NBA Player News

Powell did not offer much value outside of points, steals and three-pointers in Wednesday’s victory, but he recorded a complete stat line and shot over 50 percent from the field. Since returning to the Clippers’ lineup on March 16, he is ranked outside the top 200 in eight- and nine-cat formats. Given how well Powell played before injuries put him on the shelf, it would be disappointing for fantasy managers if he ended the regular season with a whimper. Hopefully, his shooting against the Knicks was a sign of what’s to come.

Strawther is set to return after a month-long absence with a left knee sprain. While Jamal Murray is out with a hamstring injury, which opens up some minutes for the Nuggets, it’s unlikely that the team will push Strawther towards significant minutes in his first game back.

The Nuggets are far deeper than they were in Wednesday’s loss to the Spurs, with Jamal Murray being the lone starter unavailable. Braun will occupy his usual place in the starting lineup after sitting out on Wednesday, while Watson will be a key option off the bench. Since Denver’s frontcourt rotation is intact, Watson does not need to be streamed in most leagues.

No surprise here as Jokic was listed as probable with an ankle injury. Jokic, Gordon and the rest of the Denver starters missed Wednesday’s game after playing a double overtime game against the Timberwolves the night before. Jokic and Gordon could have more playmaking opportunities with Jamal Murray (hamstring) sidelined Friday.

Davis is out after having his best game since returning from injury against the Hawks Wednesday. The Mavericks are playing a back-to-back with the Clippers and Davis wasn’t going to play both ends. Naji Marshall is set to start in his place Friday and Davis should be back in the lineup Saturday.

Murray is out again after missing Wednesday’s game against the Spurs with a hamstring injury. In the 28-year-old point guard’s absence, Russell Westbrook, Jalen Pickett and Peyton Watson could ass see increased minutes and usage.

The Trail Blazers are without Toumani Camara, who has an ankle injury. An equally elite defender replaces him as Thybulle moves into the lineup. Thybulle may not hit 30 minutes, but the opportunity to start makes him worth a look in deep leagues.

The Rockets are without Dillon Brooks, who picked up his 16th technical foul of the season in Wednesday’s win over the Jazz. Adams will fill his spot in the starting lineup as the Rockets match up with Oklahoma City’s tandem of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein. Even with Adams receiving the starting nod, Tari Eason should play plenty off the bench.

Joe’s absence leaves the Thunder down a rotation perimeter player. However, with Alex Caruso and Aaron Wiggins available, the impact of Joe’s absence will be minimal.

Avdija was a late addition to the injury report with a thumb injury, but is ultimately available Friday against the Bulls. His fantasy ceiling is sky high with Anfernee Simons (forearm) already ruled out. Fantasy managers just have to hope he isn’t limited by the thumb injury.