NBA Player News

The Hawks welcome back Young after a prolonged absence due to a finger injury. However, Dejounte Murray and Jalen Johnson are out, so Mathews and Krejci fill out the starting five. The opportunity to play starters’ minutes boosts the value of both players, but neither has been consistently reliable this season.

Duren rolled his ankle in the first quarter of Wednesday’s game against the Hornets. Isaiah Stewart and Paul Reed will pick up the slack in Duren’s absence with Stewart likely ascending into the starting lineup. Stewart could be worth streaming in deeper leagues against the Hawks as Reed serves as a traditional backup.

Smith is again listed as probable before a game, so fantasy managers should expect to see him on the court. However, the minutes won’t be enough to make him fantasy-relevant. Leave Smith on the waiver wire.

LaVine has missed Chicago’s last three games, but the questionable tag suggests he’s progressing. Ayo Dosunmu has filled the void in the starting lineup and will continue to do so as long as LaVine is sidelined. Dosunmu is worth streaming in deep leagues, especially on a four-game night.

Craig was a late scratch on Thursday, with the Bulls not announcing his status until the third quarter. His potential absence on Saturday will not significantly impact fantasy basketball, but it may ensure Matas Buzelis will play rotation minutes. There’s no need to stream Buzelis.

On most nights, Smith is on the back end of the Hornets’ rotation. Hopefully, he’ll be available to play, but his status will not impact fantasy basketball.

Hachimura is on track to return following a one-game absence. Dalton Knecht, who started in Hachimura’s place on Wednesday, should head back to the bench.

Sharpe made his season debut Thursday, logging his first game action since January 11. Despite the long layoff, he’ll be available for the second game of Portland’s back-to-back set. Sharpe played 20 minutes Thursday, and a similar workload could be on tap against the Timberwolves.

Trent was demoted to the bench on Thursday and played only eight minutes. He likely won’t be a factor on Friday if he’s active, as Andre Jackson was a more effective starter in Milwaukee’s last game and Trent has struggled to shoot the ball this season.

Antetokounmpo was dominant in his return from a one-game absence and posted 31 points and 16 rebounds against the Jazz on Thursday. He’ll continue to carry a heavy workload for Milwaukee when active.

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.