NBA Player News

On a night when starting guards Cory Joseph (5/5/2 with one three-pointer) and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (nine points, two assists, one block and one three-pointer) combined to shoot 4-of-14 from the field, the Magic received vital contributions from both “Anthonys.” Cole shot well over 50 percent from the field in scoring his 26 points. His highlights included a 4-of-6 fourth quarter in which he made three three-pointers. Anthony Black also had a big night off the bench, but Cole is the more capable scorer. He’ll need to play to this level consistently if the Magic are to have a chance of upsetting Boston in the first round. Game 1 will be on Sunday.

Ivey is dealing with a left knee issue, and he did not see any action in Thursday’s loss to the Raptors. Given his concerning words after the defeat that he’s unlikely to be the player he was before the left leg injury, this may not be a short-term issue for Ivey. His absence won’t affect fantasy basketball in the short term, but Ivey’s value in dynasty leagues will take a hit.

While Hunter practiced on Wednesday, he has not appeared in a game since a February 6 loss to the Clippers. The wing, acquired from the Cavaliers at the trade deadline, was inadvertently struck in the left eye by Clippers wing Kobe Sanders, resulting in left eye iritis. With Friday’s report, Hunter is the third Kings rotation player to be ruled out for the rest of the season, joining Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis. Hunter’s absence means more playing time for Nique Clifford and Daeqwon Plowden, with the former being a player who should be rostered for the rest of the season.

Mitchell showed up on the injury report Friday with a head injury before Miami’s first game following the All-Star break. The sixth-year guard has mostly succeeded as a playmaker in his first full season with the Heat, leading Miami in assists per game. Should he miss Friday’s contest, Kasparas Jakucionis and Dru Smith could be utilized even more.

Potter is available after playing 27 minutes off the bench in Thursday’s loss to the Wizards. His playing time may decrease for Friday’s rematch, making Potter a challenging player to trust in most fantasy leagues.

Markkanen’s final injury listing should come as no surprise, after previously being downgraded from questionable to doubtful. Friday’s absence will mark the 16th of the season for the versatile forward, who is having one of his better seasons. With him out of the lineup for a second consecutive game, Brice Sensabaugh should continue to log heavy minutes and see more of the offensive load.

Jones is good to go after lower back soreness sidelined him for the second half of Thursday’s loss to the Wizards. With Andrew Nembhard (back) doubtful, the rookie guard may be in line for additional playing time on Friday.

McConnell is back after sitting out Thursday’s loss to the Wizards. While starting point guard Andrew Nembhard (back) is still doubtful, his absence would not guarantee more minutes for McConnell. Kam Jones (back) is also available, and he may be asked to take on a more prominent role within the Pacers’ rotation.

Hunter will remain out for a fourth consecutive game as he continues to recover from left eye iritis. With Keegan Murray making his return on Thursday, Hunter’s absence led to Daeqwon Plowden playing ten minutes off the bench. There’s no need to stream Plowden while the Kings await Hunter’s return.

Suggs is dealing with back spasms, which is why he’s on the injury report. With Anthony Black already in the starting lineup, Tristan da Silva is a potential replacement if Suggs can’t play. Under those circumstances, da Silva would be worth streaming.