NBA Player News

Nurkic did not play in Wednesday’s win over the Nuggets, with Drew Eubanks filling the void in the starting lineup. Also impacted by Nurk’s absence was Thaddeus Young, who took on the backup center responsibilities. If Nurkic can play on Friday, Young would drop out of the rotation entirely.

Giddey has missed Chicago’s last three games, with Patrick Williams replacing him in the starting lineup. Williams has not provided much fantasy value, whether starting or coming off the bench. If Ayo Dosunmu (Achilles, questionable) cannot play on Thursday, he may be the player Giddey replaces if cleared.

Ball did not play in Monday’s loss to the Bucks, joining Josh Giddey (ankle) on the sideline. While Giddey could be back on Thursday, Ball appears likely to miss a second straight game. His absence alone does not significantly impact fantasy basketball.

Dosunmu played 34 minutes in Monday’s loss to the Bucks. While he didn’t shoot the ball well, he did dish out 11 assists. Dosunmu has logged heavy minutes recently, especially with Josh Giddey (ankle) sidelined, providing reliable fantasy value. Dalen Terry and Talen Horton-Tucker may pick up additional minutes if Dosunmu cannot play on Thursday, but neither would be worth streaming.

Caruso injured his hip during Monday’s win over Washington, but his absence won’t significantly impact fantasy basketball. Oklahoma City has multiple players, including Cason Wallace and Ajay Mitchell, who can absorb the minutes that would usually go to Caruso.

Carlson’s status does not impact fantasy basketball. In addition to having Isaiah Hartenstein, the Thunder welcomed back Jaylin Williams on Monday. He’ll serve as the backup center moving forward.

Sarr did not play in Monday’s loss to the Thunder, resulting in Jonas Valanciunas starting and logging 29 minutes. The veteran center, already rostered in most standard leagues, will take on a similar workload if Sarr remains out.

Coulibaly did not play in Monday’s loss to Oklahoma City, the second game he’d missed this season. Malcolm Brogdon moved into the starting lineup and played 26 minutes. He’ll likely retain that role if Coulibaly cannot play on Thursday, and the veteran guard would be worth rostering in deep leagues.

Carrington was injured during Monday’s loss to the Thunder, walking back to the locker room slowly during the fourth quarter. The impact of his potential absence also depends on Bilal Coulibaly, who is questionable for Thursday after not playing against Oklahoma City. Kyshawn George and Corey Kispert will play more minutes if Coulibaly cannot play.

Given how bad Bagley’s knee injury appeared to be during Monday’s loss to the Thunder, the “sprain” designation is excellent news. On the surface level, his absence will not impact fantasy basketball. However, with Alexandre Sarr (back) questionable for Thursday, the lack of both bigs could push Anthony Gill into the rotation. He would not be worth streaming.

Kuzma, who has not appeared in a game since November 27, remains without a timeline for return. That spot in the starting lineup should remain Justin Champagnie’s until Kuzma returns, and he’s worth streaming in deep leagues.