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Kevin Durant not ruling out playing for Team USA in '28 Games

Mon Feb 23 1:02pm ET
Field Level Media

If Team USA calls Kevin Durant for a shot at his fifth Gold medal in the 2028 Olympics, he plans to be ready.

Durant will be 39 in 2028 when Los Angeles hosts the Summer Games. Only women's stars Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird, with six and five gold medals respectively for Team USA, have won more golds in basketball than Durant.

"Hell yeah, I want to play," Durant said. "I would love to, but I've got to stay on top of my game. I'm not expecting, I want to produce on the floor and make (USA Basketball president) Grant (Hill) and whoever is making the decisions, want to put me on the team. I don't want -- not just for seniority. I want to still prove I can help the team win. Today, yeah I feel like I'll put my name in that hat."

The self-described gym junkie said if he remains effective on the court as age 40 approaches, there is no reason he wouldn't be open to another run in the Olympics despite a working narrative that LeBron James, Steph Curry and Durant were all unlikely to be back with Team USA. Curry turns 38 next month. James is 41.


"You guys, the media, have projected that. I didn't say I wasn't playing. LeBron said he wasn't," Durant told ESPN. "You didn't hear that from me or Steph."

Durant told ESPN he views the criticism of American basketball being "ruined" by Curry or the AAU style of play as a racial critique.

"I just don't like the talk around the USA versus European style of how you approach the game," Durant told ESPN. "All I hear is, ‘AAU is destroying the game, the Euros do it right while the Americans do it wrong.' It's a lot of bulls-- with that. I can read between the lines on that. It's a shot at Black Americans. We're controlling the sport. They're tired of us controlling the sport. ‘France is coming for you.' Really? We smacked them boys."

Player Notes
Rayan Rupert Mon Feb 23 8:30am

According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Memphis Grizzlies are signing guard Rayan Rupert to a 10-day contract. The 21-year-old has appeared in 139 games across parts of three seasons with Portland and averaged 2.9 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.7 assists in 12.0 minutes this year before being waived. Memphis is navigating multiple injuries, but Rupert enters a crowded backcourt rotation that includes Scotty Pippen Jr., Walter Clayton Jr., and Cam Spencer. He projects as depth for now and is not on the fantasy radar outside of very deep leagues.

Killian Hayes Mon Feb 23 8:20am

According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Sacramento Kings are signing former No. 7 overall pick guard Killian Hayes to a 10-day contract. Hayes has spent the season with the Cleveland Charge, where he posted 23.1 points, 8.1 assists, 3.9 rebounds, 2.3 threes, and 1.7 steals in 31.8 minutes per game. With Zach LaVine (finger) and De'Andre Hunter (eye) done for the year, Hayes could absorb reserve backcourt minutes behind Russell Westbrook and Devin Carter. He could surface as a deeper-league option for assists and steals if he carves out steady minutes.

Cason Wallace Mon Feb 23 8:10am

Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Cason Wallace produced 20 points, 10 assists, four rebounds, and three steals in 34 minutes during Sunday's 121-113 win over Cleveland, adding four triples while setting a new career high in assists. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) and Jalen Williams (hamstring) both sidelined, Wallace has operated as the primary initiator and is averaging 12.8 points, 4.7 assists, 3.6 rebounds, 2.4 steals, and 1.4 threes across nine February starts. He is a strong short-term hold and category streamer, while Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Joe should continue seeing steady usage bumps.

Santi Aldama Mon Feb 23 8:00am

Memphis Grizzlies forward/center Santi Aldama (knee) is out for Monday's matchup against the Kings, marking his seventh straight absence due to right knee injury management. His next chance to return is Wednesday versus Golden State. With Aldama sidelined, G.G. Jackson erupted for 28 points, nine rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block in 26 minutes off the bench last game and remains the top fantasy beneficiary. Olivier-Maxence Prosper and Taylor Hendricks continue to see steady minutes, but Jackson profiles as the strongest short-term add across standard formats.

