NBA Player News

This will be a third straight absence for Ware, who hasn’t played a large role during his rookie season. With Kevin Love also sidelined, Thomas Bryant will likely fill out the backup center minutes in this game.

Thompson missed the last two games, giving rookie Ron Holland II a chance to return to the Pistons’ rotation. Neither have much fantasy value at the moment, though.

Nurkic has been out for around two weeks. Mason Plumlee and Oso Ighodaro have filled in at center for Phoenix with neither of them offering much in terms of fantasy value. Nurkic seems close to returning at this point.

Horford played last Friday against the Bucks in the first game of a back-to-back, but sat out Saturday against the Grizzlies. Now off the injury report, he’s set to return to action against the Pistons Thursday.

Hauser injured his adductor in the first half of Saturday’s game against the Grizzlies and didn’t return to action. Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta saw some more minutes, but neither are fantasy viable.

Tatum missed his first game of the season last Wednesday against the Pistons, but suited up Friday against the Bucks. Now he’s questionable again as he continues to deal with a knee injury. Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford would see more usage if Tatum sits as Sam Hauser is doubtful to play.

Harden practiced in full Tuesday and appears ready to go for Friday after missing Sunday’s game against the Rockets with a sore groin. He’ll look to turn the page after a poor shooting effort led to just five points against Minnesota in his last game.

Reaves has missed the Lakers’ last five games, and James sat out Sunday for his first missed game of the season. Both players get the benefit of a short week thanks to NBA Cup action, giving them a shot to return to the court Friday when the Lakers face the Timberwolves.

The severity of the issue is unknown, so fantasy managers should keep an eye on his status ahead of Friday’s tilt with Charlotte.

Strus is coming along a little behind his initial six-week timeline, but he’s not far off the mark. Given the substantial time he’s missed, it wouldn’t be surprising if he returned with a minutes limit.

Barnes’ loss is a massive blow, as he leads the team in assists and is second in scoring and rebounding. Toronto will likely use a committee approach to fill in for Barnes, with Jonathan Mogbo and Davion Mitchell as the primary beneficiaries. RJ Barrett should also see an uptick in playmaking responsibilities for as long as Barnes is sidelined.