NBA Player News

In addition to stars Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Kevin Durant only playing 863 minutes together last season, the Suns were also done in by their lack of a “true” point guard. The offseason signings of Jones and Monte Morris were meant to address this issue, with Budenholzer making it clear that the former would be a starter. “Certainly, we feel like Tyus has established himself as a great starting point guard in our league, and he will be our starter,” Budenholzer told NBA.com. “When you put him out there with Kevin, Brad, Book, and Nurk [Jusuf Nurkic], we feel like we’ve got a strong starting five. And a really strong bench behind them.” Jones being given that role means Grayson Allen will head to the bench after a career year, cutting into his fantasy value.

Listed as questionable on the initial injury report, Morant appears more likely not to play against the Spurs. If he doesn’t play, Scotty Pippen Jr. will be the replacement in the starting lineup, and he’s worth streaming whenever Morant is inactive.

The Thunder won’t have Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for Friday’s game, as the MVP candidate is out with a sore right wrist. Wiggins replaces him in the starting lineup, with Wallace shifting into the point guard role. Wiggins is worth streaming in this spot, as are Wallace and Isaiah Joe.

A late addition to the Thunder injury report, Gilgeous-Alexander will not play against the Mavericks. His absence means Cason Wallace shifts to the lead guard position, with Aaron Wiggins moving into the starting lineup. Both players are worth streaming in this spot, as is Isaiah Joe.

Grant has missed Portland’s last nine games with the facial contusion, but he may return on Saturday. If Grant can play, Scoot Henderson will likely head to the bench. However, this should not do too much damage to Henderson’s value, as he will play quality minutes off the bench.

Avdija has missed Portland’s last two games, and the doubtful tag suggests the unfortunate streak will hit three on Saturday. Scoot Henderson has been a starter, and the second-year guard has played very well in that role. Whether or not he gets another start depends on Jerami Grant (face), who’s considered questionable for Saturday night.

The Pelicans are without rookie center Yves Missi, who will not play due to an illness. He’ll be replaced in the lineup by Theis, who began the season as New Orleans’ starting center. He offers minimal streaming value in this spot, especially since there will be times when Williamson plays the five.

George and Williams are the only holdovers from the five who started Wednesday’s loss to the Hornets. Sexton is back in the lineup after not playing against Charlotte, pushing Isaiah Collier to the bench. Mykhailiuk will start for Lauri Markkanen, while Eubanks fills the void left by Walker Kessler.

Anderson will miss a second straight game due to injury, with his absence pushing Gui Santos up in the pecking order. If Draymond Green (illness) remains out, Santos may get another start, which makes him worth a look in deep fantasy leagues.

The Hornets are without Brandon Miller, who is not playing due to a sprained right wrist. Smith will make his first start as a pro. While the second-year guard hasn’t done enough to merit being rostered in fantasy leagues, Friday’s start is an excellent opportunity to prove he deserves more minutes moving forward. Charlotte’s other four starters are unchanged.

Green has missed the last three games with illness and back issues. The 34-year-old power forward seems likely to return Saturday against the Wizards given his probable designation. Green’s return will move Buddy Hield back to the bench and cut into Kyle Anderson and Gui Santos’ minutes.