NBA Player News

Toronto, who has lost 14 games in a row, decided they weren’t tanking hard enough. McDaniels, Temple and Williams, who recently signed a 10-day deal, will all be part of the starting group. Gary Trent Jr., RJ Barrett and Kelly Olynyk are all out for this game. It’s a great opportunity for the three new starters, but it may be difficult to truly rely on any of them.

Curry continues to deal with a pelvic contusion while Butler has a forearm injury. While both players are listed as questionable, which implies a legitimate chance to miss the game, Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters that everyone will be available against the Nuggets.

While Highsmith has not significantly impacted fantasy basketball, his playing time has recently increased due to Andrew Wiggins’ hamstring injury. If Highsmith cannot play on Saturday, his playing time will likely be absorbed by Duncan Robinson and Kyle Anderson. While Robinson is more of a points and triples specialist, Anderson can offer decent value to deep-league managers punting points.

Wiggins’ continued absence has opened up a spot in the starting lineup, while Love’s has not significantly impacted fantasy basketball. Pelle Larsson has replaced Wiggins in the starting lineup, and the rookie is worth streaming in deep leagues. Haywood Highsmith’s playing time has increased off the bench, but Larsson is the player who deep-league managers should be targeting.

Herro is dealing with a right thigh contusion and has a legitimate chance to miss Saturday’s game given his questionable listing. The 25-year-old point guard is coming off a 35-point performance on the second night of a back-to-back Thursday. Herro’s absence would be a major loss with Terry Rozier likely to fill in.

James has consistently appeared on the Lakers’ injury reports since returning from his strained groin, but he has not missed a game. That includes a March 26-27 back-to-back, so fantasy managers should expect to see LeBron on the court.

While it was mentioned last week that Hachimura would be available for future back-to-backs after sitting out a March 27 loss to the Bulls, that is not the case. He will not play against the Pelicans, likely resulting in Dorian Finney-Smith moving into the starting lineup. Finney-Smith hasn’t been an elite fantasy option, but he’s worth streaming in deep leagues when allowed to start.

Sabonis is a late addition to Friday’s injury report which puts his status in doubt against Charlotte. If he’s ultimately sidelined, expect Jonas Valanciunas to replace him in the starting five. Valanciunas averaged 12 points and 10.9 rebounds across his last nine starts, and JV will be in the streaming conversation if he starts.

Grant has missed 12 straight games, and it’s unlikely we’ll see him on the court again this season. Shaedon Sharpe should continue to start in his place. Reath’s injury is less impactful, but it should free up more minutes for Jabari Walker.