NBA Player News

Bradley, the 28th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, is back in the Association. Most recently, he’s been with the G League’s College Park SkyHawks, averaging 14.0 points, 10.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocked shots per game. Bradley most recently played in the NBA during the 2022-23 campaign, appearing in 12 games for the Bulls. With Myles Turner and Thomas Bryant healthy, Bradley is unlikely to get the minutes needed to impact fantasy basketball.

Thursday’s game is Memphis’s first since losing Jaylen Wells to a fractured wrist. Williams, who offers a higher offensive upside, will replace him in the lineup. However, Wells has been the superior defender despite being a rookie.

Durant has not appeared in a game since March 30. With the Suns eliminated from playoff contention and the trade rumors in February, we may have seen Durant’s last game in a Phoenix uniform. As for Richards, he’ll miss a second straight game. Oso Ighodaro should continue to start for Richards, while Grayson Allen or Royce O’Neale will fill the void left by Durant.

Smith’s potential absence is more impactful than Tate’s being unavailable, as he plays high minutes off the bench. Cam Whitmore and Jeff Green may have playing time available, but that would depend on Smith’s availability. If he cannot play, those two should figure more prominently in the Rockets’ plans on Friday.

Sengun and VanVleet sat out Wednesday’s loss to the Clippers, with the former not playing due to a sore back. He’s now questionable for personal reasons. The Rockets started Reed Sheppard at point guard and Jock Landale at the five on Wednesday. They may do the same if VanVleet and Sengun cannot play against the Lakers.

James has consistently appeared on the Lakers’ injury report but has not missed a game since March 20. Fantasy managers in active leagues should expect to have LeBron at their disposal, with the Lakers closing in on the three-seed in the West.

Mills’s continued absence does not impact fantasy basketball, as he is not in the Clippers’ rotation most nights.

During the first half, Batum exited Wednesday’s win over the Rockets with a groin injury. His absence on Friday may result in Kobe Brown picking up a few minutes on the back end of the rotation, but he’ll still be way down in the pecking order. Brown does not need to be rostered in active fantasy leagues.

Simmons will return to the Clippers’ rotation after sitting out Wednesday’s win over the Rockets. His best path to fantasy relevance would be for starting center Ivica Zubac (ankle) not to play. The Clippers listed Zubac as questionable in the initial injury report.

While Zubac was on the court Wednesday night, recording his first career triple-double, Powell was held out due to a shoulder injury. He was replaced in the lineup by Derrick Jones Jr., who will likely retain that role if Powell does not play in Sacramento. As for Zubac, Drew Eubanks and Ben Simmons would be available to absorb his minutes.