NBA Player News

This comes on the heels of an ESPN report that the Nuggets’ pair of stars were doubtful so it isn’t a surprise that Jokic and Murray aren’t playing. This boosts everyone else’s fantasy value on Denver. Russell Westbrook and Peyton Watson should move into the starting lineup as replacements.

Anthony has missed Orlando’s last six games with a strained left big toe. Given the doubtful tag, he’s likely to miss a seventh on Thursday. Cory Joseph and Anthony Black will continue to share the point guard responsibilities, with the former being Anthony’s replacement in the starting lineup.

Burks started for Robinson when he missed Miami’s latest win over Golden State and has a good chance to do so again if the sharpshooter is ruled out in a second straight contest. Jaime Jaquez Jr. could benefit if both wings are ruled out.

Amen Thompson is in danger of missing a second straight game with an ankle injury and could be replaced by Tari Eason again if ruled out. Jock Landale could step in as Alperen Sengun’s primary backup if Adams is ruled out.

Tatum went through shootaround and has been upgraded from doubtful to questionable ahead of Wednesday’s game against the Suns. Al Horford could start and get a slight fantasy bump if Tatum is ultimately ruled out.

Jokic still has a chance to return from his five-game layoff. Denver has gone 2-3 without the star big man since he suffered an ankle injury and he could give them a big lift against the undermanned Bucks. MPJ has been healthy as of late and his absence could lend several reserve wings more minutes.

Robinson sat for precautionary reasons against the Mavericks on Tuesday but is ready to suit up again. The big man should back up KAT in his usual role off the bench.

McBride is set to miss his third straight game on Wednesday. Cameron Payne will likely continue to fill in as the starting point guard with Jalen Brunson out.

Antetokounmpo has consistently been on the court since the All-Star break despite several injury designations, but now he’s set to miss his first game of the month. Gary Trent Jr. could be poised to slot into the starting lineup as a small forward while Kyle Kuzma drops down to power forward against Denver.

Swider appeared in two games for roughly 13 minutes for the Pistons in November, but he has been in the G League since then, most recently with the South Bay Lakers. Toronto has been actively trying to improve their lottery odds, so Swider could end up playing a real role for them. However, it’s unclear at this point what that will look like, and he doesn’t have a history of fantasy success. Colin Castleton’s second 10-day contract just expired, and instead of signing him for the rest of the season, the Raptors will give Swider a shot.

DeRozan’s streak of seven consecutive games with 20 points or more came to a screeching halt on Tuesday. The 10 points were the fewest since December 22, when he scored a season-low two in a loss to the Pacers. The good news for fantasy managers is that DeRozan recorded decent numbers in the rebound and assist categories, minimizing some of the damage done by a 4-of-15 night from the field. Over the past two weeks, DeRozan has offered 11th-round value in eight-cat formats, four rounds worse than what he’s done for the season.