NBA Player News

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.

Bassey is available after being listed as questionable, though he continues to manage a knee injury that kept him out for a month. The 24-year-old played just 10 minutes against the Warriors last Sunday and fantasy managers should expect his minutes to be limited once again Friday.

The most notable change to the Suns’ lineup is Beal, who is back after missing time with a hamstring injury. His return pushes Collin Gillespie to the bench. Also in the lineup are O’Neale and Ighodaro, who replace Grayson Allen and Nick Richards. O’Neale is a safer streaming option than Ighodaro, but the rookie is worth a look when allowed to start.

No surprise here as Johnson was listed as probable Friday against the Cavaliers. The 25-year-old small forward missed Wednesday’s game with a back injury and his return will significantly alter Julian Champagnie’s minutes.

Four of the five players who started Thursday’s game against the Trail Blazers are either unavailable or have moved to the bench. Quickley, Battle, Mogbo and Poeltl are in the lineup, with Jamal Shead and Orlando Robinson moving to the bench. Also, the Raptors are without Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett.

Brown is available after initially being questionable for Friday’s game. As a result, Boston will be able to roll out its preferred starting five, with JB being joined by Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Jayson Tatum and Kristaps Porzingis.

The Jazz are without Walker Kessler (concussion) for Friday’s game, and his absence opens up a spot in the starting lineup. Juzang will fill the void, with Filipowski shifting to the center position. The former is worth streaming consideration in deep leagues, while the latter is already rostered in some standard leagues.

Avdija is a late addition to the Trail Blazers’ injury report, which is an ominous development for those who have him rostered. With Toumani Camara also out, Dalano Banton’s fantasy ceiling should be raised, even if Anfernee Simons is available. Matisse Thybulle played 29 and 25 minutes in his last two appearances, and a similar workload will make him worthy of a look in deep leagues.

No surprise here as Grant is set to miss his 13th game in a row with a knee injury. Camara is out after injuring his ankle Thursday against the Raptors. Shaedon Sharpe will continue to start for Grant while Matisse Thybulle and Kris Murray could see increased minutes with Camara out.

Initially questionable for Friday’s game, Sabonis will be available. As a result, Jonas Valanciunas will miss out on an increase in his playing time, limiting his fantasy ceiling.