Deni Avdija Mon Feb 23 7:50am

Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (back) will not return to Sunday's game against the Suns after aggravating a preexisting low back issue less than one minute into the contest. His availability for Tuesday against Minnesota is uncertain. Avdija's 29.8 usage rate leaves a sizable void. Scoot Henderson logged 30 minutes Sunday and produced 11 points, six assists, and four rebounds, positioning him as a viable short-term add. Jerami Grant and Jrue Holiday should see added scoring responsibility, while Sidy Cissoko and Vit Krejci profile as deeper-league streamers if Avdija misses time.

Jaxson Hayes Mon Feb 23 7:50am

Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (ankle) will not return to Sunday's loss against the Celtics after suffering a right ankle injury in the first quarter. His availability for Tuesday against Orlando is uncertain. Hayes typically logs around 18 minutes off the bench, so his absence is unlikely to move the needle much in standard fantasy formats. Jarred Vanderbilt logged 11 minutes and posted three points and five rebounds, while Maxi Kleber saw only three minutes. Vanderbilt is the more viable deep-league streamer if Hayes misses time, though Deandre Ayton should continue handling the bulk of center minutes.

Jalen Smith Mon Feb 23 7:40am

Chicago Bulls forward/center Jalen Smith (calf) did not return in Sunday's loss to the Knicks after aggravating right calf tightness, finishing with 12 points, five rebounds, one assist, and one steal in 18 minutes. The injury shifts the frontcourt rotation. Guerschon Yabusele logged 30 minutes as a starter and posted 11 points, 13 rebounds, and three triples, while Nick Richards supplied nine points, 14 rebounds, and one block in 23 minutes. Patrick Williams added 10 points and eight assists in 28 minutes but remains volatile. Yabusele and Richards are priority streamers if Smith misses time.

Nikola Jokic Mon Feb 23 1:00am

Denver Nuggets' C Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double, finishing with 35 points, 12 assists and 20 rebounds in a 117-128 loss to Golden State on Sunday, Feb. 22.

Kyle Anderson Sun Feb 22 8:40pm

Memphis Grizzlies forward Kyle Anderson (knee) is doubtful for Monday's matchup against the Kings and appears likely to miss a second straight contest due to right knee soreness. His absence should keep Olivier-Maxence Prosper and Taylor Hendricks in the rotation mix. Prosper started last game and delivered nine points, four rebounds, four assists, and four steals in 26 minutes, while Hendricks added four points, two rebounds, one steal, and one block in 24 minutes. Both remain risky deep-league streamers, with limited upside unless Memphis thins further.

Cedric Coward Sun Feb 22 8:30pm

Memphis Grizzlies guard/forward Cedric Coward (knee) will remain out for Monday's matchup against the Kings, extending his absence to four straight games due to a posterior capsule sprain in his right knee. With Coward sidelined, Walter Clayton Jr., Cam Spencer, and Olivier-Maxence Prosper should continue seeing elevated minutes. Clayton logged nine points, four rebounds, and six assists in 26 minutes last game, while Prosper added nine points, four rebounds, four assists, and four steals. All three remain fringe streamers, with limited upside unless Coward's absence stretches further.

Kawhi Leonard Sun Feb 22 8:20pm

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (ankle) has been upgraded to available for Sunday's game against the Magic after initially being listed as questionable due to left ankle soreness. Leonard has been dominant since early February, averaging 28.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.7 steals while handling a 34.5 usage rate. He posted 31 points with four 3-pointers, four rebounds, and five assists in 31 minutes in the recent loss to the Lakers. Leonard remains a must-start, while Kris Dunn and Bennedict Mathurin benefit from the defensive attention he draws.

Jalen Suggs Sun Feb 22 8:00pm

Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (back) is out for Sunday's game against the Clippers, marking his second straight absence due to back spasms. With Suggs sidelined, Desmond Bane should continue to anchor the offense after erupting for 34 points with five three-pointers, four rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block in 40 minutes last game. Anthony Black logged 45 minutes, while Jevon Carter and Tristan da Silva each topped 30 minutes. Bane remains a must-start, Black profiles as a strong hold, and Carter is a viable short-term streamer.

