Los Angeles Lakers guard Malik Monk (groin) is listed as probable for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Hawks. He is expected to make his return to the court after a one-game absence. Wayne Ellington should shift back to the bench after a lackluster performance in Monk's place. Monk could be asked to take on a bigger role on offense with LeBron James (knee) sidelined. He's someone worth monitoring in fantasy formats while James is out.

Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Malik Monk remained among the starting five for Wednesday's game vs. Memphis, marking back-to-back starts for the first time since Oct. 26-27. Monk played 40 minutes Tuesday and dropped 25 points, giving him two straight outings in which he has reached the 20-point threshold. More important than starting or coming off the bench for Monk will be his minutes allotment, which if high enough, will swing his fantasy pendulum significantly. With Austin Reaves, Kent Bazemore, and Trevor Ariza (health and safety protocols) all still sidelined on the wing, Monk should see ample time on the floor, which works in his favor against the Grizzlies, who play at the league's sixth-fastest pace.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Malik Monk won't be available for Sunday's game against the Chicago Bulls. Monk has entered the league's health and safety protocols, which means he'll at least miss Sunday's game. The Lakers are already shorthanded, so newly signed Isaiah Thomas could be looking at significant minutes. He scored 19 points during his season debut on Friday. Thomas could be an interesting streaming option for Sunday and in the short term while the Lakers are shorthanded.

Los Angeles Lakers point/shooting guard Malik Monkhas been ruled out for Friday's contest against the Timberwolves. Russell Westbrook was able to test out of the COVID protocols, but Monk, alongside Dwight Howard, Talen Horton-Tuckerand Avery Bradley, remain in, thereby keeping the group sidelined. Monk's role as instant offense off the bench for L.A. got more complicated Friday, as veteran Isaiah Thomas joined the group on a 10-day contract. Even when healthy, Monk's role has fluctuated wildly this season, making him a tricky season-long asset. His next chance to suit up comes Sunday vs. Chicago.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Malik Monk (groin) is available to play Tuesday night against the Golden State Warriors. Monk was probable to play, but given the nature of groin injuries, it is good news he is active. The Lakers are dealing with a few injuries on the wing and Monk will likely be one of the first off the bench behind Kent Bazemore. Monk can catch fire in an instant, but has been a streaky shooter in his young career.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Malik Monk (groin) is expected to miss at least a week of action. The Lakers are hopeful that Monk will be available for the season opener. Although, it's tough to tell because groin strains can linger sometimes. Fellow guard Talen Horton-Tucker (thumb) is expected to undergo surgery and won't be ready for the season opener. That means, Wayne Ellington and Kendrick Nunn could be asked to pick up the slack. Nunn is the better option between the two and could be a decent fantasy option, assuming the Lakers are shorthanded to begin the season.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Malik Monk (groin) won't play during Sunday's exhibition matchup against the Suns. Monk is currently dealing with a right groin strain, and although it's unknown when he will be ready to return, it's possible he won't play again until the regular season begins on October 19. This is an unfortunate development for the 23-year-old, who signed with L.A. back in August, mainly since he has been a standout during the preseason thus far. Monk averaged 11.7 points throughout 42 games off the bench last season in Charlotte and has been in the running to emerge as a member of the starting lineup for the Lakers moving toward the new year. Nonetheless, it's still too early for fantasy managers to hit the panic button. However, it's something to keep an eye on ahead of the 2021-22 campaign, especially for the fantasy managers who haven't drafted.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Charlotte Hornets have picked up the team option on coach James Borrego’s contract for next season, said a person familiar with the situation. The person spoke to The Associated Press Wednesday on condition of anonymity because the Hornets do not publicly release information about staff contracts. It's unclear if the Hornets will look to sign Borrego to a long-term contact. Borrego is 95-124 in three seasons with the Hornets, including a 33-39 mark this season. The Hornets qualified for the play-in tournament as the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference but were eliminated after being routed 144-117 by the Indiana Pacers. Several players called the performance embarrassing. The Hornets were in fourth place in April, but injuries and COVID-19-related issues sidelined key players, including Gordon Hayward, LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, Devonte Graham and Malik Monk and the team began to slide. Charlotte finished the season losing its last six games. Borrego received an endorsement after the season from general manager Mitch Kupchak, who said he believes “the coach did a great job.” ___ More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — While the Charlotte Hornets found a player to build around in point guard LaMelo Ball and made significant strides this season, coach James Borrego knows there’s plenty of work