NBA Player News

Fox had a game-high 28 points and knocked down 3-of-6 from behind the 3-point line, but also had four turnovers and was a -9 in 37 minutes. He’s playing through a left pinky finger injury that may still be impacting his shooting. Fox continues to be the primary option and see massive usage for Sacramento. The Kings play the Raptors on Wednesday and have weekend matchups with the Clippers and Suns.

Hachimura is on track to return following a one-game absence. Dalton Knecht, who started in Hachimura’s place on Wednesday, should head back to the bench.

Sharpe made his season debut Thursday, logging his first game action since January 11. Despite the long layoff, he’ll be available for the second game of Portland’s back-to-back set. Sharpe played 20 minutes Thursday, and a similar workload could be on tap against the Timberwolves.

Trent was demoted to the bench on Thursday and played only eight minutes. He likely won’t be a factor on Friday if he’s active, as Andre Jackson was a more effective starter in Milwaukee’s last game and Trent has struggled to shoot the ball this season.

Antetokounmpo was dominant in his return from a one-game absence and posted 31 points and 16 rebounds against the Jazz on Thursday. He’ll continue to carry a heavy workload for Milwaukee when active.

Merrill tweaked his ankle against the New Orleans Pelicans and his status for Friday is up in the air. Caris LeVert and Ty Jerome could benefit if the sharp shooter misses any time.

Hawkins logged 19 minutes in his last outing after missing his first game of the season. Now the second-year guard will miss an extended period of time after ramping up his production from his rookie year. Brandon Boston should benefit from his absence.

Murphy still hasn’t made his 2024-25 debut and has been ruled out ahead of the weekend. His next chance to play will come against the Nets on Monday.

After a two-game absence, Clarkson looked sharp in his 21 minutes on the floor. The lingering question is whether or not the playing time represents JC’s ceiling, especially with starter Collin Sexton (14 points, two rebounds, seven assists, and two 3-pointers) playing 27 minutes. Off to a slow start to the season before the heel injury, Clarkson needs more minutes if he’s to be a factor in standard leagues.

Active after missing three games due to back spasms, Markkanen struggled in Milwaukee. However, fantasy managers should take solace in him playing 29 minutes without issue. He’ll have better nights offensively. As for Kyle Filipowski, who filled in for Markkanen, the rookie only played three minutes on Thursday. There’s no need to keep Filipowski on your fantasy roster.

Bucks coach Doc Rivers changed the starting lineup for Thursday’s game, replacing Gary Trent Jr. with Jackson. The second-year wing may not have offered much as a scorer, but the defensive activity (and four steals) made a difference. However, the Jazz aren’t the best opposition to use as a measuring stick, so fantasy managers will learn more when the Bucks visit the Knicks on Friday. As for Trent, he only played eight minutes, so he’s safe to drop in most leagues.