Player Notes NBA

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Rajon Rondo was ejected from the fourth quarter of a 124-115 loss to the Houston Rockets on Saturday.

What It Means:

Rondo threw a punch at Chris Paul after Paul aggressively shoved Rondo in the eyes, which eventually led to a brawl that resulted in both players, as well as Brandon Ingram, being ejected. Multi-game suspensions are expected to be handed down on Sunday.

Rondo scored 13 points (6-of-8 field goals, 1-of-2 3-pointers) with 7 rebounds, 10 assists, 2 steals, and 2 turnovers in 29.7 minutes, finishing with 40.4 FanDuel points. He's averaging 37.4 FanDuel points through two games.

Boston Celtics small forward Gordon Hayward is expected to play in Monday's game against the Orlando Magic.

What It Means:

Hayward was given Saturday night off to rest after experiencing soreness in his ankle. The Celtics small forward is expected to be rested throughout the year in order to maintain and preserve his health.

If Hayward can play on Monday, our models project him for 22.8 FanDuel points in 27.4 minutes against the Magic.

Source: NBC Sports Boston

Houston Rockets point guard Chris Paul was ejected in the fourth quarter of a 124-115 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night.

What It Means:

Paul aggressively put his fingers in Rajon Rondo's face, provoking Rondo to throw a punch, leading to a punch from Paul, which resulted in both players being ejected. Multi-game suspensions will likely be announced Sunday afternoon. The Rockets play the Los Angeles Clippers at 9:00 pm ET.

Paul turned in 28 points (9-of-17 field goals, 7-of-9 free throws) with 7 rebounds, 10 assists, 1 steal, 3 3-pointers, and 3 turnovers over 29.7 minutes, finishing with 51.4 FanDuel points. He's averaging 45.2 FanDuel points through two games.

Los Angeles Lakers small forward Brandon Ingram was ejected for throwing a punch in the second half of a 124-115 loss to the Houston Rockets on Saturday.

What It Means:

Ingram shoved James Harden out of frustration late in the fourth quarter, which instigated a fight between Chris Paul and Rajon Rondo. Ingram then inserted himself in the confrontation and threw punches. He is looking at a multi-game suspension.

Ingram scored 12 points (5-of-8 field goals, 2-of-2 free throws) with 4 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block, and 3 turnovers in 28.9 minutes on Saturday, finishing with 19.8 FanDuel points. He's averaging 26.6 FanDuel points through two games.

Brooklyn Nets guard Caris LeVert made 8-of-9 attempts for 19 points in Saturday's loss to the Indiana Pacers.

What It Means:

In 28 minutes on Saturday, LeVert added 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and one block. The young Net has been handling the ball more this year with a 27% usage rate.

LeVert now averages 21 points per game in the 2018 season.

Boston Celtics center Aron Baynes (hamstring) will return on Saturday against the New York Knicks.

What It Means:

Baynes was starting for a resting Gordon Hayward but was forced to leave tonight's game with a hamstring injury. Marcus Smart will take his place in the starting lineup in the second half.

Before tonight, Baynes averaged 6.5 points per game in the 2018 season.

Source: Brian Robb

Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard Josh Okogie will start in Saturday's game against the Dallas Mavericks.

What It Means:

Okogie will start for Jimmy Butler who is being rested in a back-to-back after playing in Friday's game. This will be Okogie's first career start.

Okogie's FanDuel price for Saturday's game against the Mavericks is $3,900.

Source: Minnesota Timberwolves

Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons has left Saturday's game against the Orlando Magic and he will not return to action.

What It Means:

Simmons was dealing with neck tightness in the preseason, and this could be a by-product of that previous ailment.

In seven minutes of play, Simmons had four points and four assists.

Source: Derek Bodner

New York Knicks small forward Kevin Knox left Saturday's game with an ankle injury and will not return.

What It Means:

The Knicks first round pick left tonight's game with a left ankle injury and needed assistance to get to the locker room. Look for Mario Hezonja to replace Knox's spot in the New York rotation while he is out.

Before tonight, Knox averaged 13.5 points per game in the 2018 season.

Source: Marc D'Amico

Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton is available to play on Saturday night against the Denver Nuggets.

What It Means:

Ayton was considered probable, and after participating in the team's shootaround, he is ready to go.

Our models project Ayton for 17.3 points, 11.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 38.8 FanDuel points in 34.5 minutes.

Source: Gina Mizell