NBA Player News

A ‘pop’ would indicate some structural damage, and the most recent report is calling it a shoulder “stinger.” The Clips backcourt is a total mess as behind Gordon are Randy Foye (out with hamstring injury), Willie Warren, and Stephen Dennis, although Rasual Butler could also start at SG. Stay tuned.

Nnaji was initially probable for Friday’s game but has been upgraded to available. While he will play rotation minutes, his fantasy ceiling is limited due to Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon also being available.

No surprise here as despite being listed as questionable, head coach Mike Malone described both players as closer to probable hours before game-time. Jokic has dealt with an ankle injury lately, though he hasn’t missed any games. Gordon figures to play around 20 minutes due to an ankle injury that kept him out for the last three games.

Bilateral back soreness forced Podziemski to exit Thursday’s win over the Nets during the second quarter. Gui Santos replaced him in the lineup to begin the third quarter of that game and could be in line for a start. However, Podziemski missing time would have a more significant impact on Buddy Hield’s fantasy value, even if he continues to come off the bench.

The Thunder are without multiple rotation players due to either injury or rest. As a result, this quintet will start together for the first time this season. Wiggins and Joe offer the highest ceilings, but both Williamses (Kenrich and Jaylin) are also worth a look in deep leagues.

The Heat are without Alec Burks for Friday’s game, opening up a spot in the starting lineup. Larsson will fill the void and is worth a look in deep leagues because the Heat are shorthanded on the wings. The other change is Herro, whose return from an illness pushes the ineffective Terry Rozier to the bench.

Rollins is back with the team after missing Wednesday’s win over the Mavericks for personal reasons. His addition to the lineup gives the Bucks another option on the wings, but the third-year guard is unlikely to impact fantasy basketball.

Quickley, Walter and Barnes are the holdovers from the five who started Tuesday’s win over the Magic. Lawson and Robinson will fill in for RJ Barrett and Jakob Poeltl, and they’re worth streaming with the Raptors down to 10 available players.

Exum returns after sitting out Wednesday’s loss to the Bucks, but he won’t replace Christie in the starting lineup. Spencer Dinwiddie, who struggled against Milwaukee, heads to the bench instead. Due to frontcourt injuries, the Mavericks will employ a center-less lineup with Edwards at the five.

Sexton and Kessler are back after sitting out Wednesday’s loss to the Wizards, pushing Johnny Juzang and Kyle Filipowski to the bench. However, Juzang and Filipowski will figure prominently within the rotation despite coming off the bench, so hold onto them.