Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (wrist) is on track to make his season debut on Friday versus the Lakers. He's been recovering from offseason wrist surgery, and it's been a long road back, with Middleton having got the procedure done back in July. Middleton's return is bad news for Jevon Carter, who has been starting in his place. However, the 27-year-old could still carry some fantasy value, as he's played well so far and should maintain a decent role on the team. Middleton might not be at his best right away, but it shouldn't take long for the three-time All-Star to prove his worth to fantasy managers.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard went off on Wednesday as they took down the Memphis Grizzlies by a score of 122-112. The Weber State product posted 42 points, 10 assists, eight rebounds, and one block while shooting 11-for-22 overall, 5-for-13 from deep, and 15-for-16 from the charity stripe. He now has nine games of 40 or more points and is now averaging his highest points per game mark in his 11-year career. Lillard is the definition of perseverance and he's been a big-time fantasy contributor in the process.
Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet has had a rough go of things this year with a lot of inconsistencies, but he turned in a big game against the Utah Jazz in a three-point loss. The 28-year-old finished with 34 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists, one steal, and one block while shooting 12-for-25 from the floor and 4-for-9 from beyond the arc. This marked his first triple-double of the season which ties his total from last season. In points leagues, VanVleet is a top option, but he can be a shaky asset in category formats.
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen notched another quality game to mark his 20th double-double of the year. The 25-year-old posted 28 points, 13 rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block on 7-for-13 shooting and 4-for-9 from deep. He also added a perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line. Markkanen has outplayed his ADP all season and it looks like his fantasy stock is going to be at an all-time high by the time next season's fantasy drafts roll around.
Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden was just one rebound shy of a triple-double in the team's 105-94 win over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday. He ended the game with 26 points, 10 assists, nine rebounds, and one steal while shooting 7-for-13 from the floor, 6-for-10 from deep, and 6-for-7 from the line. His seven turnovers weren't the best for fantasy managers in category leagues but higher turnover numbers are expected. Harden continues to enjoy a resurgence in both fantasy terms and his career.
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (ankle) has been tagged as questionable for Thursday's contest against the Golden State Warriors. The 27-year-old has played a big part in the Nuggets' success this year as a supporting role alongside Nikola Jokic. He's currently averaging his second-highest points per game mark of his career and the best efficiency he's ever seen. If Gordon can't suit up, Zeke Nnaji would likely start again like the last time Gordon was out. Vlatko Cancar may also see some more minute off of the bench.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (elbow/knee) originally said that he hoped to play on Thursday but didn't receive the clearance from the trainers just yet. Now, the team has officially listed him as questionable and it seems like he'll come up to a game time decision. The 22-year-old was in the middle of the best season of his young career before getting sidelined in early January. If he can return, he'd likely be on a minutes restriction to be safe, but T.J. McConnell and Andrew Nembhard would take a bit of a value hit.
San Antonio Spurs guard Tre Jones (foot) was forced to exit early during Wednesday's game against the Sacramento Kings. The 23-year-old only played nine minutes before exiting the game due to a left foot injury. He didn't return to this contest and it's uncertain if he'll miss more time because of the issue. Malaki Branham and Blake Wesley would likely both see increase roles if Jones is forced to miss time. Between the two, Branham is the better streaming option if given increased minutes in the rotation.
Portland Trail Blazers center Jusuf Nurkic (calf) has been ruled out for the rest of Wednesday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. The big man re-aggravated his calf injury that caused him to miss time last week. Nurkic played two minutes before exiting the game due to left calf soreness. At this point, it's uncertain if Nurkic will be healthy enough to suit up for their next game. Drew Eubanks would be an interesting streaming option if given the starting nod. Also, Trendon Watford would see more minutes making him a possible deep league option.
Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (concussion) was unable to finish out Wednesday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Grant fell and hit his head hard on the court during the second quarter. He stayed in the game after that, but exited later due to concussion-like symptoms. It remains to be seen if Grant is going to be forced to miss time because of this injury. Jabari Walker started in the second half for Portland, but he doesn't have great streaming appeal. Possibly, Drew Eubanks would see an increased role, but fantasy managers will have to wait and see.
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (groin) has been sidelined for nearly 20 games, but could be back in the lineup soon. The superstar guard has a chance to return as early as next Tuesday against the Brooklyn Nets. That means, Booker might only miss three more games, but we'll wait and see how he feels. The expectation is that Booker is going to be eased back into action. That means, he'll see heavy minutes limits to start, but at least he'd be back on the court. Torrey Craig would likely lose the most fantasy value from the return on Booker. Fantasy managers will have to check back later in the week for another update on Booker.
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