NBA Player News

This will be George’s fourth missed game in a row. Collin Sexton will shift to point guard and see more opportunities as the primary playmaker for Utah with Svi Mykhailiuk entering the starting lineup.

The Trail Blazers are without Toumani Camara, who has an ankle injury. An equally elite defender replaces him as Thybulle moves into the lineup. Thybulle may not hit 30 minutes, but the opportunity to start makes him worth a look in deep leagues.

The Rockets are without Dillon Brooks, who picked up his 16th technical foul of the season in Wednesday’s win over the Jazz. Adams will fill his spot in the starting lineup as the Rockets match up with Oklahoma City’s tandem of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein. Even with Adams receiving the starting nod, Tari Eason should play plenty off the bench.

Joe’s absence leaves the Thunder down a rotation perimeter player. However, with Alex Caruso and Aaron Wiggins available, the impact of Joe’s absence will be minimal.

Avdija was a late addition to the injury report with a thumb injury, but is ultimately available Friday against the Bulls. His fantasy ceiling is sky high with Anfernee Simons (forearm) already ruled out. Fantasy managers just have to hope he isn’t limited by the thumb injury.

Simons has been downgraded from questionable to out, which means more playing time for Dalano Banton. Since Scoot Henderson (concussion) is also out, fantasy managers should not hesitate to stream Banton. As for Cissoko, his continued absence does not impact fantasy basketball, as he is not usually in the rotation.

Bassey is available after being listed as questionable, though he continues to manage a knee injury that kept him out for a month. The 24-year-old played just 10 minutes against the Warriors last Sunday and fantasy managers should expect his minutes to be limited once again Friday.

The most notable change to the Suns’ lineup is Beal, who is back after missing time with a hamstring injury. His return pushes Collin Gillespie to the bench. Also in the lineup are O’Neale and Ighodaro, who replace Grayson Allen and Nick Richards. O’Neale is a safer streaming option than Ighodaro, but the rookie is worth a look when allowed to start.

No surprise here as Johnson was listed as probable Friday against the Cavaliers. The 25-year-old small forward missed Wednesday’s game with a back injury and his return will significantly alter Julian Champagnie’s minutes.

Four of the five players who started Thursday’s game against the Trail Blazers are either unavailable or have moved to the bench. Quickley, Battle, Mogbo and Poeltl are in the lineup, with Jamal Shead and Orlando Robinson moving to the bench. Also, the Raptors are without Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett.

Brown is available after initially being questionable for Friday’s game. As a result, Boston will be able to roll out its preferred starting five, with JB being joined by Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Jayson Tatum and Kristaps Porzingis.