NBA Player News

Smith came into this game listed questionable with a left ankle sprain, but before he could even check into the game, he has been ruled out with a knee issue. Adama Sanogo is a candidate to see some backup minutes at center, but he won’t make much of a fantasy impact.

LaRavia missed their last game on Tuesday after exiting early on Sunday. His absence opened up extra minutes for Luke Kennard, who played well in the increased opportunity. However, LaRavia’s potential return would likely cut into Kennard’s role and limit his production.

Kawamura is not in the Grizzlies’ rotation when healthy, so his availability does not impact fantasy basketball.

Clarke has been sidelined for Memphis’ last two games, most recently missing Tuesday’s win over the Suns. His absence has freed up additional minutes for Jay Huff, who still is not at the point where he should be streamed in most fantasy leagues. If Clarke can play and Zach Edey (concussion) remains sidelined, he may start alongside Jaren Jackson Jr., bumping John Konchar to the bench.

Edey has missed the team’s last two games, which has allowed John Konchar to start in his place, with Jaren Jackson Jr. sliding over to center. That should change if Edey returns to the lineup for this game, though if Brandon Clarke (calf) plays and Edey doesn’t, he could be the one that starts.

Bogdanovic has missed Atlanta’s last five games, with his most recent appearance occurring on December 21. His absence means De’Andre Hunter has added importance among the Hawks reserves, and he has played well enough to merit being rostered in some standard leagues. Garrison Mathews, who started the last game for Jalen Johnson, also has increased fantasy value when Bogdanovic sits.

Johnson missed their last game against Denver, which allowed Garrison Mathews to slide into a smaller starting unit and for rookie Zaccharie Risacher to play a larger role. If Johnson is out again, the lineup should look the same, though neither beneficiary will be worth streaming.

Young hasn’t missed a game since December 21, when he was sidelined due to a right heel contusion. Vit Krejci replaced him in the lineup that night and would be in line for another start if Young cannot play on Friday. However, this does not make Krejci a worthwhile streaming option, as Dyson Daniels (who’s already rostered in most leagues) has also seen his value increase when Young cannot play.

This will be a second straight absence for Vincent, which means that recently-acquired Shake Milton should be the team’s backup point guard. However, he only played 10 minutes in his debut for the team and won’t have a large enough role to be deserving of fantasy consideration.

AD was downgraded to doubtful earlier in the day, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that he has now officially been ruled out. Jaxson Hayes should step into the starting center role, with Christian Koloko filling out the backup minutes.

Wiggins is the lone change to the Thunder starting lineup, replacing Cason Wallace. This will be Wiggins’ 10th start of the season, but Wallace and Isaiah Joe will also play ample rotation minutes despite coming off the bench. The frequent lineup changes make all three players challenging to commit to in fantasy basketball, but Wiggins (like Joe) can provide points and 3-pointers.