert Williams' health is still very much in question.
An article by the Athletic has suggested the Nets have been very frustrated with Ben Simmons' availability, some questioning his passion for the game, and he's been very disappointing on the floor. There was some reports linking him to the Mavericks, but they reportedly don't have interest in a Simmons trade.
Contracts:
LA is inclined to not make decisions until they see their combo of Dennis Schroeder and Thomas Bryant, but they have made known they are interested in Moe Harkless, Joe Wieskamp, and Tony Snell as veteran free agents, according to Marc Stein. They worked out all three players, according to Shams.
Carmelo Anthony is being monitored by the Tainan TSG Ghosthawks of Taiwan's T1 League. The 38-year old Anthony is still a veteran free agent after averaging 13.3 points with the LA Lakers last season. Playing overseas in Taiwan, something Dwight Howard agreed to do, could give Anthony a chance to get a contract, and post some bonkers numbers. Stars that have faded in the NBA (Allen Iverson comes to mind as an example) frequently have gone to play overseas, so this makes sense.
Howard's team has sold about 60,000 tickets after his lucrative contract, and center Enes Freedom and Isaiah Thomas are also on teams' radars in Taiwan, according to Marc Stein. Similar to Anthony, Thomas would seem to be another good fit in an overseas league where he can show off his NBA skills as a fallen superstar. Freedom could also benefit off his skillset.
Latest from Wednesday: Austin Daye signed with Taiwanese team New Taipei Kings, according to Alberto De Roa of Hoops Hype.
De'aaron Fox is switching agents and will be represented by Klutch Sports.
The Celtics reportedly never offered Grant Williams more than $50 million, as the versatile wing/forward is heading to restricted free agency. How will this affect the Celtics during free agency?
The Timberwolves, with one open two-way slot, signed A.J. Lawson to a two-way deal on Wednesday Nov. 16. Lawson has averaged 22.3 points for the College Park Skyhawks, and averaged 15.6 points and 6.0 rebounds in five games for the Mavericks this Summer League. Undrafted young player.
Langston Galloway signed with the College Park Skyhawks today.
Miye Oni is signing with the London Lions according to Marc Stein. Sam Dekker and Kosta Koufos, both NBA players, also play on that team in England.
Grizz have assigned Kennedy Chandler and Xavier Tillman to the Memphis Hustle. Both players will be recalled after Nov. 17's game.
Misc.
There's been plenty of speculation surrounding expansion in the areas of Las Vegas and Seattle, but Mexico City has gained traction as a legit spot to expand. It could help reach more fans across the entire space of North America, and there's already been a G League team added to Mexico City as well.
The NBA is seeking a long term media rights deal with ESPN and Turner, but Turner Sports is remaining disciplined, according to CEO David Zaslav. Imagine the NBA without the Inside Guys or TNT broadcasts.
Nets teammates were surprised Kyrie didn't return last night, there is optimism he is getting closer to a return.