NBA Player News

Dowtin, on a two-way contract, started Sunday’s game after being inactive for the previous two. He’s approaching his 50-game limit (active for, not games played), hence Philadelphia’s decision not to utilize him on Wednesday or Friday. Even though the 76ers play four games during Week 21, there’s no guarantee Dowtin or Jalen Hood-Schifino will be available for each. Hood-Schifino was inactive on Sunday for the same reason Dowtin was earlier in the week.

During the first half, Batum exited Wednesday’s win over the Rockets with a groin injury. His absence on Friday may result in Kobe Brown picking up a few minutes on the back end of the rotation, but he’ll still be way down in the pecking order. Brown does not need to be rostered in active fantasy leagues.

Simmons will return to the Clippers’ rotation after sitting out Wednesday’s win over the Rockets. His best path to fantasy relevance would be for starting center Ivica Zubac (ankle) not to play. The Clippers listed Zubac as questionable in the initial injury report.

While Zubac was on the court Wednesday night, recording his first career triple-double, Powell was held out due to a shoulder injury. He was replaced in the lineup by Derrick Jones Jr., who will likely retain that role if Powell does not play in Sacramento. As for Zubac, Drew Eubanks and Ben Simmons would be available to absorb his minutes.

Payton and Post were unavailable for Wednesday’s loss to the Spurs, with the former missing Golden State’s last two games. Due to their absences, the Warriors primarily used an eight-man rotation, with Jonathan Kuminga and Kevon Looney absorbing most of the available minutes.

Friday’s game will be the fourth Martin has missed due to an illness. Micah Potter played 27 minutes off the bench against the Trail Blazers on Wednesday and should take on a similar workload. As for Collier, he was replaced in the Jazz starting lineup by Keyonte George on Wednesday. That would remain the case if the rookie cannot play.

After a productive night in Wednesday’s win over the Suns, Caruso will join a significant chunk of the Thunder rotation on the sidelines for Friday’s game against the Jazz. Ajay Mitchell, Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe are some available players who will have increased fantasy value in active leagues.

Oklahoma City will play Friday without the top six players in its rotation as they rest up in preparation for the playoffs. With Chet Holmgren also out, Hartenstein’s absence means more playing time for Jaylin Williams, who offers triple-double upside when allowed to start. Wallace’s continued absence will benefit Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe.

Oklahoma City’s entire starting five is out for Friday’s game. Given that they’re locked into the top seed in the West, there’s no reason for the team not to prioritize getting everyone healthy for the postseason. Ajay Mitchell and Aaron Wiggins are two of the Thunder players who will be available on Friday, and both are worth slotting into lineups in active leagues.

The Pelicans are down multiple starters as they close out the season. Payton offers value for fantasy managers needing assists, while Reeves can be helpful as a three-point option. All five players are worth streaming in active leagues, with Payton, Reeves and Matkovic being the priorities.

While Ducas has not appeared in a game since March 21, Friday will be Mitchell’s first chance to play since suffering a toe injury in early January. The Thunder rotation will be shorthanded, as all five starters are out since the team has secured the top seed in the West. Mitchell and Ducas will have ample opportunities to produce as long as their injuries don’t flare up.