NBA Player News

Boston will have both of their centers for this game, and there is certainly a chance that both end up starting in order to combat the Cavs’ frontcourt. However, both will likely sit out on Monday against the Heat on the second night of a back-to-back, which would open up the starting job for Neemias Queta and extra minutes for Luke Kornet.

Johnson and Livingston aren’t in the Bucks’ rotation when healthy, so their absences will not impact fantasy basketball.

Giannis has missed Milwaukee’s last two games, pushing Bobby Portis into the starting lineup. Portis is already rostered in most fantasy leagues, and there isn’t a suitable streamer behind him if Antetokounmpo remains out.

While Lillard has missed Milwaukee’s last three games, the first two absences were due to a strained calf. Ryan Rollins started the previous two contests, and AJ Green also saw his playing time increase. Neither qualifies as a great streaming option, but there will be opportunities if Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo don’t play.

Middleton is once again on the injury report, but all signs point toward him playing against the Nets. While his minutes have been restricted, Middleton has shaken off the rust recently and is returning to being the reliable fantasy option many hoped he would be.

Huff’s continued absence will not impact fantasy basketball or the Grizzlies’ rotation. Starters Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey are healthy, as are backups Santi Aldama and Brandon Clarke.

Injured during Saturday’s win over Atlanta, Smart will miss a second straight game. The Grizzlies have not announced any specifics regarding the finger injury, so it’s unknown how long Smart will be inactive. Scotty Pippen Jr. and Luke Kennard will absorb the minutes that would have gone to Smart.

Murphy injured his ankle during Sunday’s overtime loss to the Nuggets, playing 27 minutes. The schedule worked in his and the Pelicans’ favor, as New Orleans has not played since. If Murphy can play, he’ll be in the starting lineup, continuing to serve as Brandon Ingram’s replacement. Brandon Boston Jr. is still worth considering as a deep-league streamer, as the Pelicans also play on Friday.

Green has been used in a reserve role for most of this season, providing limited fantasy value. His availability will not impact fantasy basketball, especially if Trey Murphy returns from his sprained ankle.

Eason has missed three straight and five of Houston’s last seven games, the first two of which were due to a stint in the league’s concussion protocol. The current injury management situation is concerning because Eason missed most of last season with a stress reaction in the same leg. Cam Whitmore played 27 minutes off the bench in Monday’s win over the Hornets, and he should remain in the rotation if Eason cannot return against New Orleans.

Thursday’s game will be the second Brooks misses due to his ankle injury. Amen Thompson replaced him in the starting lineup for Monday’s win over the Hornets, and that should remain the case against the Pelicans. Thompson is already rostered in most standard leagues; the promotion makes him worth a look in shallow formats.