NBA Player News

Due to a sore knee, Vassell will miss a second straight game. His absence boosts Keldon Johnson’s fantasy value due to the Spurs’ need for more production. He can be a bit of a wild card due to inconsistent production outside of points and rebounds, but Johnson is worth the risk on a four-game night.

Kuz sustained the injury Wednesday, and it will cost him at least two games. In his absence, rookie Kyshawn George should see increased run. The Miami product has averaged 12.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.0 steals and 2.3 triples across six starts this season.

Doncic and Gafford both practiced on Friday, but Thompson did not. All three should be considered questionable for Saturday, with Thompson’s status the most in doubt. Players like Jaden Hardy, Quentin Grimes, Naji Marshall and Dereck Lively II would all be in line for more playing time if Doncic, Gafford or Thomspon are sidelined.

George was a full participant in Friday’s practice, while Caleb Martin was a partial participant. Both are trending in the right direction ahead of Saturday’s tilt with Detroit, but if they are unable to go, expect Philly to keep rolling with its starting five of Tyrese Maxey, Kelly Oubre, Jared McCain, Guerschon Yabusele and Andre Drummond. Yabusele has been productive in three straight starts and should be rostered in leagues of most sizes. Embiid still has no timeline for recovery, and Saturday will mark his 14th absence in 18 games to kick off the 2024-25 campaign. The Sixers are 3-14 and own the second-worst record in the Association, only one game ahead of the lowly Washington Wizards.

As expected, Ball will be available against Boston and will play the same amount of minutes he played Wednesday against Orlando. Ball made an impact on both ends of the court in his limited time, though he didn’t do enough to be worth a look in fantasy until he starts seeing more minutes.

LaMelo Ball is sidelined, and Micic will have big shoes to fill after Ball averaged 40/7/8 across his last four. Diabate will replace Taj Gibson as the starting center and team up with rookie Salaun to hold things down in the frontcourt for a team riddled with injuries at the four and five. Expect Brandon Miller to handle a sizable workload on offense.

DeRozan will miss a second consecutive game and has no concrete return timeline. Jae Crowder filled the void in the starting lineup in his Kings debut on Wednesday and should remain in that role. The veteran forward is a deep-league streaming option at best.

James isn’t in the rotation when healthy. Consider the rookie out indefinitely until further notice.

Hayes has missed seven of the Lakers’ last eight games, aggravating his ankle injury during Tuesday’s loss to the Suns. Christian Koloko will slot in behind Anthony Davis in the rotation, and there’s no need to consider rostering him in fantasy leagues.

The probable tag suggests Knecht will be cleared to play on Friday. If not, Cam Reddish may move back into the starting lineup, but there’s nothing to gain from rostering him in most fantasy leagues.

Davis should play against the Thunder in Friday’s pivotal NBA Cup group-stage matchup. He’ll take on his usual workload, with Christian Koloko remaining in the backup center role.