NBA Player News

This was Monk’s third game back from a three-game absence, and he remained in a reserve role for a third-straight game after being a consistent starter since December. He has really struggled since returning from an illness, and that continued in this game. He was able to somewhat make up for a terrible shooting performance with some rebound and assist production, but overall, it was another poor night as a reserve. Keon Ellis continues to start, and there is no reason to think that Monk will reclaim his starting role if he continues to play like this.

Alvarado missed the Pelicans’ game against the Bucks and could be replaced by Elfrid Payton against Miami. Matkovic has a chance to start if healthy, but Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Kylor Kelley are waiting in the wings.

New Orleans has had to use quite a few backups as of late. Antonio Reeves and Keion Brooks are likely in for spot starts against Miami.

Missi and Olynyk leave the Pelicans’ frontcourt depleted. Karlo Matkovic and Kylor Kelly could be needed to step in and man the painted area.

Smith is set to miss a second straight game. The Rockets are limited at forward off the bench, so Jeff Green will likely be heavily utilized in Friday’s contest.

VanVleet and Brooks are set to miss their second straight meetings with the Clippers. Reed Sheppard and Jeff Green will likely be among the players called upon to notch spot starts against Los Angeles ahead of the weekend.

Murray is back after missing three games with a back injury. The Kings forward should bump Trey Lyles back to the bench against the Clippers.

Sengun and Thompson both missed the Rockets’ last game. The Rockets have added more names to their injury report since then, though. Cam Whitmore has a chance to start and carry a heavy workload on Friday.

Cunningham has been impressive since he returned from the calf injury he suffered last month. It appears like he’s healthy enough to play through his discomfort on Friday, so fantasy managers should expect star-level production.

The Nets will be very shorthanded against the Timberwolves. Drew Timme and Maxwell Lewis are two players fantasy managers should keep an eye on as potential starters. Timme has legitimate upside for the rest of the season given his lack of competition at center.

Contreras has been awful to begin the year with just five hits in his 49 at-bats, and he’ll get a day of rest for Friday’s tilt against Philadelphia. Jordan Walker is hitting second with Contreras off, and Pedro Pagés will get the start behind the plate.