NBA Player News

76ers coach Nick Nurse has made two changes to his starting lineup from the quintet that began Wednesday’s loss to Milwaukee. Lowry and Martin are in, with Eric Gordon and KJ Martin moving to the bench. Caleb, who was probable due to a right calf contusion, is a worthwhile streaming option for Philadelphia’s final two games of the week with Paul George (knee) being sidelined.

Vanderbilt has yet to appear in a game this season, and Redick’s update is a sign that he isn’t too close to changing that. Rui Hachimura has been a positive surprise in fantasy basketball, and while it’s doubtful he will lose his starting job once Vanderbilt returns, the playing time could decrease.

Smith is available after sitting out Wednesday’s win over the Magic. He’ll take on his usual responsibilities as Nikola Vucevic’s backup while Adama Sanogo falls out of the rotation. Smith isn’t worth streaming as long as Vucevic is healthy.

LaVine and Williams are good to go after initially being listed as questionable on the injury report. They’ll occupy their usual places in the starting lineup while Ayo Dosunmu misses out on a potential boost to his fantasy value.

Miller went through a pregame workout, but he still isn’t ready to return to game action. Seth Curry will remain in the starting lineup, and Miller’s absence has also boosted Tre Mann’s fantasy value. The next opportunity for Miller to play is Saturday night against the Celtics.

Walter, the 19th overall pick in this summer’s draft, will make his NBA debut on Friday. Fantasy managers should not expect too much from him right away. Still, the former Baylor standout is one player who will have added value later this season if Toronto falls out of contention for a postseason berth.

Initially doubtful for Friday’s game, Quickley will miss a fifth straight contest due to his injury. Davion Mitchell will remain in the starting lineup, and he’s been a solid streaming option for fantasy managers needing assists.

Injured during the preseason, Williams has not appeared in a game this season. The Hornets have not provided a concrete timeline, but Lee’s update suggests the third-year center has a lot of work to do before he’s cleared. “For now, he’s just doing individual work at the next phase of his return-to-play plan,” Lee said when asked about Williams. “He’ll do some group-type activities, and then once we get to practices and stuff like that, we’ll update people.” Fantasy managers need to roster Nick Richards until this changes.

While Adams heading back to the sideline isn’t ideal, the good news is that the Rockets have removed the left calf strain from the veteran center’s injury report. Jock Landale will pick up rotation minutes, and there may be times when starter Jabari Smith Jr. takes on some center responsibilities when Alperen Sengun is out of the game.

With Paolo Banchero (oblique) out for at least 4-to-6 weeks, the Magic have a massive hole to fill in their starting lineup. Black will get the first crack at filling the void, meaning Orlando will shift Franz Wagner into the power forward role. While the latter is already rostered in all leagues, the former should be streamed until Banchero is cleared to return.

Wiggins is on track to return after missing two games with a strained lower back. If he can play, Lindy Waters III or Moses Moody will drop out of the starting lineup, and both will see their respective fantasy values take a hit.