NBA Player News

Johnson was back in the Hawks’ starting lineup after sitting out Wednesday’s game against the Nuggets, and he had a good night in Los Angeles. Over the past two weeks, he has provided 1st-round per-game value in 9-cat formats. Garrison Mathews, who filled in for Johnson on Wednesday, was limited to 14 minutes off the bench against the Lakers. Missing all four of his attempts, Mathews went scoreless with one blocked shot. Unless Johnson is held out of Saturday’s game against the Clippers, there’s no reason to roster Mathews.

Jokic’s status is up in the air after sitting against the Celtics. The big man will likely be replaced by Dario Saric if he’s ruled out for a second consecutive game.

Leonard is stepping away after playing in his first two games of the season. There’s no timeline for the Clippers wing’s return. His personal issues could delay his return to a full workload, though.

Murray is on the injury report after scoring 29 points his last time out. The Pelicans point guard could be replaced by Jose Alvarado or Jordan Hawkins if he’s ruled out.

Murphy is set to miss a second consecutive game on Wednesday. Brandon Boston will have a chance to play crucial wing minutes off the bench in the aftermath.

Williamson showed promise in his first game back since early November but is going back on the shelf. He’s likely been ruled out for precautionary reasons and fantasy managers will have to wait and see how often he rests in the back half of the season.

Bagley hasn’t played in seven games so his availability won’t have a major effect on the rotation. The absence of other players could lead to Anthony Gill getting a spot minutes.

Two key members of the backcourt are out for Washington. A few other guards are questionable, so the Wizards’ poor health could lead to Jared Butler getting some extended run. He’s scored at least 14 points in two straight games.

It appears like Washington might end up rolling out a skeleton crew on Wednesday. Corey Kispert, Bilal Coulibaly, and Jonas Valanciunas could be in for a major boost if Kuzma, Carrington, and Sarr are ruled out.

Banchero us finally ready to return. The Magic forward has been sidelined by an oblique injury since the end of October and will return to action at home against an Eastern Conference rival. He’ll likely be limited in his first game back after a lengthy layoff, though.

Simmons appears likely to sit for a fourth consecutive game. The point forward’s absence will make way for Keon Johnson and to take on more of a playmaking role. He could pair with Tyrese Martin in the backcourt.