NBA Player News

Bradley’s first 10-day contract expired after Tuesday’s win over the Bucks, and it’s reported that the Pacers will sign him to a second deal. Waiting until Thursday to finalize the transaction will ensure Bradley has six opportunities to play as the Pacers face the Nets on March 22. Bradley’s status will not impact fantasy basketball as long as Myles Turner is available.

Connaughton is available after missing two games with a sprained ankle. His return will not significantly impact active fantasy leagues, as the veteran wing is not guaranteed rotation minutes.

Barrett and Walter will not be available on Friday. The latter will miss a second straight game due to a hip injury. AJ Lawson and Jamison Battle will play more minutes, which would also be the case for Jared Rhoden (shoulder) if he’s allowed to suit up. Rhoden is questionable for Friday night.

The Raptors are playing out the string, so some of their regulars will not be available for Friday’s game. That includes Quickley and Poeltl, whose absences free up additional minutes for Jamal Shead, Jonathan Mogbo and Colin Castleton. Fantasy managers in active leagues should target Shead and Mogbo in this spot.

Rhoden’s had a few moments in which he’s been productive, most recently scoring 23 points in Wednesday’s win over the Hornets. With the Raptors sitting multiple rotation players, Rhoden may play extended minutes on Friday if he’s cleared. While a risky dice roll, he would be worth it in active fantasy leagues.

Okogie will be available for Friday’s game after not playing in Wednesday’s loss to the Raptors. He’ll likely bump DaQuan Jeffries from the starting lineup for the matchup with the reigning champions. Jeffries is not a must-roster player in active fantasy leagues.

Holmes has missed Washington’s last four games and appears likely to miss a fifth on Friday. With Anthony Gill (hamstring) already out, Thor is one of the Wizards who may pick up a few more minutes if he can go. Tristan Vukcevic would be the big “winner” regarding playing time; however, he’s worth slotting into lineups in deep leagues that are still active.

As expected, Young has been upgraded from probable to available for Thursday’s game. Look for him to log starters’ minutes as the Hawks look to lock down the eighth seed in the East.

Neither Poole nor Middleton has officially been shut down for the rest of the season. However, with Washington in position to solidify having the best odds of earning a top-4 pick in next month’s draft lottery, it would be surprising if either veteran played in the team’s final two games. They won’t be available on Friday, meaning AJ Johnson and Justin Champagnie should remain in the starting lineup.

With Dallas locked into the 10-seed in the West, fantasy managers in active leagues should expect to see some of the team’s key players on the sidelines for the final two games of the regular season. Dinwiddie has been more valuable than Hardy, who has missed the last two games with a sprained ankle.