NBA Player News

Wiggins is back after a two-game absence with an ankle injury, and his return pushes Gary Payton II to the bench. The other change is Looney, who replaces Draymond Green in the starting lineup. Green will still play plenty, and this lineup change will likely negatively impact Trayce Jackson-Davis more.

The Thunder are without multiple rotation players due to either injury or rest. As a result, this quintet will start together for the first time this season. Wiggins and Joe offer the highest ceilings, but both Williamses (Kenrich and Jaylin) are also worth a look in deep leagues.

The Heat are without Alec Burks for Friday’s game, opening up a spot in the starting lineup. Larsson will fill the void and is worth a look in deep leagues because the Heat are shorthanded on the wings. The other change is Herro, whose return from an illness pushes the ineffective Terry Rozier to the bench.

Rollins is back with the team after missing Wednesday’s win over the Mavericks for personal reasons. His addition to the lineup gives the Bucks another option on the wings, but the third-year guard is unlikely to impact fantasy basketball.

Quickley, Walter and Barnes are the holdovers from the five who started Tuesday’s win over the Magic. Lawson and Robinson will fill in for RJ Barrett and Jakob Poeltl, and they’re worth streaming with the Raptors down to 10 available players.

Exum returns after sitting out Wednesday’s loss to the Bucks, but he won’t replace Christie in the starting lineup. Spencer Dinwiddie, who struggled against Milwaukee, heads to the bench instead. Due to frontcourt injuries, the Mavericks will employ a center-less lineup with Edwards at the five.

Sexton and Kessler are back after sitting out Wednesday’s loss to the Wizards, pushing Johnny Juzang and Kyle Filipowski to the bench. However, Juzang and Filipowski will figure prominently within the rotation despite coming off the bench, so hold onto them.

Brown’s absence will leave the Pelicans down a rotation wing, which may mean playing time for Jamal Cain. Cain does not need to be rostered in fantasy leagues.

Herro was initially listed as questionable with an illness, but will ultimately play against the Timberwolves Friday. The 25-year-old shooting guard has been Miami’s top scorer and figures to take on a big role with Andrew Wiggins out again Friday.

Due to a sore left hip, Alvarado is questionable for Saturday’s game. If he’s unable to play, Jamal Cain may enter the rotation, especially with Bruce Brown ruled out. Cain would not be worth streaming in fantasy leagues.

The continued absences of Connaughton and Nance will not impact fantasy basketball. The former is on the back end if the Bucks’ rotation when healthy, while the latter is not.