NBA Player News

Even with Brooklyn’s surprising start to the season, this has been one of the teams many expected to be sellers between December 15 and the trade deadline. The Nets have begun the clearout, dealing Dennis Schroder and a second-round pick to Golden State in exchange for Melton and three future seconds. Melton will not play again this season after undergoing surgery in November to repair a sprained left ACL. With him due to be a free agent this summer, the trade will clear up cap space if the Nets do not re-sign Melton in July. Shake Milton should play more minutes in the short term, but fantasy managers should not rush to add him.

Initially questionable for Thursday’s game, Stewart has been upgraded to available. As Jalen Duren’s backup, he’ll provide rebounding and defense and can be rostered in active deep leagues.

Allen is the only regular in the Cavaliers’ starting lineup for Thursday’s game. However, with Cleveland having secured the top seed in the East, Allen is not expected to play starters’ minutes. Jerome, Merrill, Hunter and Wade are all worth streaming with Cleveland playing Thursday’s game without four starters.

The Knicks are down two starters for Thursday’s game, which could be a first-round preview. Josh Hart and OG Anunoby are out, and they’ve been replaced in the lineup by McBride and Achiuwa. While both players are worth streaming in deep leagues, McBride offers a higher fantasy ceiling.

Cunningham and Harris were probable for Thursday’s game, so the status upgrades mean the Pistons can go with their usual starting five. Dennis Schroder will come off the bench, which limits his fantasy value.

Murray has missed Denver’s last six games, most recently playing on March 26. Given the doubtful tag, it appears likely that he will remain out on Friday. If so, Jalen Pickett would stay in the starting lineup, and he would be worth a look in active leagues. Pickett was solid in 31 minutes on the court against the Kings on Wednesday, while the inconsistent Russell Westbrook played 17 minutes off the bench.

Agbaji and Shead were held out of Wednesday’s win over the Hornets for reasons of rest. With Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett among the players who will not play in Dallas, minutes will not be an issue for Agbaji or Shead. They’re both worth slotting into lineups in active fantasy leagues.

After being downgraded from probable to questionable due to an illness, Antetokounmpo is officially good to go for Thursday’s game. He’ll take on his usual role as the focal point of the Bucks’ offense. Bobby Portis’s playing time is unlikely to increase substantially with Giannis available.

Connaughton is available after missing two games with a sprained ankle. His return will not significantly impact active fantasy leagues, as the veteran wing is not guaranteed rotation minutes.

Barrett and Walter will not be available on Friday. The latter will miss a second straight game due to a hip injury. AJ Lawson and Jamison Battle will play more minutes, which would also be the case for Jared Rhoden (shoulder) if he’s allowed to suit up. Rhoden is questionable for Friday night.

The Raptors are playing out the string, so some of their regulars will not be available for Friday’s game. That includes Quickley and Poeltl, whose absences free up additional minutes for Jamal Shead, Jonathan Mogbo and Colin Castleton. Fantasy managers in active leagues should target Shead and Mogbo in this spot.