to do before his young team is ready to compete with the NBA’s elite. And he’s hoping a disappointing finish to the season will provide the impetus to get there. Charlotte was fourth in the Eastern Conference last month before injuries sent the team into a tailspin. The Hornets were 8-17 after Gordon Hayward went down with a season-ending foot injury and lost their final six games, including an embarrassing 144-117 loss to the Indiana Pacers in the play-in tournament. Borrego said the late season struggles serve as a “necessary step” for the Hornets. “Every great team, every great player has been hit in the mouth to close the season — every one of them,” Borrego said. “I have yet to see a player or organization from day one where they come out and are just rolling. It just doesn't happen. This... [More]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — LaMelo Ball is ready to return to the Charlotte Hornets' starting lineup following a 21-game absence. Hornets coach James Borrego said the NBA rookie of the year candidate will start Saturday night’s game against the Detroit Pistons. The No. 3 pick in last year's NBA draft has not played since breaking his wrist on March 20 and undergoing surgery to repair the fracture. Borrego said guard Malik Monk will also return after missing 15 games with an ankle injury. “I don't have a specific number of minutes in mind,” Borrego said of how much they will play. “The biggest thing are the runs they are going to have out there, probably four- to five-minute runs. I don't think it will be anything past a five-minute run. How many of those runs, I'm not quote sure yet." Borrego said Ball will start in place of Devonte Graham. Ball is averaging 15.9 points, 6.1 assists and 5.9 rebounds per game this year and was named the NBA rookie of the month three times before being sidelined... [More]

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Milwaukee Bucks were without all five of their usual starters Friday night as they hosted the Charlotte Hornets a night after losing at Dallas. Reigning two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo sat out his third straight game with a sore left knee. He missed his sixth game in the last 11. Jrue Holiday (bruised left knee), Donte DiVincenzo (bruised right hip), Brook Lopez (sore back), Khris Middleton (sore right knee) and reserve forward P.J. Tucker (strained left calf) also were declared out. Middleton and Lopez were listed as doubtful on Friday afternoon's injury report, but Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said at his pregame availability that neither will play. Charlotte also isn’t close to full strength. The Hornets announced Saturday that Gordon Hayward would miss at least a month with a sprained right foot. Rookie of the Year candidate LaMelo Ball hasn’t played since March 20 because of a fractured right wrist. Malik Monk has been out the last week with a sprained right... [More]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Charlotte Hornets won’t be among the 22 teams headed to Orlando when the NBA season returns — and that has coach James Borrego concerned about his young, developing team falling behind the rest of the league.(asterisk)It is a disadvantage? Yeah, it could be a major disadvantage,” Borrego said.The Hornets, who are owned by Michael Jordan, are one of eight teams awaiting guidance from the league on what they’ll be allowed to do on their own while other teams resume play at the Disney sports complex on July 31. The layoff means Hornets players could go more than eight months between playing in meaningful games after the league shut down in March following the coronavirus outbreak.That’s troublesome for Borrego, who felt like his team was playing its best basketball at the end of last season and was eager to reconvene in Orlando and continue that development.Charlotte finished the season 23-42 and in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, but made steady progress throughout... [More]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Hornets guard Malik Monk has been suspended without pay for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA anti-drug program.The suspension begins with Wednesday night's game against the New York Knicks and will continue until he is determined to be in full compliance with the program.The third-year reserve from Kentucky is averaging 10.3 points and 2.9 rebounds in 21 minutes per game this season. However, he had been playing much better of late, averaging 18.2 points per game in the last seven games.The Hornets were hoping Monk would have a breakout season, but he failed to win a spot in the starting lineup. He has played in 191 games during his career with one start.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Hornets coach James Borrego still isn't ready to name his entire starting five on the eve of the regular-season opener.The second-year coach says point guard Terry Rozier and center Cody Zeller will start Wednesday night when the Hornets host the Chicago Bulls. However, he isn't disclosing the other three starters.Borrego says he'll make an announcement until just before tipoff.Miles Bridges, Dwayne Bacon, Nic Batum, Marvin Williams, Malik Monk and rookie PJ Washington are all in the mix to start.Borrego says he ran with one group of five in Tuesday's closed practice, but wanted to meet with his coaching staff before making a final decision.