NBA Player News

While he didn’t offer much value as a rebounder on Wednesday, Portis did plenty in other categories. He shot 70% from the field while accumulating three “stocks” in what proved to be a comfortable victory for the Bucks. Portis is worth rostering in most fantasy leagues, even in a reserve role.

Hopefully, Reddish will not be away from the team for too long. Regarding fantasy basketball value, he’s on the back end of the rotation when healthy.

Hayes has been upgraded from probable to available and will serve as Anthony Davis’ backup again. There isn’t much value in rostering Hayes under these circumstances.

Williamson is available after sitting out Wednesday’s season opener against the Bulls. While Pelicans coach Willie Green did not give a specific number when asked about the forward’s minutes limit, he said Zion would play “a little under” his usual workload. Fantasy managers should still ensure that Williamson is in their active lineups.

Initially listed on the injury report because of a sore right Achilles tendon, Allen will miss Friday’s game for personal reasons. Hopefully, he won’t be away from the team very long. While Ryan Dunn could pick up a few minutes off the bench, there’s no need to consider streaming the rookie in this spot.

Beal is officially available after the Suns listed him as probable on the initial injury report. He’ll take on his usual role within the rotation, starting alongside Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. Fantasy managers with Beal rostered need to ensure he’s in their active lineups.

Melton was initially probable for Friday’s game, so the status upgrade was expected. He came off the bench in Wednesday’s opener against Portland and will likely take on a similar role against the Jazz. Melton’s worth rostering in deep leagues, but Golden State’s perimeter depth may limit his fantasy impact.

Whitmore only played eight minutes in Wednesday’s opener. And with Friday’s game being the first of a back-to-back for the Rockets, the second-year wing isn’t someone worth relying on in most fantasy leagues.

Brooks was listed as probable on the initial injury report, so the status upgrade was expected. He’ll occupy his usual place in the starting lineup but is unlikely to offer reliable fantasy value, even with the motivation of going up against his former team.

With Brandon Miller (glute) sidelined for at least one week, Curry moves into the starting lineup. While capable of providing points and 3-pointers in that role, there are better streaming options than Seth on a 10-game night. Including on the Hornets’ roster; if Tre Mann is available in your league, pick him up.

Bamba’s continued absence will not impact fantasy basketball, as starting center Ivica Zubac is healthy. Kai Jones will occupy the backup role but is not worth the streaming risk.