According to Evan Sidery of Forbes Sports, Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (shoulder) won't suit up for Finland during the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament. The 27-year-old has spent the last two seasons in Utah, and he finished the 2023-24 campaign by averaging 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds while shooting 39.9% from downtown. However, he appeared in only 55 games last season, including missing 17 of Utah's final 21 contests because of a right shoulder injury. Fortunately, Markkanen is expected to get the green light for on-court activities in August. With that said, Markkanen could be at least a top-30 fantasy option. But he's had trouble staying healthy since entering the league, which could continue to impact his potential for fantasy managers.

According to Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic, the Bulls expect Lonzo Ball (knee) to suit up this season. However, nobody can say for sure when that will happen. The 26-year-old last played during the 2021-22 campaign, averaging 13.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.8 steals. He also shot a career-high 42.3% from deep. Unfortunately, Ball hasn't played a game since January 2022 because of a left knee injury. Without question, Chicago would love to have the former UCLA Bruin back in the lineup. But it could take him a while before he has a chance to do anything worthwhile for fantasy managers.

According to Darnell Mayberry of The New York Times, impending free agent forward DeMar DeRozan wants to remain in Chicago. The Bulls feel the same way. However, while both sides are comfortable with the $40 million annual salary, the real issue is the length of a potential deal. Of course, DeRozan wants a long-term contract, considering he is a few months away from turning 35. On the other hand, Chicago prefers to sign him to a shorter deal. The 2009 No. 9 overall pick is still a capable fantasy producer, and he finished the 2023-24 campaign by averaging 24.0 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.3 rebounds. He also appeared in 79 games and led the league in minutes. Nonetheless, there's a strong chance DeRozan will remain in Chicago next season. But that doesn't mean rival clubs won't try to lure him away from the Windy City this summer.

The Philadelphia 76ers are expected to offer guardTyrese Maxey a five-year, $205 million deal this summer, according to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. The 23-year-old had a breakout 2023-2024 season, earning his first All-Star selection and securing the Most Improved Player award. In his fourth NBA season, Maxey averaged 37.5 minutes, 25.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.0 steals across 70 regular season contests.

Boston Celtics centerKristaps Porzingis(calf)is expected to suit up in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Mavs on Thursday, per Shams Charania of The Athletic. Porzingis has played in several scrimmages during the last few days and has had no setbacks. The 28-year-old last played in Game 4 of the Celtics opening round against the Miami Heat on April 29th. Before going down with a Soleus strain, the center averaged 12.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and 1.3 steals in four postseason contests. He has not seen action in over a month and could see limited action in Game 1. However, Porzingis returning means Al Horford's DFS value will decrease.