NBA Player News

After shooting 5-of-15 from the field in his first two games after missing eight games with a back injury, Hawkins got untracked on Sunday. The 25 points and five 3-pointers are season-highs for the second-year guard, who may have added importance depending on Trey Murphy’s (ankle) status. New Orleans doesn’t play again until Thursday, which may be enough time for Murphy after going down during the third quarter on Sunday’s loss. Fantasy managers don’t have to add Hawkins immediately due to the Pelicans’ upcoming schedule, but put him on your watchlists.

Caldwell-Pope played 11 first-half minutes before exiting Friday’s game, accounting for three points, one rebound, three assists, one steal, and one 3-pointer. His exit means more minutes for Caleb Houstan, who started the third quarter. Houstan would not be worth streaming if KCP misses additional time.

Miller most recently played for the Clippers’ G League affiliate on Thursday, but his hip injury limited him to 14 minutes. Miller’s availability does not impact fantasy basketball, especially with Kawhi Leonard available to play.

Leonard was unavailable for Wednesday’s loss to the Nuggets, as he stepped away from the team due to his family’s need to evacuate amid the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles County. As of Friday evening, Saturday’s game between the Hornets and Clippers was expected to be played. Derrick Jones Jr. or Kris Dunn will move to the bench with Leonard back in action.

Reddish was questionable for Thursday’s game against the Hornets, postponed due to the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles County. As of Friday evening, the Lakers, Spurs, and NBA are expecting Saturday’s game to be played as scheduled. If so, Reddish will play rotation minutes off the bench, but he should not be rostered in fantasy leagues.

Davis has missed one game this month but appears set to play in the first of two straight home games against San Antonio after having its game against Charlotte postponed due to wildfires. All games are expected to go on as scheduled from here on out, though.

James’ injury status suggests that he will ultimately be cleared to play. As of Friday evening, the teams and the NBA are proceeding as if Saturday’s game will be played as scheduled. Due to the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles County, Thursday’s game between the Lakers and Hornets was postponed.

Jokic will play after missing Denver’s last two games, which means fewer minutes for Dario Saric and DeAndre Jordan. Neither player should be rostered in fantasy leagues when the Joker can play.

Grant will miss his seventh straight game against the Heat on Saturday. Fantasy managers should expect a healthy helping of Deni Avdija until Grant can play again.

While Ayton is on the injury report for Saturday’s game, fellow centers Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams are not. That will be the rotation if Ayton cannot play against the Heat, which would raise the fantasy ceilings of Clingan and Williams. With all three being worthy of rotation minutes, fantasy managers should expect some nights off between now and the trade deadline.

Brooklyn begins a six-game road trip in Denver on Friday. Due to various injuries, the team has been down multiple rotation players. Watford’s absence does not significantly impact fantasy basketball, as Noah Clowney was already ahead of him in the pecking order.