NBA Player News

For the first time this season, “the Strus was loose” on Friday. A fixture in the starting lineup last season, he came off the bench against the Bucks and fired up eight shots (all 3-pointers) in 19 minutes. Once he’s no longer restricted, Strus will be most valuable to category league managers needing points and 3-pointers. Plan for him to sit out Saturday’s game against the 76ers, as it may be too soon for Strus to play both games of back-to-backs.

Council IV’s spot in the rotation has been inconsistent, but he has scored in double figures in three of their last four games. Guerschon Yabusele and KJ Martin should take on a few extra minutes if he misses this game.

DFS missed their last game, which allowed Noah Clowney to slide into the starting unit. If Finney-Smith remains sidelined, Clowney should get another start, though he wasn’t very productive in Saturday’s loss. Jalen Wilson would also see a few extra minutes off the bench.

Saric was initially listed as doubtful, but there is now a chance that he returns to the lineup for the first time in a month. However, outside of a few spot starts, he hasn’t impacted fantasy basketball much this sesason. DeAndre Jordan may lose out on a few minutes, but that’s it.

Embiid sat out the second leg of the back-to-back on Saturday, which allowed Andre Drummond to start in his place. Embiid will be back for this matchup, which means that Drummond will return to a reserve role, and Guerschon Yabusele will lose out on some minutes.

Richardson will miss another game, but his continued absence won’t have an impact on the team’s rotation or fantasy basketball.

Love missed their last game, which allowed Kel’el Ware to produce eight points, seven rebounds and two blocks in 14 minutes off the bench. Love’s expected return will likely cut into Ware’s minutes, but that shouldn’t impact many fantasy leagues.

Butler missed their last game, which allowed Dru Smith to move into the starting unit. However, Terry Rozier ended up receiving the biggest fantasy boost, as he scored 23 points in 33 minutes. If Butler is back, Smith will return to a reserve role.

The injuries continue to pile up for Orlando. Wagner exited early from Saturday night’s game because of the knee injury, and he will be sidelined for the rest of the season. Goga Bitadze and Wendell Carter Jr. will fill out extra minutes at center, giving both of them a strong boost in fantasy value.

Lyles played for the first time in almost a month on Saturday, so it wouldn’t be surprising if he is ultimately ruled out for this game on the second night of a back-to-back. His minutes will be divided among the starters, so his absence won’t impact fantasy basketball.

Murray played through the ankle injury during the first night of the back-to-back, but if he is forced to sit this one out, Doug McDermott will likely replace him in the starting unit. He isn’t an appealing streaming option, but on a day with only three games, he may end up being worth the risk if Murray doesn’t play.