NBA Player News

Westbrook is expected to reach a buyout agreement with the Jazz so that he can join the Denver Nuggets in free agency. His fantasy outlook isn’t great coming off the bench behind fringe All-Star Jamal Murray and three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, so don’t expect him to increase his value after averaging 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game last season.

DeRozan will miss a second consecutive game and has no concrete return timeline. Jae Crowder filled the void in the starting lineup in his Kings debut on Wednesday and should remain in that role. The veteran forward is a deep-league streaming option at best.

James isn’t in the rotation when healthy. Consider the rookie out indefinitely until further notice.

Hayes has missed seven of the Lakers’ last eight games, aggravating his ankle injury during Tuesday’s loss to the Suns. Christian Koloko will slot in behind Anthony Davis in the rotation, and there’s no need to consider rostering him in fantasy leagues.

The probable tag suggests Knecht will be cleared to play on Friday. If not, Cam Reddish may move back into the starting lineup, but there’s nothing to gain from rostering him in most fantasy leagues.

Davis should play against the Thunder in Friday’s pivotal NBA Cup group-stage matchup. He’ll take on his usual workload, with Christian Koloko remaining in the backup center role.

Murray has missed Portland’s last two games with a bruised sternum, leaving the Blazers shorthanded within their bench rotation. While his absence hasn’t impacted fantasy basketball, Rayan Rupert played more rotation minutes on Wednesday against the Pacers. Rupert isn’t worth streaming.

Injured during Monday’s loss to the Grizzlies, Williams did not play on Wednesday and is unlikely to return on Friday. Deandre Ayton is available and will retain the starting center responsibilities, with Jabari Walker as the backup.

Grant did not play in Wednesday’s loss to the Pacers and appears unlikely to play Friday night. Deni Avdija started in his place and should remain in that role until Grant is available. He should be rostered in all standard leagues, and some shallow-league managers may also consider streaming Avdija.

Flagler was not available for Wednesday’s win over the Warriors, and his absence did not impact fantasy basketball or the Thunder rotation.

Caruso’s continued absence does not significantly impact fantasy basketball, as he has not been productive enough to merit being rostered in most leagues. His Yahoo rostered percentage (55%) is too high for a non-starter ranked just inside the top 150.