| News |
|---|
|
Trae Young Wizards in âno rush to bring Trae Young backâ
Thu, Jan 8, 2026, 6:53 AM
The Athletic
The Athletic's John Robbins reports that âThe Wizards' desire isn't for [Trae] Young to help them this seasonâ and are in no rush to bring him back.
Analysis: Robbins claims that âthe plan is for [Young] to rehab his ankle in-houseâ and take his time returning to the court. The Wizards then anticipate Young picking up his $49 million player option for 2026, at which time they will see how well he fits alongside young players like Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George. Slow-playing Young this season makes sense, considering the Wizards' first-round pick is top-eight-protected. That means that, if the Wizards lose enough games to pick inside the top eight in the 2026 NBA Draft, they will keep their pick, but if they pick outside of the top eight, the New York Knicks will control the rights to the Wizards' pick. |
|
Trae Young Trae Young dealt to Wizards for McCollum, Kispert
Wed, Jan 7, 2026, 3:34 PM
Shams Charania
ESPN's Shams Charania reports Trae Young has been traded to the Wizards in exchange for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert.
Analysis: Rumors had been heating up, and now it's official. Young will head to Washington after appearing in just 10 games during his eighth season with the Hawks. Young will be reunited with Travis Schlenk, who drafted Trae in 2018 and is now an executive with the Wizards. The Wizards will have the rest of this season and, assuming he opts into his contract for next year, all of next season to decide if they want to keep Young around. It was a low-cost move for Washington, and they added a former All-NBA player that led the NBA in assists last season. If they're able to add another top pick in the draft this season, the Wizards will have one of the best young cores in the NBA and a star point guard to help facilitate things on offense. Plus, Washington has enough length to make up for Young's defensive limitations. Trae has been sidelined recently with a quad injury, but that could certainly heal up quickly now that he's on a new team. |
|
Bilal Coulibaly Bilal Coulibaly scores 18 points vs. Philadelphia
Wed, Jan 7, 2026, 3:29 PM
Bilal Coulibaly finished with 18 points (7-of-14 FGs), one rebound, two assists and two three-pointers against the 76ers on Wednesday.
Analysis: Between injuries and subpar performances, it was a rough start to the season for Coulibaly. However, this recent stretch has been a productive one. He wasn't able to contribute any defensive stats, which has inflated his recent value, but he was able to have a solid night on offense. He's known for his defense, but any consistency on offense will help him be even more valuable for fantasy managers, which makes his recent games encouraging. |
|
CJ McCollum CJ McCollum, Khris Middleton, Kyshawn George out
Wed, Jan 7, 2026, 8:01 AM
NBA Injury Report
CJ McCollum (quad), Khris Middleton (knee) and Kyshawn George (hip) are out for Wednesday's matchup with the Wizards.
Analysis: Washington is on the second leg of a back-to-back set after beating the Magic on Tuesday. George is still without a timeline for return, and the Wizards will unsurprisingly give their two veterans a maintenance day. With the trio sidelined, more minutes should be available for Tre Johnson, Bub Carrington, Corey Kispert and Justin Champagnie. |
|
Bilal Coulibaly Bilal Coulibaly racks up five steals vs. Orlando
Tue, Jan 6, 2026, 3:36 PM
Bilal Coulibaly tallied 14 points (4-of-8 FGs, 5-of-6 FTs), eight rebounds, three assists, five steals and one three-pointer in Tuesday's win over the Magic.
Analysis: Coulibaly was one of six Wizards in double figures on Tuesday, but the steals category is where he set himself apart. The five steals were a career-high for the third-year wing, who recorded four in a January 2 win over the Nets. Rostered in 26 percent of Yahoo! leagues, Coulibaly has been close to a top-50 player in eight- and nine-cat formats over the past two weeks. While those who have him rostered may consider selling high, managers in leagues where Coulibaly is available should think about picking him up. |
|
Justin Champagnie Justin Champagnie drains four triples, scores 17
Tue, Jan 6, 2026, 3:34 PM
Justin Champagnie recorded 17 points (6-of-7 FGs, 1-of-2 FTs), three rebounds, three assists, two blocks and four three-pointers in Tuesday's win over the Magic.
