NBA Player News

Powell will likely complete a starting lineup of James Harden, Kawhi, Derrick Jones Jr. and Ivica Zubac, which means that Terance Mann will be in a reserve role. However, if Leonard misses the season opener, Mann may be able to provide some early season value as a streamer. Still, he isn’t a fantasy-friendly player, so don’t get your hopes up for some big performances.

Believed by some to be one of the biggest “snubs” for the All-Star Game, Young was unable to use that disappointment as fuel against the team with the best record in the East. The good news for fantasy managers is that he only committed two turnovers against Cleveland, leaving the field goal percentage as the lone issue on Thursday. Jalen Johnson’s season-ending injury and Bogdan Bogdanovic’s continued absence mean the Hawks may need more scoring from Young, who, to this point, has done a better job of balancing his scoring and playmaking responsibilities.

Hunter has scored 20 points or more 18 times, one shy of his tally for the 2023-23 campaign. He may not offer consistent value outside of the points category, but Jalen Johnson (shoulder) being out for the rest of the season helps raise Hunter’s fantasy ceiling. He shot 1-of-7 from three against the Cavaliers, a far cry from his 39.4% clip for the season. In that regard, nights like Thursday have not been the norm for Hunter; the limited defensive production is the more significant concern.

Risacher didn’t offer much value outside of points and 3-pointers, but his first-half outburst kept the Hawks within striking distance before Cleveland dominated the third quarter. The rookie scored 20 of his 30 points before halftime, surpassing the 20-point mark for the second time this season (he’s scored 30 or more in both). Risacher’s overall stat line is an example of why he isn’t a must-add in the aftermath of Jalen Johnson’s season-ending shoulder injury. However, the rookie is worth watching between now and the All-Star break.

Collier and Sexton are the holdovers from the starting five that began Tuesday’s loss to the Warriors. Markkanen, Collins, and Kessler are all available, so the Jazz will use their preferred frontcourt starters. Brice Sensabaugh, Micah Potter, and Drew Eubanks will return to the bench.

Harris is available to play in a game for the first time since January 1. Even with Jalen Suggs (quad) considered a game-time decision, Harris is unlikely to get the minutes needed to impact fantasy basketball. Leave him on the waiver wire.

Conley will sit out Thursday’s game with a sprained right thumb, opening up a spot in the Timberwolves’ starting lineup. With Donte DiVincenzo also out, Nickeil Alexander-Walker is the replacement. Alexander-Walker scored a season-high 23 points in Wednesday’s win over the Suns and is worth streaming as a starter.

The sore right ankle that hastened Grant’s exit from Tuesday’s win over Milwaukee will keep him out on Thursday. Portland will go small to begin their matchup with Orlando as Henderson moves into the starting lineup. Scoot has played arguably the best basketball of his brief NBA career over the last month, and he’s worth rostering in standard leagues for the rest of the season.

Named an All-Star for the first time in his NBA career, Sengun will not play in Thursday’s game. His left calf contusion opens up a spot in the starting lineup, and Steven Adams will fill the void. While not much of a scorer, Adams can provide value in the rebound and blocked shot categories. Jock Landale will serve as his backup.

Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said Morant took a hit to his right shoulder during Wednesday’s practice, and the soreness became an issue Thursday morning. Morant will be considered day-to-day moving forward. Luke Kennard is the likely replacement in the starting lineup, based on the most recent precedent.

Kleber suffered a broken right foot during the Mavericks’ January 25 loss to the Celtics. The veteran big has since undergone a surgical procedure to repair the fracture and does not have a timeline for return. The Mavericks recently signed Kylor Kelley to a two-way contract, as Dereck Lively II and Dwight Powell are also injured. Kelley doesn’t have streaming value behind Daniel Gafford, who will continue to play heavy minutes. With the trade deadline one week away, we’ll see if Dallas looks to make a move to strengthen its frontcourt rotation.