NBA Player News

Biyombo collapsed in front of the Thunder bench during the second quarter of Wednesday’s game. While a wheelchair was brought onto the court, the veteran center did not need to use it to return to the locker room. According to ESPN, Trail Blazers team physicians cleared Biyombo of any serious medical issues, but he will be evaluated further on Thursday.

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.

The Lakers have listed Davis as probable for this issue numerous times, with the star big man ultimately playing. Fantasy managers should operate under a similar assumption for Sunday’s game. Christian Koloko will figure more prominently in the rotation if Davis cannot play.

There was optimism that Cunningham would play after returning to the lineup on Friday in a win over the Pacers. Unfortunately, he was scratched about 15 minutes before Saturday’s tip time. Malik Beasley moves into the starting lineup, with Jaden Ivey sliding into the point guard role.