Analysis: While not as prolific as twin brother Julian was on New Year's Eve against the Knicks, Champagnie gave the Wizards welcome scoring off the bench on Tuesday. His four three-pointers were a season-high, and the Wizards' wing also offered solid production in the assist and steal categories. Champagnie's fantasy ceiling hinges on the availability of other wings, most notably Kyshawn George and Corey Kispert. Both were out on Tuesday, resulting in more opportunities for Champagnie. |
|
CJ McCollum CJ McCollum leads Wizards with 27 points Tuesday
Tue, Jan 6, 2026, 3:33 PM
CJ McCollum accounted for 27 points (11-of-19 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), six rebounds, five assists and three three-pointers in Tuesday's win over the Magic.
Analysis: Despite an excellent first half, McCollum said during his walk-off interview at halftime that he âleft some money on the table.â The veteran guard made up for that in the fourth quarter, shooting 4-of-6 from the field to help Washington close out its tenth win of the season. McCollum's name has come up in connection with Trae Young trade rumors recently, making him a player to watch well ahead of the February trade deadline. The good news for those who have McCollum rostered is that he can still offer solid fantasy value. |
|
Corey Kispert Corey Kispert (hamstring) ruled out vs. Orlando
Mon, Jan 5, 2026, 10:22 AM
NBA Injury Report
Corey Kispert (hamstring) has been ruled out against the Magic on Tuesday.
Analysis: Kispert will sit out after making his return to the lineup on Sunday, which was his first after a five-game absence. This is the first of a back-to-back, so he will likely be available against the 76ers on Wednesday. Justin Champagnie should see a boost in minutes with Kispert unavailable. |
|
Corey Kispert Corey Kispert (hamstring) scores 13 in return
Sun, Jan 4, 2026, 2:25 PM
Corey Kispert (hamstring) tallied 13 points (4-of-8 FGs, 3-of-3 FTs), one rebound and two three-pointers in Sunday's loss to the Timberwolves.
Analysis: Sunday's game was Kispert's first since December 23, when he exited a loss to the Hornets with a hamstring injury. The former first-round pick had a solid night shooting-wise, making 50 percent of his attempts from the field and knocking down two three-pointers. However, Kispert is not worth the risk in most leagues, even with Kyshawn George (hip) essentially week-to-week. Players like Tre Johnson (13/3/3/1 with one three-pointer) will be a priority for the Wizards, and there will likely come a point when Will Riley (6/3/0/1) figures more prominently in the rotation as well. |
|
CJ McCollum CJ McCollum scores team-high 20 points vs. MIN
Sun, Jan 4, 2026, 2:25 PM
CJ McCollum finished Sunday's loss to the Timberwolves with 20 points (8-of-12 FGs, 1-of-1 FTs), three rebounds, two assists, one steal and three three-pointers.
Analysis: McCollum led the way offensively for the Wizards on Sunday, recording his second 20-point game in his last eight appearances. Unfortunately, his ceiling is capped by being on a team whose priority is to give its young players more minutes for development. McCollum has been productive enough to merit being rostered in 12-team leagues, but managers are certainly rooting for him to be moved ahead of the February trade deadline. If not, he could be a shutdown risk. The Wizards begin a four-game Week 12 on Tuesday against the Magic. |
|
Tristan Vukcevic Tristan Vuk?evi? (illness) available Sunday
Sun, Jan 4, 2026, 6:07 AM
NBA Injury Report
Tristan Vuk?evi? (illness) is available for Sunday's game against the Timberwolves.
Analysis: Initially questionable for Sunday's game, Vuk?evi? won't be worth the risk in fantasy leagues since Alex Sarr and Marvin Bagley are also available. |
|
Tristan Vukcevic Tristan Vuk?evi? (illness) questionable Sunday
Sat, Jan 3, 2026, 11:42 AM
NBA Injury Report
Tristan Vuk?evi? (illness) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Timberwolves.
Analysis: Vuk?evi? was held out of Friday's win over the Nets, but his absence did not significantly affect the Wizards' rotation since Alex Sarr and Marvin Bagley III were available. He'll be third in the pecking order if allowed to play against the Timberwolves. |
|
Justin Champagnie Justin Champagnie has 20 points vs. Nets Friday
Fri, Jan 2, 2026, 3:45 PM
Justin Champagnie had 20 points (9-of-12 FGs), seven rebounds, two steals, one block and two three-pointers against the Nets on Friday.
