NBA Player News

There isn’t a timeline for Williams’ return, but he will at least remain out for Sunday’s game. Bismack Biyombo and Mike Muscala, who they recently signed, will be the backup center options, if Muscala is available. Neither will be worth rostering as long as Chet Holmgren is available to play.

Murray returned to action on Friday after a two-game absence, tallying two points, three rebounds, and one assist in 16 minutes against the Kings. There isn’t much to gain from rostering him in fantasy leagues, even if Jerami Grant (knee) remains sidelined.

Grant has missed Portland’s last two games, and Henderson sat out Friday’s win over Sacramento. The absences have boosted the fantasy values of Deni Avdija (who’s already rostered in most standard leagues) and Dalano Banton. While Avdija will retain solid fantasy value with Grant in the lineup, Banton is a riskier option when Henderson is healthy enough to play.

Sunday’s game will be Williams’ third missed due to the league’s concussion protocols. Deandre Ayton’s minutes as the starting center will remain high, with Jabari Walker absorbing whatever’s left. There isn’t much to gain from streaming Walker.

Doncic practiced on Friday but is not ready to make his return to the lineup. Quentin Grimes will remain in the starting lineup, but Naji Marshall (20 points or more in four straight) is the better streaming option with Doncic sidelined.

Drummond injured his ankle when he landed on the foot of a Pistons player while attempting to corral a rebound. After heading to the locker room for further treatment, he’s been ruled out for the rest of the night. Guerschon Yabusele’s importance to the 76ers increases, while Adem Bona and KJ Martin will play more minutes off the bench. Yabusele is the player to target if Drummond misses time and Joel Embiid (knee) remains sidelined.

The Wizards are without Kyle Kuzma, who has been ruled out with a rib injury. Sarr will shift to power forward, with Valanciunas making his first start since November 8 and third of the season. He’s maintained solid fantasy value despite coming off the bench, and the move to the starting lineup should boost Valanciunas in the short term.

Kuminga’s availability is more impactful in fantasy basketball, especially if Andrew Wiggins (ankle, questionable) cannot play on Saturday. While Payton will be in the rotation due to his defensive ability, rostering him in fantasy leagues doesn’t offer much offensive benefit.

Beal and Nurkic have been downgraded from questionable to out, opening up two spots in the starting lineup. Ryan Dunn and Mason Plumlee are the likely replacements, with the latter being the one more deserving of streaming consideration. Beal’s absence will also boost Royce O’Neale’s value, and he’s a better streamer than Dunn.

Russell’s fantasy value has decreased recently due to a move to the bench. If illness results in D’Lo sitting out Sunday’s game, more minutes would be available to Gabe Vincent. However, Vincent would not have much streaming value in most leagues.

Injured during the second quarter of Friday’s loss to the Thunder, Reaves was able to return to the game during the third. But he is still on the injury report for the first game of the Lakers’ back-to-back. Max Christie is the player most likely to fill the void if Reaves cannot play.