NBA Player News

Rush tore his ACL during the second game of last season and is questionable for training camp. If healthy, he’s a big wing that can help Utah’s outside shooting. If not, he won’t hurt them as he holds a $4 million contract that will expire in 2014.

Given the updated timeline, fantasy managers who may have stashed Drummond in an IL+ slot can let him go. At the earliest, he won’t be available to play until April 7, which is the first day of Week 23. Guerschon Yabusele and Adem Bona will handle the center responsibilities moving forward, with Yabusele offering the safer fantasy floor.

Walker has been out with concussion issues, missing seven of the last eight games. The 26-year-old shooting guard practiced in full on Friday and is ready to return against the Heat Saturday. His return could cut into the playing time for Ricky Council IV.

Tyson is not usually in the Cavaliers’ rotation when he is healthy, so his continued absence will not impact fantasy basketball. However, Jerome’s absence will have a noticeable impact on Cleveland’s bench. Craig Porter Jr. will play rotation minutes, but there isn’t much to gain from rostering him in most leagues. Look for De’Andre Hunter’s offense to be of greater importance with Jerome unavailable.

Strus is off the injury report after sitting out Friday’s loss to the Pistons. His return means Isaac Okoro will be bumped to the bench, where he offers limited value due to the inconsistent offensive production. Okoro does not need to be rostered in most fantasy leagues.

Sunday’s game will be the fifth McBride has missed with a strained groin, while a sprained ankle keeps Payne out for a second straight. Delon Wright was the choice to start on Friday, playing 30 minutes in a win over the Bucks. Tyler Kolek played 18 minutes off the bench, but staying in a reserve role limits the rookie’s ceiling.

Curry returned from a two-game absence to score 23 points with five made three-pointers against the Pelicans Friday. The 37-year-old point guard is likely to suit up Sunday given his probable listing. Fantasy managers can insert him into lineups as usual.

Clowney was initially listed as questionable, but is ultimately available Saturday against the Wizards. The 20-year-old power forward could move to center with Nic Claxton resting.

While Miller’s continued absence does not impact fantasy basketball, that is not the case for Leonard sitting out for injury management reasons. His absence opens up a place in the starting lineup, with Derrick Jones Jr. and Bogdan Bogdanovic being potential replacements. While Jones is the superior defender, Bogdanovic offers a far higher offensive ceiling.

Simons is questionable with soreness in his right forearm. With Scoot Henderson already ruled out with a concussion, the Blazers’ depth will be tested if Simons is unavailable. Dalano Banton figures to be one of the Blazers who could see increased minutes Sunday.

Henderson will miss at least one game after landing in the league’s concussion protocol. While his absence does not change anything regarding Anfernee Simons’ status as the starting point guard, Henderson not playing likely means more playing time for Dalano Banton. Banton is not a must-stream player in this spot, but that would change if Simons also misses Sunday’s game. Simons is questionable with a sore right forearm.