NBA Player News

Harris left Wednesday’s game against the Cavaliers in the third quarter with a calf injury. It’s a good sign that Harris is probable for the Pistons’ next game. If Harris were to miss the game with the 76ers, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Malik Beasley would be counted on for more scoring.

The Wizards are without Khris Middleton and Kyshawn George for Wednesday’s game, opening up two spots in the starting lineup. The vacancies will be filled by Jones and Champagnie, with the latter making his first start as an NBA player. The former second-round pick has an opportunity to prove himself to the team that acquired him from the Kings at the February deadline. As for Champagnie, he is worth streaming when allowed to start.

Ducas’s continued absence does not impact fantasy basketball, as he is not in the Thunder rotation when he is healthy. As for Wiggins, more minutes have become available to Isaiah Joe and Alex Caruso, with the latter being worthy of a look in standard leagues. Joe is an option for deeper formats, but the potential return of Cason Wallace would lower his ceiling.

James and Hachimura have been cleared to play, and the latter will be in the starting lineup. Hachimura is still under a minutes restriction, so fantasy managers should not expect too much from him regarding playing time. Dorian Finney-Smith heads to the bench, where his already low fantasy value takes a hit.

While Williams has missed Oklahoma City’s last seven games, Wallace was held out of Tuesday’s win over the Kings. Who replaces J-Dub in the starting lineup has varied, with matchups factoring into Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault’s decision. Alex Caruso and Isaiah Joe have added fantasy value due to the absences, and Kenrich Williams was tabbed to start in Sacramento. Wallace’s availability also impacts Caruso and Joe, especially with Aaron Wiggins sidelined.

Initially questionable for Wednesday’s game, Harden is available and will occupy his usual place in the starting lineup. Fantasy managers can slot him into their lineups as they usually would.

The Bulls could be without two starters for Thursday’s game, as Giddey and Vucevic are questionable. Giddey needing to miss a game would likely result in more playing time for Dalen Terry, who has not been productive enough to merit being streamed in most leagues. As for Vucevic, Zach Collins or Jalen Smith would start if he’s unable to play. Either replacement for Vooch would be worth streaming.

White is considered probable for Thursday’s game, which suggests he will ultimately be available. That would be great for those rostering him, as the Bulls’ guard has been on an absolute heater over the past month. Look for White to take on his usual role as the team’s primary perimeter scorer.

Ball has not played since February 28, but that may change as soon as Thursday night. His absence opened up a place in the starting lineup for Tre Jones, who was recently sidelined by a sprained foot. Kevin Huerter has moved into the starting five, and his playing time will likely decrease if Ball returns.

The Cavaliers are in firm control of the top spot in the East and have taken opportunities to rest members of their “core four occasionally.” Mobley will sit out Thursday’s game, and his absence coincides with Donovan Mitchell’s return after not playing on Tuesday. De’Andre Hunter, Sam Merrill, Isaac Okoro and Dean Wade are four options to fill the void left by Mobley, with Hunter offering the highest upside. As for Tyson, his continued absence does not impact the Cavaliers’ rotation.

Mitchell is back after sitting out Tuesday’s win over the Trail Blazers. Sam Merrill replaced him in the starting lineup, but Spida’s return does not automatically mean he’s headed to the bench. Evan Mobley (rest) is out, so Merrill, along with De’Andre Hunter, Isaac Okoro and Dean Wade, could be among the options to start.