NBA Player News

Jackson’s availability is more impactful, as he recently replaced Gary Trent Jr. in the starting lineup. While there’s no need to pick up Jackson in most fantasy leagues, he’s worth observing and even adding to deep-league watchlists. As for Rollins, he’s managed to earn some backup point guard minutes recently, but that isn’t enough to merit being rostered in fantasy leagues.

Butler has been the focus of trade rumors recently, with the veteran forward holding a player option for next season worth a little over $52 million. The Heat have not moved to extend his deal, and multiple Western Conference teams are rumored to be interested in acquiring Butler. On Thursday, Riley took a step to quell the rumors, making it clear that Miami has no intention of trading Butler. “We usually don’t comment on rumors, but all this speculation has become a distraction to the team and is not fair to the players and coaches. Therefore, we will make it clear -- we are not trading Jimmy Butler,” Riley said in a statement released by the Heat.

Murphy has been a consistent contributor since working his way back from a hamstring injury. He’s scored at least 21 points in four of his previous five outings and will continue to be a focal point on offense if given a full workload against Houston.

Collins will miss his second straight contest on Thursday while George will miss his third. Clarkson is new to the injury report after appearing in five straight games. Micah Potter and Svi Mykhailiuk are among the players who could get spot starts. Isaiah Collier has a chance to take on a larger reserve role.

Sarr and Coulibaly will return from one-game absences on Thursday. Carrington, on the other hand, hasn’t missed a game in his first NBA campaign. The Wizards’ rotation should return to how it’s run without Kyle Kuzma so far this season.

Sabonis has been dealing with an illness and is in danger of missing Thursday’s game. Trey Lyles started in the two games Sabonis has missed this season and will be in for a larger workload if he misses a third.

DFS appears to be set to return from a two-game layoff on Thursday. The Nets forward should reclaim his role as a starter ahead of the weekend should he suit up.

Walter has been a key part of the rotation as of late and has started in a handful of games since late November. The Raptors wing’s absence could open up space for Jamison Battle to contribute a little more off the bench.

Buzelis is set to miss just his second game of the season on Thursday. The rookie wing’s absence shouldn’t have a major effect on the rotation, but Julian Phillips could find some extra minutes.

Ball missed his team’s matchup against the Bucks earlier this week and is now set to miss a second consecutive game. The Bulls guard’s availability isn’t likely to affect Chicago’s regular rotation.