NBA Player News

Pippen is dealing with a sore left wrist, hence his appearance on the Grizzlies’ injury report. With Ja Morant (shoulder) out, a few more minutes may be available to Pippen if he can play. However, Luke Kennard has been the starter on nights when the Grizzlies are without Morant. Kennard is worth streaming in deep leagues, with Morant’s absence also raising Desmond Bane’s fantasy ceiling.

Stevens has missed the Grizzlies’ last three games with a shoulder injury. His absence frees up additional minutes for John Konchar and Vince Williams Jr., but neither’s fantasy ceiling has been raised. Fantasy managers can leave them on the waiver wire.

Bagley remains out due to the league’s concussion protocol. His continued absence does not impact fantasy basketball, as injuries have kept him out of the Grizzlies’ rotation.

Thursday’s game will be the sixth that Morant has missed with a strained left hamstring. At this point, the Grizzlies’ focus is likely on ensuring he’s healthy for the playoffs. Scotty Pippen Jr. has started the last two games and flourished in that role. However, Luke Kennard is another possibility since he brings more size to the table in this matchup. Whoever starts should be streamed in fantasy leagues.

While it was initially reported that Colby Jones would move into the starting lineup, the Wizards announced that Johnson would be the starter shortly after. He and Champagnie step in for Khris Middleton and Kyshawn George, who are out due to injury. Johnson and Champagnie are worth streaming for this matchup, while Jones misses out on a boost to his fantasy value.

Gill is back after sitting out Monday’s loss to the Raptors. While the veteran forward will likely play rotation minutes off the bench, he’s unlikely to be productive enough to merit being rostered in fantasy leagues.

Dowtin and Grimes will start Wednesday’s game, with Jared Butler and Chuma Okeke coming off the bench. While Grimes is already rostered in most standard leagues, Dowtin is worth streaming in deeper formats 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.