NBA Player News

The rookie is a late addition to the injury report, so it wouldn’t be surprising if he was sidelined for Friday’s game. However, he hasn’t been a consistent part of Cleveland’s rotation since the All-Star break.

Add another point guard to the Knicks’ injury list. Already without Jalen Brunson and Miles McBride, Payne sprained his right ankle during the first quarter of Wednesday’s game. While he would remain in the game then, the veteran point guard could not play after halftime. Tyler Kolek started the second half and may have to fill in as the starter if Payne is unavailable for Friday’s game against the Bucks.

While LaRavia and Carter were active for Tuesday’s loss to the Thunder, the latter only logged three minutes despite the Kings not having Malik Monk. LaRavia has played consistent rotation minutes, but making a dent in fantasy leagues behind Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan has been difficult.

Monk has missed the Kings’ last three games, and Keon Ellis has replaced him in the starting lineup. He’ll retain that role if Malik cannot play on Thursday and should be streamed in fantasy leagues.

In addition to Damian Lillard, the Bucks will be without Giannis Antetokounmpo for Wednesday’s game. Bucks coach Doc Rivers has also removed Ryan Rollins from the starting lineup, inserting Porter and Trent. While Trent possesses the safer fantasy floor, both players are worth streaming in this spot.

Camara’s improved offense and consistent defensive production have made him a valuable fantasy asset this season. Since the All-Star break, he has offered top 50 value in nine-cat formats. If Camara cannot play, Kris Murray may be tapped to fill the void in the starting lineup. However, he has offered limited fantasy value when allowed to start.

Grant appears likely to miss a ninth straight game with right knee tendinitis. Shaedon Sharpe will remain in the starting lineup as long as Grant is out, and he has been especially valuable in points league formats.

Porter was initially questionable for Wednesday’s game, while Braun has been upgraded from probable to available. With Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon also available, the Nuggets will play their preferred starting five. Russell Westbrook will return to the bench, which lowers his fantasy ceiling.

Jokic returns to the Denver lineup after missing five games with a left ankle impingement. Since the three-time MVP is in the lineup, DeAndre Jordan will head to the bench. Gordon sat out Monday’s loss to the Bulls because it was Denver’s second game in as many nights. His return pushes Peyton Watson to the bench.

Antetokounmpo was already out for Wednesday’s game against the Nuggets. The good news is that Rivers expects the former MVP to be available for Milwaukee’s next game, Friday night, against the Knicks. The absences of Giannis and Damian Lillard (calf) raise Gary Trent Jr.'s fantasy ceiling, making him a player worth streaming in standard leagues. Kevin Porter Jr. will be worth a look in deeper leagues, but Trent is the player who should be targeted.

Markkanen will miss a fifth straight game, with Thursday’s absence due to return to competition conditioning. As for Clarkson, he will miss a second straight contest after logging 23 minutes on Sunday. Fantasy managers should be all-in on Isaiah Collier, Kyle Filipowski and Brice Sensabaugh, as they’re guaranteed to play as long as they’re healthy.