NBA Player News

Tuesday’s result wasn’t great for the Magic, but Wagner continues to pour in the points. He’s scored 30 points or more six times since Paolo Banchero went down with an oblique injury. Over the past month, Wagner has been a top-10 player in 9-cat formats and is ranked 11th in 8-cat, according to Basketball Monster. With Banchero still limited in what he can do during his recovery, Wagner will have the room to build on this individual success.

Minutes after his status was downgraded from active to questionable, Lowry was officially ruled out for Friday’s game. His absence frees up some playing time behind starter Tyrese Maxey, with Jared McCain and Reggie Jackson in line to absorb those minutes. McCain is a far better fantasy target wherever he’s available.

The Wizards’ lone change to the starting lineup is significant: Sarr is back after a two-game absence. With Cleveland without Evan Mobley, Jonas Valanciunas returns to the bench after starting Washington’s last two games. Managers who have JV rostered should know the drill by now; hold onto him, as he can still provide reliable fantasy value in a bench role.

Absent from the initial injury report for Friday’s game, Lowry is trending in the wrong direction. His potential absence would free up additional minutes for Jared McCain, while Reggie Jackson could enter the rotation. McCain is the player fantasy managers should focus on adding before lineups lock.

As expected, Ball will play in this game and will likely see around 15-20 minutes off the bench. He has played well, but his role is too limited for him to be rostered in standard leagues, unless you’re looking for a boost in steals.

Okoro’s return to the lineup coincides with Evan Mobley (ankle) not being able to play. Wade was expected to move to the bench with Okoro back, but he’ll get another start in place of Mobley, with Georges Niang seeing extra minutes off the bench.

Terry will remain sidelined after injuring his knee during Sunday’s loss to the 76ers. His absence will not significantly impact fantasy basketball, especially with Josh Giddey and Zach LaVine available to play.

Giddey left practice early Wednesday with a back injury and began the day listed as questionable, but will ultimately suit up against the Hornets Friday. Lonzo Ball would see additional minutes if Giddey is limited or his back flares up again Friday.

Vooch will miss a game for the first time this season, which should allow Jalen Smith to slide into the starting lineup. Smith should see the majority of the minutes at center, with Adama Sanogo likely backing him up.

No surprise here as LaVine started the day listed as probable. He’s been dealing with a back issue, but hasn’t missed a game in over a month. Without any back-to-back games coming up, LaVine should continue to play through the injury.

Williams will be active for the first time since November 18, having missed ten games. His absence has boosted Ayo Dosunmu’s fantasy value, which may concern some managers. Those with Dosunmu rostered should hold onto him until Williams can take on his usual workload as a starter. He’ll be limited to 20-24 minutes on Friday.