NBA Player News

Paolo Banchero (oblique) is out, which means Wagner will need to step up tonight as a scorer and facilitator against arguably the NBA’s best team. Fantasy managers should keep in mind that Wagner has played in each of Orlando’s last two games but only logged 34 minutes between the pair of contests. Anthony Black should continue to see an expanded role until Wagner is fully recovered.

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.

Risacher returns to the starting lineup in his second game back from a groin injury, bumping Vit Krejci to the bench. The player to watch is Gueye, who will get a second start with Jalen Johnson (shoulder) done for the season. If he can play well enough to hold onto that spot, Gueye may have deep-league value after the trade deadline.

Cissoko was injured during the fourth quarter of the Spurs’ second game in Paris, a loss to the Pacers on January 25. His availability does not impact fantasy basketball, as Cissoko isn’t in the rotation when healthy.

James and Hachimura were initially questionable for Thursday’s game, but they’re good to go. With Anthony Davis (abdominal) out, the Lakers will need more production from their available stars, even against the lowly Wizards.

Considered questionable on the initial injury report, Merrill has officially been cleared to play. With Darius Garland also available, Jaylon Tyson will likely fall out of the rotation after starting Wednesday’s win over the Heat.

Morant’s status has been downgraded after initially being questionable for Thursday’s game. If he sits, Luke Kennard will likely replace him in the starting lineup, with Desmond Bane spending more time on the ball. Getting to start would raise Kennard’s fantasy ceiling; he would be worth streaming in deep leagues.

Antetokounmpo is dealing with a case of right patellar tendinitis, while Middleton is back on the report due to bilateral ankle injury management. They’re both probable for Friday’s game, so look for Giannis and Middleton to take on their usual roles.

Portis was not with the Bucks for their practice on Thursday, and he’s officially been ruled out for Friday’s game in San Antonio. Gary Trent Jr. will figure more prominently as one of the first reserves off the bench.

Murray remains on the injury report due to a sprained right index finger, but he’s expected to be available. Look for the Pelicans’ starting point guard to handle his usual workload.