NBA Player News

Butler was initially listed as doubtful for Thursday after missing the last two Heat games with a stomach illness. Haywood Highsmith started the last game in Butler’s place. Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Duncan Robinson could also start and garner streaming consideration in Butler’s absence.

Robinson-Earl has missed New Orleans’ last two games, and his absence has not significantly impacted fantasy basketball. Javonte Green played more minutes off the bench in those two contests, but he is not worth streaming. Neither player has much value when available, even with the Pelicans’ many injuries.

Coulibaly exited early from their game on Wednesday, which allowed Malcolm Brogdon to take on some extra minutes in his place. However, it was Kyle Kuzma that replaced him to start the second half, and Kuz should fill Coulibaly’s starting spot after coming off the bench in his first game back.

This will be a fourth straight absence for Porzingis, which means that Al Horford should be in line for another start at center. Horford has struggled over their last two games, and he’ll look to get back on track in this one.

Brown will not play in Thursday’s game, freeing up a spot in the starting lineup. With Kristaps Porzingis also out, Sam Hauser is the player most likely to replace Brown in the starting lineup. He can provide points and 3-pointers in this role. Also worthy of increased fantasy attention with Brown out is Payton Pritchard, who’s already rostered in most standard leagues.

Sochan exited early from Tuesday’s game due to this back issue, and now the team is saying that they won’t have him for Friday’s game against the Nuggets. Stephon Castle started the second half in his place and should fill that role once again in this game.

Jeffries has been solid when given the chance for the Hornets this season, but his role has been inconsistent. LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Cody Martin also have a chance to be back in the lineup for this game, which may make Jeffries’ status irrelevant. His absence may open up a few extra minutes for other reserves.

Martin has missed Charlotte’s last two games, resulting in Seth Curry moving into the starting lineup. The fantasy values of both players hinge on the availability of Brandon Miller, who is also questionable for Friday’s game. If Miller plays, there’s no need to roster Martin or Curry.

Martin has missed five of the team’s last six games with this ankle injury, but there is a chance that he is back in the lineup to take on Detroit. His return would push Seth Curry back to the bench, which would eliminate the limited fantasy value that he has held recently.

Ball has missed Charlotte’s last two games, with Vasilije Micic replacing him in the starting lineup. That would remain the case if LaMelo misses a third contest. While Micic is worth streaming when allowed to start, he’s most valuable to managers needing assists.

Fontecchio’s continued absence does not impact fantasy basketball, as he is on the back end of the Pistons’ rotation when available. Ausar Thompson and Ron Holland II are ahead of him in the pecking order, especially with Jaden Ivey (live) out indefinitely.