NBA Player News

Zeller isn’t in the rotation so this has no impact on fantasy leagues.

Turner did not play in Wednesday’s overtime win over the Celtics, with Isaiah Jackson replacing him in the starting lineup. If Turner remains sidelined, Jackson is undoubtedly worth streaming, but don’t sleep on Obi Toppin. The Pacers are light on options at the center position if Turner can’t play, and Toppin was productive in Wednesday’s win over Boston.

McCollum and Jones will miss a second straight game after they were injured during Tuesday’s loss to the Warriors. Jose Alvarado and Jordan Hawkins started Wednesday’s loss to Golden State and should retain those roles on Friday. Hawkins is the better streaming option due to the scoring potential in what should be a high-paced game.

Towns injured his non-shooting wrist during Wednesday’s win over the Heat, his best performance since the Knicks acquired him from the Timberwolves. While KAT apparently played through the issue in Miami, he’s questionable for Friday. Jericho Sims would be the next man up if Towns cannot play, but he doesn’t offer much value as a streamer. The same can be said for rookie Ariel Hukporti.

Having played in Tuesday’s overtime loss to the Nuggets, Claxton did not play against the Grizzlies on Wednesday. Beginning with Friday, the Nets will play three games in four days, including a Sunday/Monday back-to-back. Don’t be surprised if Claxton misses Sunday’s game against the Pistons or Monday’s matchup with Memphis.

Watford is on track to make his season debut on Friday. While his return gives the Nets another option to call upon off the bench, he’s unlikely to get the minutes needed to impact fantasy basketball.

Williams remains sidelined and without a timeline for return. Nick Richards will remain the starting center and should be rostered wherever possible.

Miller has been out since Charlotte’s season opener in Houston. His absence resulted in more minutes for Tre Mann, and he’s flourished in a reserve role. Mann would remain in the rotation if Miller returns, and he’s worth holding onto in deeper leagues.

Hauser returned after a three-game absence on Wednesday, playing 14 minutes off the bench in an overtime loss to the Pacers. Fantasy managers should expect a similar workload, erasing Hauser’s fantasy value. Also, Friday’s game is the first of a back-to-back, so Hauser could miss Saturday’s rematch if he plays.

Daniels and Hunter will remain sidelined, making Zaccharie Risacher a must-roster player. David Roddy also started Wednesday’s loss to the Wizards and is worth a look in deep leagues, but Risacher is the priority add in fantasy basketball.

Wagner’s status is of far greater importance to fantasy managers, as he’s a starter, while Bitadze is not guaranteed rotation minutes. Wagner has played 11 and 23 minutes in Orlando’s last two games, with Anthony Black playing more minutes off the bench. That should remain the case if Wagner is unable to play. As for Bitazde, his availability will not impact fantasy basketball.