Deni Avdija Sun Feb 22 7:50pm

Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward Deni Avdija (back) is available for Sunday's game in Phoenix and is expected to handle his usual workload. The 25-year-old has been Portland's primary engine this season, averaging 25.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 2.2 3-pointers while carrying a 29.6 usage rate. He logged 15 points, 13 assists, and eight rebounds in 30 minutes during the last loss to Denver. Fantasy managers should keep him locked in, though a mild re-aggravation risk exists. Jrue Holiday and Jerami Grant would see added playmaking and scoring opportunities if Avdija's minutes dip.

Patrick Williams Sun Feb 22 7:50pm

Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams (hand) is available for Sunday's game against the Knicks after being listed with a left-hand injury. Williams has averaged 7.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.2 steals in 23.2 minutes over his last five outings, but his usage remains modest in a crowded rotation. He logged six points, one rebound, one assist, and two steals in 16 minutes during the recent loss to Detroit. With Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis handling larger roles, Williams remains off the standard-league radar and profiles as a deep-league filler at best.

Josh Giddey Sun Feb 22 7:40pm

Chicago Bulls guards Josh Giddey and Tre Jones will be on minute restrictions for Sunday's game against the Knicks. Giddey recently returned from an eight-game absence and posted 27 points, six rebounds, and three assists with five 3-pointers in 27 minutes in the last loss to Detroit. Jones added seven points and six assists in 26 minutes. With both capped, Collin Sexton and Rob Dillingham could see modest bumps off the bench. Giddey remains a must-start, but slight workload limits introduce mild risk in weekly formats.

Nick Richards Sun Feb 22 7:30pm

Chicago Bulls center Nick Richards (foot) will play Sunday against the Knicks. Richards remains the primary backup to Jalen Smith, who continues to operate under a minutes restriction, keeping the door open for a steady second-unit run. Through five appearances with Chicago, Richards has averaged 8.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in 19.0 minutes. He logged five points and five rebounds in 19 minutes during the last loss to Detroit. Richards is a fringe, risk-leaning option in standard leagues, but deeper formats can target his block upside while Smith's workload is monitored.

Jalen Green Sun Feb 22 7:20pm

Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (hamstring) is available, while guard/forward Grayson Allen (ankle) is out for Sunday's game against Portland. Green logged 37 minutes in his last appearance, finishing with 16 points, seven rebounds, five assists, three steals, and two 3-pointers, and he should again anchor the offense with Devin Booker (hip), Dillon Brooks (hand), and Jordan Goodwin (calf) sidelined. Green's 29.5 usage rate keeps him locked into must-start territory. Allen's absence solidifies minutes for Royce O'Neale and Collin Gillespie, though Green remains the primary fantasy beneficiary.

Joan Beringer Sun Feb 22 7:00pm

Minnesota Timberwolves forward/center Naz Reid (shoulder) is out for Sunday's game against Philadelphia, marking his first absence of the season. With Rudy Gobert also sidelined due to suspension, Joan Beringer is set to start at center, creating short-term streaming appeal in deeper formats. Beringer logged four minutes with two points and two blocks in his last appearance, but an expanded run could translate to boards and defensive stats. Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards should absorb more frontcourt usage, while Ayo Dosunmu may see added offensive responsibility with the rotation thinned.

Keyonte George Sun Feb 22 7:00pm

Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (ankle) is questionable for Monday's game in Houston after missing seven of the last eight contests. The second-year guard averages 30.0 minutes with a team-high 29.2 usage rate, so his potential return would reshape the backcourt rotation. Isaiah Collier capitalized in the last outing with 24 points, five rebounds, four steals, and two blocks in 25 minutes, making him a strong add if George remains sidelined. If George plays, Collier likely shifts back to the second unit, while Ace Bailey and Lauri Markkanen maintain steady offensive roles.

Lauri Markkanen Sun Feb 22 6:50pm

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (illness) is probable for Monday's game against Houston after sitting out the previous two contests. In his last five appearances, the seven-footer has averaged 21.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 24.6 minutes, maintaining a steady scoring role when active. His return would likely trim minutes for Cody Williams, who logged 38 minutes with five points, nine rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block in the last game. Brice Sensabaugh also stands to lose touches after posting nine points and four rebounds in 19 minutes. Markkanen remains a must-start in all formats.


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