Guest of the League
LFG League
Draft Masters - $20 - Fantasy Week 19 | NBA Week 19

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
Anfernee Simons Mon Feb 23 7:20pm

Chicago Bulls guard Anfernee Simons (wrist) will miss Tuesday's game against Charlotte after sitting out the second half of the weekend due to a lingering wrist issue. He is officially day-to-day as the team continues to evaluate the injury. His absence shifts additional backcourt responsibility to Tre Jones, Collin Sexton and Rob Dillingham, though all three remain fringe and volatile fantasy options. Jones produced eight points and three assists last game and offers the most upside if his minutes increase, while Josh Giddey will continue to direct the offense.

Pascal Siakam Mon Feb 23 7:10pm

Indiana Pacers forward/center Pascal Siakam (wrist) is considered doubtful for Tuesday's matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers due to a left wrist sprain. Siakam just returned to the floor on Sunday against the Mavericks after recovering from a hamstring injury, but seemingly had another setback, picking up a wrist injury during the contest. Kobe Brown and Micah Potter (ankle) will be expected to take on heavier workloads if Siakam is unable to suit up.

Jaylen Brown Mon Feb 23 7:00pm

According to Justin Turpin of WEEI.com, Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown (knee) is considered questionable for Tuesday's matchup with the Phoenix Suns. Brown is dealing with a left knee contusion after posting 32 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and three steals across 36 minutes against the Lakers on Sunday. Fantasy managers should have a better idea of the 29-year-old's status after he goes through shootaround and pregame warmups before tomorrow evening's tilt.

Joel Embiid Mon Feb 23 7:00pm

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) is questionable for Tuesday's game against Indiana after sitting out the last five contests due to right knee management and shin soreness. The questionable tag signals progress, though his status remains uncertain. If Embiid is held out again, Andre Drummond and Adem Bona would continue to split center duties. Drummond produced six points and nine rebounds in his last start, while Bona added eight points and five boards. Tyrese Maxey would also retain elevated scoring and playmaking responsibilities if Embiid remains sidelined.

Ty Jerome Mon Feb 23 6:50pm

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ty Jerome (illness) is unlikely to play Monday against the Kings, per Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal. Jerome remains listed as questionable, but indications are he will be held out. His potential absence would free up additional backcourt minutes for Scotty Pippen Jr., Cam Spencer, Javon Small, and Walter Clayton Jr. Pippen posted 18 points, six assists, two steals, and three triples last game, while Small and Clayton each logged 26 minutes. Pippen profiles as the strongest streamer if Jerome sits.

Devin Carter Mon Feb 23 6:40pm

Sacramento Kings guard Devin Carter (back) is out for Monday's game against Memphis after being added late to the injury report with lower-back soreness. His absence should open additional ballhandling and scoring chances in the backcourt. Malik Monk is positioned for a larger offensive role after posting 19 points, six assists, and three triples last game, while Nique Clifford could see steadier involvement as well. Russell Westbrook will continue to initiate the offense. Newly signed Killian Hayes may factor into the rotation, though his role remains uncertain.

Cooper Flagg Mon Feb 23 6:40pm

Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Cooper Flagg (foot) will miss Tuesday's matchup against the Brooklyn Nets. The 19-year-old rookie will be sidelined for a fourth consecutive game due to a left midfoot sprain. His next opportunity to return comes Thursday versus Sacramento. In Flagg's absence, Max Christie and Khris Middleton should continue to see expanded offensive roles. Middleton finished with 25 points, seven assists, and one steal in Sunday's win over Indiana, making him a solid streaming option in most formats.

Scottie Barnes Mon Feb 23 6:30pm

Toronto Raptors guard/forward Scottie Barnes (personal) is available for Tuesday's matchup against the Thunder after sitting out Sunday. The 24-year-old has been a category anchor over his last five games, averaging 18.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.8 blocks in 33.2 minutes while shooting 52.2 percent from the field. His return trims the roles of Gradey Dick and Ja'Kobe Walter and could slightly reduce Immanuel Quickley's on-ball reps. Barnes remains a must-start option in all formats given his across-the-board production.

Ziaire Williams Mon Feb 23 6:20pm

According to Erik Slater of ClutchPoints.com, Brooklyn Nets guard/forward Ziaire Williams (personal) will be available for Tuesday's matchup against the Dallas Mavericks. The 24-year-old missed the previous two contests due to a personal matter. Williams is averaging 9.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in 22.9 minutes across 39 appearances this season. Even with his return, he is unlikely to carry meaningful fantasy appeal in most formats.

Jakob Poeltl Mon Feb 23 6:20pm

Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (back) is out for Tuesday's game against the Thunder as the team manages his lower back in the first half of a back-to-back. His absence opens minutes for Collin Murray-Boyles and Sandro Mamukelashvili. Mamukelashvili posted 15 points, four rebounds, four assists, three triples, and one steal in 23 minutes last game, while Murray-Boyles logged 29 minutes in a recent start. Both are viable deep-league streamers, with Mamukelashvili offering more scoring and Murray-Boyles supplying steals and blocks.

Dejounte Murray Mon Feb 23 6:10pm

New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (Achilles) has been cleared to play Tuesday against Golden State after missing most of the season while recovering from a ruptured Achilles. The 29-year-old is expected to return with a monitored workload, potentially easing in off the bench as the team manages his minutes. His return clouds Jeremiah Fears' role after Fears logged seven points, seven rebounds, and six assists in 25 minutes last game. Murray's presence should also trim Jordan Poole's usage. Murray carries upside in assists and steals but comes with short-term minutes risk.

Jusuf Nurkic Mon Feb 23 6:00pm

Utah Jazz center Jusuf Nurkic (nose) is scheduled to undergo surgery this week that will sideline him for the remainder of the season, according to Chris Haynes of NBA TV. The 31-year-old has dealt with breathing issues stemming from a prior fracture and finishes the year averaging 10.9 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.3 steals in 26.4 minutes across 41 games. His absence locks Kyle Filipowski into a featured role after a 20-point, six-rebound, four-assist, two-steal, two-block effort in 28 minutes last game. Filipowski is a must-roster option, while Lauri Markkanen and Isaiah Collier should see added playmaking touches.

Dillon Brooks Mon Feb 23 6:00pm

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (hand) will miss 4-to-6 weeks due to sustaining a broken left hand during Saturday's 113-110 win over the Orlando Magic. Brooks earliest return to action would be in late March if he is cleared to play by then. The 30-year-old has been outstanding this season, averaging a career-high 21.2 points with 3.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.1 steals. While Brooks is sidelined, fantasy managers can expect Collin Gillespie, Jalen Green, and Grayson Allen to lead the offense, especially with Devin Booker (hip) also out for a few more games.

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.


Rotate for more data.