NBA Player News

Garland struggled with his shot on Sunday, but that did not prevent him from recording a complete stat line against the Jazz. Having scored 19 points or less in four straight and five of his last seven outings, the Cavaliers guard has been a fifth-round player in nine-cat formats over the past two weeks. Garland’s game isn’t solely about scoring, so his fantasy value remains high despite the recent downtick in points.

Murray’s absence likely means that Russell Westbrook will replace him in the starting lineup. Westy has averaged 16.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 8.2 assists across his last five starts.

The Nuggets listed Porter and Braun as probable on the initial injury report, so the status upgrades were expected. They will take on their usual roles as starters, joining Russell Westbrook, Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon.

Jokic and Gordon were initially probable for Friday’s game, so the status upgrades were expected. They’ll occupy their usual places within the Nuggets’ starting lineup.

The big news for the Bucks is that Gainnis is back and will be in the starting lineup. However, there are two changes to the starting five, as Rollins will also start. As a result, Kevin Porter Jr. and Gary Trent Jr. will return to the bench. However, both still have streaming value as Damian Lillard (calf) remains out.

Unsurprisingly, Kessler will miss the second leg of Utah’s back-to-back set after landing on the injury report late on Friday afternoon. In his absence, Oscar Tshiebwe, KJ Martin and Kyle Filipowski should pick up the slack by committee.

Shannon has been downgraded from questionable to out, but his absence does not significantly impact fantasy basketball. The rookie’s minutes will likely be divided among Donte DiVincenzo, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Jaylen Clark.

The Knicks are already without Jalen Brunson, and Miles McBride and Cameron Payne are not available for Friday’s game, either. After not being in the rotation, Wright moves into the starting lineup, while Tyler Kolek will come off the bench. If the minutes are distributed evenly, Kolek offers a higher ceiling, especially for managers needing assists.

Quickley and Poeltl are back after missing Wednesday’s win over the Nets, pushing Jamal Shead and Orlando Robinson to the bench. Battle, who steps into the lineup with RJ Barrett (rest) ruled out, is the other change.

Earlier Friday, it was announced that LaMelo Ball (wrist, ankle) is out for the rest of the season. Simpson will replace him in the starting lineup, and the two-way rookie is eligible for every game the rest of the way. He’ll likely retain the role for the foreseeable future, with Damion Baugh potentially getting a few opportunities when he’s active. Baugh is inactive for Friday’s game.

Curry is back after a two-game absence, and no effort will be required to insert him back into the starting lineup. Gary Payton II is out indefinitely with a thumb injury, so Curry can fill that vacancy if Steve Kerr takes this approach. That would leave Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moddy in the starting lineup.