NBA Player News

Simons wasn’t on the initial injury report, but he has been added this afternoon. Ashton Hagans (G-League) is now questionable as well, which means that he will likely only suit up if Hagans doesn’t. Scoot Henderson and Dalano Banton should both play extra minutes if Simons is ruled out.

Merrill tweaked his ankle against the New Orleans Pelicans and his status for Friday is up in the air. Caris LeVert and Ty Jerome could benefit if the sharp shooter misses any time.

Hawkins logged 19 minutes in his last outing after missing his first game of the season. Now the second-year guard will miss an extended period of time after ramping up his production from his rookie year. Brandon Boston should benefit from his absence.

Murphy still hasn’t made his 2024-25 debut and has been ruled out ahead of the weekend. His next chance to play will come against the Nets on Monday.

After a two-game absence, Clarkson looked sharp in his 21 minutes on the floor. The lingering question is whether or not the playing time represents JC’s ceiling, especially with starter Collin Sexton (14 points, two rebounds, seven assists, and two 3-pointers) playing 27 minutes. Off to a slow start to the season before the heel injury, Clarkson needs more minutes if he’s to be a factor in standard leagues.

Active after missing three games due to back spasms, Markkanen struggled in Milwaukee. However, fantasy managers should take solace in him playing 29 minutes without issue. He’ll have better nights offensively. As for Kyle Filipowski, who filled in for Markkanen, the rookie only played three minutes on Thursday. There’s no need to keep Filipowski on your fantasy roster.

Bucks coach Doc Rivers changed the starting lineup for Thursday’s game, replacing Gary Trent Jr. with Jackson. The second-year wing may not have offered much as a scorer, but the defensive activity (and four steals) made a difference. However, the Jazz aren’t the best opposition to use as a measuring stick, so fantasy managers will learn more when the Bucks visit the Knicks on Friday. As for Trent, he only played eight minutes, so he’s safe to drop in most leagues.

Lillard has been on a roll recently, scoring 33 points or more in three straight and four of his last five. The exception was his brutal four-point performance in Memphis on Halloween, which was a clear departure from the norm. Getting Giannis Antetokounmpo back helps, but Lillard’s been clicking on all cylinders offensively, regardless of who’s playing alongside him.

After a strained adductor sidelined him for Monday’s loss in Cleveland, Giannis was back in the lineup on Thursday. He did his usual business, recording another 30-point double-double with a solid field-goal percentage. The exception was that Giannis shot the ball well from the foul line, with Thursday being the second time he’s hit 70% or better in a game this season. Fantasy managers should consider Antetokounmpo questionable for Friday’s game against the Knicks.

Hours after Charania reported that Vassell could make his debut on Saturday, he’s reported that it will happen. In the past, San Antonio has taken a cautious approach with returning starters, bringing them off the bench in their first game back. Stephon Castle would remain a starter for one more game if they do this with Vassell. He’ll still lose minutes, but the hit may not be as severe between the starting role and Malaki Branham (ankle) potentially sitting out.

Absent from the initial injury report, the team officially ruled out Craig during the third quarter of Thursday’s game. His absence would not impact fantasy basketball, even with the Bulls again playing without the injured Zach LaVine.