NBA Player News

Risacher’s injury is not severe, but his absence means both first-round picks will sit out Wednesday’s matchup. The Lakers have sidelined Dalton Knecht for rest reasons. Risacher’s injury will not linger, so there’s no need to be concerned about the rookie’s training camp availability. Whether or not he plays again this week in Las Vegas remains in the air.

Plumlee will miss a second straight game as he continues to work his way back from a strained groin suffered while with the Hornets. His continued absence does not affect fantasy basketball since Victor Wembanyama, Luke Kornet and Kelly Olynyk are available.

Due to a hyperextended left knee, Waters has missed San Antonio’s last six games. His return would not affect fantasy basketball due to the Spurs’ depth on the wings.

Saturday’s game will be the fourth that Embiid has missed due to right knee injury management. His continued absence means the 76ers will rely on Andre Drummond and Adem Bona to hold down the fort at the center position.

Smith played 18 minutes off the bench in Thursday’s win over the Knicks, serving as Paul Reed’s backup. With Jalen Duren returning from suspension, the Pistons’ center rotation will consist of him and Reed, with Smith likely falling out of the rotation entirely. Smith’s potential absence does not affect fantasy basketball.

Due to a left calf contusion, Yabusele is not guaranteed to play on Saturday. However, the probable tag suggests that he’s closer to playing than not. With Jalen Smith back in the lineup and Nick Richards also available, Yabusele’s absence would not affect fantasy basketball.

Nembhard is one of many Pacers players battling injuries on Friday. He’ll miss Friday’s game, which leaves the door open for guys like Ben Sheppard and Kam Jones to log heavy minutes and potentially produce solid numbers on the second game of a back-to-back against the Wizards.

Ivey is dealing with a left knee issue, and he did not see any action in Thursday’s loss to the Raptors. Given his concerning words after the defeat that he’s unlikely to be the player he was before the left leg injury, this may not be a short-term issue for Ivey. His absence won’t affect fantasy basketball in the short term, but Ivey’s value in dynasty leagues will take a hit.

While Hunter practiced on Wednesday, he has not appeared in a game since a February 6 loss to the Clippers. The wing, acquired from the Cavaliers at the trade deadline, was inadvertently struck in the left eye by Clippers wing Kobe Sanders, resulting in left eye iritis. With Friday’s report, Hunter is the third Kings rotation player to be ruled out for the rest of the season, joining Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis. Hunter’s absence means more playing time for Nique Clifford and Daeqwon Plowden, with the former being a player who should be rostered for the rest of the season.

Mitchell showed up on the injury report Friday with a head injury before Miami’s first game following the All-Star break. The sixth-year guard has mostly succeeded as a playmaker in his first full season with the Heat, leading Miami in assists per game. Should he miss Friday’s contest, Kasparas Jakucionis and Dru Smith could be utilized even more.