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Mitch Kupchak doesn't see the Charlotte Hornets being major players in free agency as they attempt to build a winning franchise in the post-Kemba Walker era — at least not right away.Instead, the second-year general manager said Monday he anticipates the Hornets will construct the roster through draft picks and "savvy trades" during the season, while compiling as many assets as possible."We will not be an active player" in free agency, Kupchak said. "I think we can build a culture here and get enough assets and have a promising enough future and really attract the kind of free agent you want to spend that kind of money on — but I don't think you can do it right now."So in the meantime, the Hornets will give young players like Dwayne Bacon, Miles Bridges, Malik Monk, Devonte Graham and even rookie PJ Washington extensive playing time this season as part of their No. 1 overall goal of player development after going 39-43 last season and losing Walker, a three-time All-Star,... [More]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Hornets center Cody Zeller got proactive when NBA free agency arrived, posting a picture of himself on social media selling lemonade for 25 cents a glass with all proceeds going to "Keep Kemba in Charlotte."That didn't work out.Hornets owner Michael Jordan had no intention of paying Kemba Walker, a three-time All-Star and the franchise's all-time leading scorer, a $221 million supermax contract. Walker wound up going to the Celtics for $140 million over four years.With Walker's departure, the Hornets are in a youth movement that leaves them as one of the favorites to land the No. 1 overall pick in next year's NBA draft."We have been so close to getting over the hump (and making the playoffs), so it felt like if we gave it another shot or two we could get over that hump," Zeller said. "But I think Kemba is going to be good in Boston. ... At the end of the day you want what is best for him, but it sucks for me a little bit."And the Hornets, too.Walker had become the... [More]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — There's a part of Kemba Walker that wants to play his entire career with the Charlotte Hornets. There's another part that wants to compete for an NBA championship before he's too old.With the Hornets not ready to compete with the Golden State Warriors of the world, the 28-year-old Walker enters this offseason having to make a choice between loyalty and chasing a ring.And he's just not ready to do that just yet."I have no feeling right now, I don't know," Walker said of his impending decision in free agency this summer. "Honestly, I don't know what to expect. I guess it's a lot of different emotions bottled up into one. I'm not sure. I don't know."The three-time All-Star point guard is expected to be a hot commodity when free agency opens July 1.He's coming off his most productive season statistically, averaging a career-high 25.6 points per game to go along with 5.9 assists and 4.4 rebounds. He was selected as an All-Star game starter for the first time and has put... [More]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Hornets owner Michael Jordan said it was a "tap of endearment."After watching a bizarre ending to Charlotte's win against Detroit on Wednesday, a bewildered Jordan lightly smacked the back of second-year guard Malik Monk's head in closing seconds of the game.Jordan told The Associated Press Thursday via text message through his spokeswoman Estee Portnoy there was no malicious intent when he playfully smacked Monk on the back of his head."It was like a big brother and little brother tap," Jordan told the AP. "No negative intent. Only love!"Monk and teammate Bismack Biyombo ran from the bench on to the court to celebrate as Jeremy Lamb launched a 22-footer game-winning shot with 0.3 seconds left. Officials gathered at the scorer's table and assessed the Hornets a one-shot technical foul for having six men on the floor."Big, big, big brother," Monk said with a laugh Thursday. "But it was nothing. He was just playing."Monk went on to say, "it's Mike, and whatever he does... [More]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Hornets owner Michael Jordan says lightly smacking the back of second-year guard Malik Monk's head in closing seconds of Wednesday night's win against the Pistons was a "tap of endearment."Monk and teammate Bismack Biyombo ran from the bench on to the court to celebrate as Jeremy Lamb launched a 22-footer game-winning shot with 0.3 seconds left. Officials gathered at the scorer's table and assessed the Hornets a one-shot technical foul for having six men on the floor.Jordan told The Associated Press Thursday there was no malicious intent when he playfully smacked Monk on the back of his head.The Hornets owner, says "It was like a big brother and little brother tap. No negative intent. Only love!"The Pistons made the one technical foul shot, but Lamb's basket was allowed to stand and the Hornets won 108-107.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Hornets owner Michael Jordan says lightly smacking the back of second-year guard Malik Monk's head in closing seconds of Wednesday night's win against the Pistons was a "tap of endearment."Monk and teammate Bismack Biyombo ran from the bench on to the court to celebrate as Jeremy Lamb launched a 22-footer game-winning shot with 0.3 seconds left. Officials gathered at the scorer's table and assessed the Hornets a one-shot technical foul for having six men on the floor.Jordan told the Associated Press Thursday there was no malicious intent when he playfully smacked Monk on the back of his head.The Hornets owner, says "It was like a big brother and little brother tap. No negative intent. Only love!"The Pistons made the technical, but Lamb's basket was allowed to stand and the Hornets won 108-107.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports