Welcome to our Fantasy Basketball News Today, where we’ll talk about NBA news and the injury report for today (November 17th). We’ve got you covered with stats, injury updates, game previews, and fantasy projections for all eight games on Monday’s slate. From Joel Embiid OUT (4th straight game) to Giannis Antetokounmpo PROBABLE (knee), here’s everything you need to know for tonight’s action.
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Fantasy Basketball News Today – Monday, November 17
Monday’s eight-game NBA schedule is packed with action.
7:00 PM ET Block (4 Games):
- Pacers @ Pistons: DET -7.5 (Pistons 11-2)
- Clippers @ 76ers: PHI -5.5 (Paul George debut, Embiid out)
- Bucks @ Cavaliers: CLE -6.5 (Giannis probable, Garland out) — Peacock exclusive
- Hornets @ Raptors: TOR -8.5
8:00 PM ET Block (2 Games):
- Knicks @ Heat: MIA -3.5
- Thunder @ Pelicans: OKC -12.5 (Thunder 12-2 vs Pelicans 2-10—this is a layup)
9:00 PM ET Block (1 Game):
- Kings @ Jazz: SAC -4.5
10:00 PM ET Block (1 Game):
- Lakers @ Nuggets: DEN -2.5 (Luka Doncic Lakers vs Jokic Nuggets) — NBA TV
The Major Injury Updates Today – Nov. 17
Joel Embiid (76ers, C) – OUT (4th straight game, right knee)
This is the big one. Embiid’s been managing his knee since Nov 8, and he’s not coming back tonight. That means Tyrese Maxey (32.0 PPG) continues to carry the entire offensive load. Without Embiid, Maxey’s usage is through the roof. If you’re fading anyone tonight, don’t let it be Maxey in a 76ers game.
Darius Garland (Cavaliers, PG) – OUT (left toe bruise)
Same situation in Cleveland. Garland’s been out, which means Donovan Mitchell (30.4 PPG) is playing 33+ minutes and touching the ball on every possession. Lock him in everywhere.
Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers, PG) – OUT FOR SEASON (torn right Achilles)
Indy is heading to Detroit to face the 11-2 Pistons without their franchise guy.
Bradley Beal (Clippers, SG) – OUT FOR SEASON (hip)
Clippers lost Beal for the year. They’re 4-9 (11th in West). They’re visiting Philly without their second-best player.
GAME-TIME DECISIONS / PROBABLE – MONITOR THESE:
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks, PF) – PROBABLE (left knee tendinopathy)
Here’s the thing: Giannis is listed as “probable,” which means he’s playing 85% of the time. He played 32 minutes Saturday vs the Lakers and scored 32 points in a blowout loss. Tonight against Cleveland? He’s going for 35+. He’s averaging 32.6 PPG (2nd in the NBA) and 11.3 RPG. Even with the knee thing, he’s a MUST-START. Don’t overthink this—lock him in.
Paul George (76ers, SF) – ACTIVE (season debut after knee surgery)
Paul George is back. He’s been out recovering from offseason knee surgery, and he’s making his 2025-26 debut tonight vs his former team (the Clippers). This is a tricky DFS play because he’s coming off injury, but his ceiling is HUGE. Expect limited minutes.
Nikola Jokic (Nuggets, C) – QUESTIONABLE (wrist)
Jokic is dealing with a wrist issue, but he’s the reigning MVP and he doesn’t sit out unless something is seriously wrong. Monitor the 8:00 AM injury report, but expect him to play 35+ minutes vs the Lakers. If he’s active, he’s a must-start for DFS.
The Biggest Props & Betting Angles for Tonight
1. Tyrese Maxey Higher Than 29.5 Points (76ers vs Clippers, 7:00 PM ET)
Maxey is averaging 32.0 PPG without Embiid. The Clippers are 4-9 and getting destroyed on the road (1-4 away). Maxey had 31 points Saturday vs Detroit. Lock the over.
2. Donovan Mitchell Higher Than 29.5 Points (Cavaliers vs Bucks, 7:00 PM ET)
Mitchell is averaging 30.4 PPG with Garland sidelined. Cavs are playing at home (5-2 at Rocket Arena). Mitchell just dropped 30 vs Memphis on Saturday. He’s been money all season. Hit the over.
3. OKC -12.5 @ Pelicans (8:00 PM ET)
Let me spell this out: Thunder are 12-2 (best record in NBA). Pelicans are 2-10 (worst record in NBA). Zion Williamson is OUT (hamstring). Jordan Poole is OUT (quad). The Pelicans are a dumpster fire. This is a blowout waiting to happen. Hammer OKC to cover the 12.5 spread.
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo Higher Than 31.5 Points (Bucks @ Cavaliers, 7:00 PM ET – If Active)
Giannis is averaging 32.6 PPG (2nd in NBA). He’s playing against a Cavs team missing their PG. He had 40 pts, 14 reb, 9 ast the last time these teams met (Oct 26). If he’s active (probable = 85% chance), hammer the over on his points prop.\
Fantasy Point Projections For DraftKings & PrizePicks
Tyrese Maxey (76ers vs Clippers)
- Conservative: 26 pts, 4 reb, 5 ast = 42-45 fantasy pts
- Expected: 32 pts, 5 reb, 8 ast = 52-56 fantasy pts
- Ceiling: 40+ pts, 6 reb, 10 ast = 64-68 fantasy pts
Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers vs Bucks)
- Conservative: 26 pts, 4 reb, 5 ast = 42-45 fantasy pts
- Expected: 30 pts, 5 reb, 6 ast = 50-54 fantasy pts
- Ceiling: 40+ pts, 6 reb, 8 ast = 64-68 fantasy pts
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks @ Cavaliers – PROBABLE)
- Conservative (if limited 28 min): 26 pts, 10 reb, 6 ast = 48-52 fantasy pts
- Expected (if healthy 35 min): 33 pts, 11 reb, 7 ast = 58-62 fantasy pts
- Ceiling (if fully healthy 38 min): 40 pts, 14 reb, 9 ast = 72-76 fantasy pts
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder @ Pelicans)
- Conservative: 28 pts, 5 reb, 6 ast = 48-52 fantasy pts
- Expected: 33 pts, 6 reb, 7 ast = 56-60 fantasy pts
- Ceiling: 40+ pts, 7 reb, 9 ast = 68-72 fantasy pts
Nikola Jokic (Nuggets vs Lakers – QUESTIONABLE)
- Conservative (if plays 28 min): 22 pts, 10 reb, 7 ast = 46-50 fantasy pts
- Expected (if healthy 35 min): 28 pts, 12 reb, 9 ast = 58-62 fantasy pts
- Ceiling (if fully healthy 38 min): 35 pts, 15 reb, 12 ast = 72-76 fantasy pts
TV Schedule & Where to Watch NBA Games
7:00 PM ET Slot:
- Bucks @ Cavs: Peacock (streaming exclusive—get your login ready)
- Clippers @ 76ers: NBC Sports Philadelphia (NBCS-PH)
- Pacers @ Pistons: Bally Sports Detroit
- Hornets @ Raptors: TSN (Canada)
8:00 PM ET Slot:
- Knicks @ Heat: MSG Network / Bally Sports Florida
- Thunder @ Pelicans: Bally Sports OKC / Bally Sports New Orleans
9:00 PM ET Slot:
- Kings @ Jazz: AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain
10:00 PM ET Slot:
- Lakers @ Nuggets: NBA TV (national broadcast)
Check out more of our NBA content for the 2025 season. As always, it’s 100% FREE:
- Best Player Props Today
- First Basket Predictions
- NBA Betting Hub (Game Predictions & More)
- NBA DFS Injury Report
- Key Stats To Know: NBA Betting
- Daily Promo Roundup
