NBA Player News

Poeltl is set to miss his second game of the month on Thursday. Chris Boucher and Kelly Olynyk will get chances to contribute more in the aftermath.

One day removed from participating in a 5-on-5 session, Clowney has been cleared to return from the sprained left ankle that sidelined him for over a month. Even if he’s immediately placed in the starting lineup (Cameron Johnson is out Saturday), the second-year forward is unlikely to take on a full workload in his first game back. However, Clowney has the potential to provide value once any restrictions are removed.

LeVert (27 minutes) and Mann (22 minutes) gave the Hawks good minutes off the bench in Thursday’s win over the Pacers, and the former has provided third-round value in nine-cat formats over the past week. Vit Krejci’s potential return would help if LeVert or Mann cannot play in Saturday’s rematch, but he isn’t worth the risk in most leagues. Potential absences would also boost Georges Niang’s fantasy value, as he has recently been a late-round player in 12-team formats.

Johnson’s 26 points in Thursday’s loss to the Warriors was the most he’s scored in over two months. Now the 29-year-old small forward finds himself ruled out for Saturday’s game against the Hornets with left knee soreness. Fantasy managers that roster Johnson would prefer he help the team make the play-in tournament. An injury like this could portend a late-season shutdown.

Krejci is closing in on a return to action after missing nearly one month with a non-displaced lumbar fracture. While he may be back in the rotation once cleared, the Hawks’ rotation is much deeper on the wings than in the immediate aftermath of the trade deadline. There’s no need to rush to add Krejci in most fantasy leagues.

Goodwin is back after missing three games with a sprained ankle. While Austin Reaves’ availability limits his upside, Goodwin may pick up minutes on the back end of the Lakers’ rotation. However, this is not enough to impact fantasy basketball.

Young has dealt with right Achilles tendonitis for most of the season, though the injury hasn’t kept him from playing many games. The 26-year-old should be available again Saturday given his probable listing. Fantasy managers should make sure Young is in fact available before setting lineups.

Hayes suffered a right knee contusion late in Thursday’s win over the Knicks, hence his inclusion on the injury report. While the Lakers have Trey Jemison to absorb some of the minutes if Hayes cannot play, they can also employ center-less lineups thanks to Dorian Finney-Smith (who’s already starting) and Jarred Vanderbilt.

James has consistently shown up on the injury report this year as he manages a foot injury, but the 40-year-old small forward hasn’t missed many games. Doncic also has made himself consistently available since being traded to the Lakers. Los Angeles should have both of its stars available against the Celtics on Saturday.

Brown did not play in Thursday’s win over the 76ers, sitting due to a sore knee. The game was also Boston’s second game in as many nights. He’ll return to the starting lineup, with Drew Peterson returning to the bench. Peterson, who logged 13 minutes on Thursday, may fall out of the rotation entirely.

Horford did not play in Thursday’s win over the 76ers, the Celtics’ second game in as many nights. Whether he starts or comes off the bench Saturday night will depend on the availability of Kristaps Porzingis (illness) and Jrue Holiday (finger), who are questionable. Horford will be among the starters if one (or both) cannot play.