Analysis: Champagnie came off the bench and had a team-high 20 points in the win over the Nets on Friday. The 24-year-old shooting guard hit a three-pointer in the third quarter and received a technical foul for his celebration, which drew the ire of the entire Nets bench. Otherwise, it was an uneventful 20-point blowout win. Champagnie has provided 10th-round per game value over the last two weeks. |
|
CJ McCollum CJ McCollum has 17/6/4 line in win over Nets
Fri, Jan 2, 2026, 3:33 PM
CJ McCollum had 17 points (7-of-14 FGs), six rebounds, four assists and three three-pointers in the Wizards' 119-99 victory over the Nets on Friday.
Analysis: McCollum was coming off making a game-winning shot against the Bucks on Wednesday. The 34-year-old shooting guard continues to play at a high level as he led the Wizards to a blowout victory over the Nets Friday. McCollum was +18 in 31 minutes in the 20-point win. While he's been a solid player this year, the Wizards are still 9-24. It's fair to wonder if a contender would be interested in acquiring McCollum ahead of next month's trade deadline. |
|
Tristan Vukcevic Tristan Vuk?evi? (illness) out Friday vs. Brooklyn
Fri, Jan 2, 2026, 11:37 AM
NBA Injury Report
Tristan Vuk?evi? (illness) is out for Friday's game against the Nets.
Analysis: Vuk?evi? was initially questionable for Friday's game. His absence does not affect fantasy basketball or the Wizards' rotation, as Alex Sarr and Marvin Bagley are available. |
|
Tristan Vukcevic Tristan Vuk?evi? (illness) questionable vs. Nets
Fri, Jan 2, 2026, 7:36 AM
NBA Injury Report
Tristan Vuk?evi? (illness) is questionable to play against the Nets on Friday.
Analysis: Vuk?evi? is a late addition to the injury report, but with both Alex Sarr and Marvin Bagley healthy, Vuk?evi?'s status won't impact Washington's rotation. |
|
CJ McCollum CJ McCollum scores 18, sinks game-winner vs. Bucks
Wed, Dec 31, 2025, 5:32 PM
CJ McCollum added 18 points (7-of-15 FGs, 1-of-2 FTs), four rebounds, four assists and three three-pointers in the win over the Bucks on Wednesday.
Analysis: McCollum had shot just 1-of-4 from the field during the fourth quarter in the lead-up to his game-winning pull-up jumper. Yet, with the dagger, he finished as the team's third-leading scorer on the night and tallied his seventh straight game with at least 14 points and five assists. The veteran guard isn't putting up eye-opening stat lines at this point, but he remains very involved on the offensive end on a nightly basis. McCollum should continue to put up solid fantasy numbers so long as he is a Washington Wizard. |
|
Khris Middleton Middleton, CJ, Tre, Sarr, Coulibaly to start Wed.
Wed, Dec 31, 2025, 1:43 PM
Greg Finberg
CJ McCollum, Tre Johnson, Bilal Coulibaly, Alex Sarr and Khris Middleton will start on Wednesday against the Bucks.
Analysis: Middleton (knee) is back in the starting lineup after missing Monday's contest against Phoenix, which sends Jamir Watkins back to the Washington bench. The Wizards had won two straight games before the recent loss to the Suns. With the return of their veteran forward, they'll look to get back on track against a Bucks team that seems to be finding its groove. |
|
Malaki Branham Malaki Branham (calf) questionable vs. Milwaukee
Tue, Dec 30, 2025, 10:37 AM
NBA Injury Report
Malaki Branham (calf) is questionable to play against the Bucks on Sunday.
Analysis: Branham's role has been a minimal one, and even when he's gotten the chance to play extra minutes, he hasn't done much in the box score. His absence won't have much of an impact on the Wizards' rotation and certainly won't alter fantasy lineups. |
|
Khris Middleton Khris Middleton (knee) absent from injury report
Tue, Dec 30, 2025, 10:34 AM
NBA Injury Report
Khris Middleton (knee) is not on the injury report for Wednesday's game against the Bucks.
Analysis: Middleton did not play in Monday's loss to the Suns, as it was Washington's second game in as many nights. Jamir Watkins filled the resulting void in the starting lineup, and he'll head back to the bench with Middleton available. |
Connect With Us:
