NBA News

Branden Carlson • C • Thunder

Branden Carlson Exits Early with Back Issue

Oklahoma City Thunder center Branden Carlson (back) will not return Wednesday against Detroit after experiencing low back soreness in the opening quarter. The two-way big man logged four minutes and finished with four points, four rebounds, and two assists before exiting. Carlson averages just 11 minutes and typically sees run only when Chet Holmgren (back) or Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) rests, limiting his fantasy relevance. If Holmgren and Hartenstein remain sidelined on Friday, Jaylin Williams becomes the priority add after erupting for 30 points, 11 rebounds, and five three-pointers in 36 minutes last game.

Feb 26

Isaiah Joe • SG • Thunder

Isaiah Joe Exits Early with Glute Injury

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe (glute) was ruled out for the remainder of Wednesday's game against Detroit after suffering a left glute contusion in the first half. He logged 14 minutes and finished with three points, two rebounds, one assist, and one steal before being sidelined. The injury halts his recent surge, as he had delivered back-to-back 22-point outings with six three-pointers in each. Should he miss Friday, Jared McCain becomes a viable streaming target after posting 20 points and four three pointers in 30 minutes last game.

Feb 26

Collin Murray-Boyles • PF • Raptors

Collin Murray-Boyles Leaves Game After Aggravating Thumb

Toronto Raptors forward/center Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb) will not return Wednesday against San Antonio after aggravating a left thumb contusion in the second half. The rookie logged 15 minutes and produced four points, five rebounds, one assist, and one steal before being shut down. Murray-Boyles has averaged 22 minutes this season, but any absence should push Jakob Poeltl into a heavier run after he posted 15 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks in 28 minutes off the bench last game. Sandro Mamukelashvili is a deeper-league flier.

Feb 26

Jamal Murray • PG • Nuggets

Jamal Murray Leaves Game After Eight Minutes

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (illness) exited Wednesday's game against Boston and will not return after logging just eight minutes. He finished with two points on 1-of-3 shooting and one assist before being shut down. Murray entered the night averaging 34.8 minutes and a 28.4 percent usage rate, so any absence would shift ballhandling toward Nikola Jokic and Christian Braun. Bruce Brown, who posted four points, four rebounds, five assists, and two steals in 28 minutes last game, becomes a fringe streamer if Murray sits Friday.

Feb 26

Kyshawn George • SF • Wizards

Kyshawn George Questionable Thursday

Washington Wizards guard/forward Kyshawn George (knee) has been tagged as questionable for Thursday's contest against the Atlanta Hawks. The 22-year-old sophomore led the starters with 11 points in Tuesday's blowout loss to the Hawks, but he may skip the rematch due to a left knee contusion. While George turned a lot of heads early in the season, his form has faded over the course of the season. Across February, he has averaged only 10.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. Justin Champagnie could replace George in the first unit on Thursday, and he'll be worthy of some fantasy attention after averaging 12.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.0 steals over his last six appearances.

Feb 26

Zaccharie Risacher • SF • Hawks

Zaccharie Risacher Dealing With Hip Issue, Questionable for Thursday

Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (hip) is listed as questionable for Thursday night's action against the Washington Wizards. He is dealing with a right hip contusion and may depart the lineup after tallying nine points, nine rebounds, three assists, and one steal in 28 minutes against the Wizards on Tuesday. Jalen Johnson (hip) is also questionable for the game, meaning we could see a lot more of Jonathan Kuminga and Corey Kispert on Thursday night. Kuminga was very impressive in his Hawks debut on Tuesday, totalling 27 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals in 24 minutes.

Feb 26

Nickeil Alexander-Walker • SG • Hawks

Nickeil Alexander-Walker Tagged as Questionable for Thursday

Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (foot) is questionable for Thursday's contest against the Washington Wizards. He has landed on the injury report with a sprained left foot. Jalen Johnson (hip) is also questionable for Thursday's action, and the Hawks' offense could have a completely different dynamic if both Alexander-Walker and Johnson miss the game. CJ McCollum and Jonathan Kuminga would handle more of the offense, while Corey Kispert and Gabe Vincent could see their minutes increase. There might be a larger role for Zaccharie Risacher (hip) as well, but he's also questionable to play.

Feb 26

Jalen Suggs • SG • Magic

Jalen Suggs Could Be Out for Fourth Straight Game

Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (back) remains on the injury report ahead of Thursday's matchup with the Houston Rockets. He is listed as questionable with a back strain. Suggs has already missed three games because of the injury, allowing Tristan da Silva to reclaim a starting berth. After a midseason slump, da Silva has performed well recently. He has averaged 10.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks over the past three games. On Thursday, da Silva may continue to contribute in Suggs' absence, but scoring could be challenging against the league's fourth-best defense.

Feb 26

Andrew Nembhard • PG • Pacers

Andrew Nembhard Iffy Thursday

Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (back) has a questionable tag on the injury report ahead of Thursday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. Indiana will likely be without Pascal Siakam (wrist) on Thursday night, and Nembhard might join him on the sidelines due to a lower back injury. Despite the issue, Nembhard had 23 points and three assists in 28 minutes during Tuesday's loss to Philadelphia. He may be able to shake off the questionable tag again. If not, T.J. McConnell, Quenton Jackson, and Kam Jones will be expected to pick up the slack.

Feb 26

Deni Avdija • SF • Trail Blazers

Deni Avdija Remains Sidelined Thursday

Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (back) won't play against the Chicago Bulls on Thursday. Due to a nagging lower back issue, Avdija is forced to sit out a second consecutive game. Avdija has joined Shaedon Sharpe (leg) on the shelf, leaving Portland without its two top offensive options. This elevates the offensive usage of Jerami Grant, Jrue Holiday, and Scott Henderson. The trio took 46 of Portland's 89 shot attempts in Tuesday's loss to Minnesota. Kris Murray stepped into the starting lineup in Avdija's absence, contributing 16 points, five rebounds, one assist, and two blocks in 29 minutes.

Feb 26

Kawhi Leonard • SF • Clippers

Kawhi Leonard Questionable to Suit Up Thursday

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (ankle) is questionable to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night. The veteran star is dealing with soreness in his left ankle. However, despite being banged up, Leonard has made 14 consecutive appearances. After shaking off the questionable tag, Leonard logged 33 minutes in Sunday's loss to Orlando, finishing with 37 points, eight rebounds, three steals, and two blocks. If Leonard sits on Thursday, Bennedict Mathurin would become the Clippers' top offensive option, while there could be additional playing time available for Kobe Sanders and Jordan Miller.

Feb 26

Keegan Murray • PF • Kings

Keegan Murray Won't Return on Wednesday Night

Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (ankle) won't return to Wednesday's game against Houston. The 25-year-old recently returned after missing over a month because of a sprained left ankle. Unfortunately, he re-injured the same ankle late in the first quarter on Wednesday night. Murray would go on to finish with three points in nine minutes of action. The Kings play again on Thursday in Dallas, although fantasy managers shouldn't expect to see him out there for that one. If that's the case, Nique Clifford, averaging 9.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in 10 starts this season, would be considered the favorite to enter the starting lineup.

Feb 25

Jayson Tatum • SF • Celtics

Jayson Tatum a "Full Go" in Five-on-Five Scrimmages

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (Achilles) has been a "full go" in five-on-five scrimmages of late. The multi-time All-Star suffered a ruptured right Achilles tendon during Game 4 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Semifinals versus the New York Knicks. As expected, he underwent surgery, with many assuming he would miss the entire 2025-26 campaign. Miraculously, only nine months removed from the injury, it appears Tatum could suit up at some point before the end of the regular season. There are some hurdles the former Duke Blue Devil will need to clear. He'll also be limited from a minutes standpoint until the end of the postseason. However, fantasy managers can keep Tatum stashed, considering he might be ready to go soon. If that happens, he'll still have value for fantasy participants even with a limited workload.

Feb 25

Pascal Siakam • PF • Pacers

Pascal Siakam Likely to Miss Second Straight Game

Indiana Pacers forward/center Pascal Siakam (left wrist sprain) is listed as doubtful for Thursday's matchup against the Hornets, positioning him to miss a second straight game. The veteran remains day-to-day, but Indiana has leaned on its depth in his absence. Jarace Walker started Tuesday and logged eight points, ten rebounds, and six assists in 32 minutes, offering strong category coverage. Micah Potter erupted for a career-high 23 points with three three-pointers in 23 minutes off the bench and is a viable scoring streamer. Ben Sheppard should continue starting if Siakam sits.

Feb 25

Joel Embiid • C • 76ers

Joel Embiid On Track to Suit Up Thursday

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) is listed as probable for Thursday's game against the Heat. The 31-year-old recently returned from a five-game absence and logged 27 points, six rebounds, and five assists in 26 minutes against Indiana. When active, Embiid remains an elite fantasy anchor, averaging 33.8 minutes, 31.8 points, 2.0 three-pointers, 7.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.2 blocks over his last five games. Tyrese Maxey shifts back into his usual co-star role, and Andre Drummond becomes difficult to trust if Embiid logs normal minutes.

Feb 25

Jalen Johnson • PF • Hawks

Jalen Johnson Could Miss Thursday's Rematch

Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (hip) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Wizards after tweaking his hip in Tuesday's win. If the 24-year-old sits, Jonathan Kuminga would be positioned for a significant role, with a possible move into the starting lineup. In his Hawks debut, Kuminga erupted for 27 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals, and three three-pointers in 25 minutes. The matchup aided the stat line, but the opportunity is real with Johnson limited. Zaccharie Risacher (hip) could also see added run if active, while Onyeka Okongwu may absorb more frontcourt usage.

Feb 25

Devin Carter • PG • Kings

Devin Carter Ready to Go vs. Houston

Sacramento Kings guard Devin Carter (back) is available for Wednesday's game against the Rockets after missing one contest. The 23-year-old has carved out a steady rotation role recently, averaging 22.9 minutes across his last eight appearances. In his previous full outing, he posted 11 points, five rebounds, four assists, and three steals in 29 minutes against Orlando. With Zach LaVine (finger) and De'Andre Hunter (eye) sidelined, Carter carries streaming appeal for defensive stats and assists. Malik Monk and Nique Clifford should continue seeing elevated backcourt opportunities.

Feb 25

James Harden • SG • Cavaliers

James Harden Will Not Play in Milwaukee

Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (thumb) has been downgraded to out for Wednesday's game in Milwaukee after initially planning to play through the injury. The non-shooting thumb will not require surgery, but his absence, along with Donovan Mitchell's (groin) injury, leaves significant usage available. Jaylon Tyson logged 12 points, eight rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block in 27 minutes last game and profiles as a strong short-term add. Dennis Schroder posted five assists and two steals in 21 minutes and gained streaming appeal, while Craig Porter Jr. could see a situational run.

Feb 25

Dorian Finney-Smith • PF • Rockets

Dorian Finney-Smith Sitting Wednesday vs. Kings

Houston Rockets forward Dorian Finney-Smith (rest) will not play Wednesday against the Kings as the team manages his workload on the front end of a back-to-back. The veteran wing is expected back on Thursday in Orlando. His absence could open a few extra minutes for Josh Okogie and Jeff Green, though neither offers reliable fantasy appeal. Okogie logged two points with one rebound, one assist, and one steal in 13 minutes last game, while Green played two minutes without scoring. Kevin Durant and Tari Eason should absorb most of the wing usage.

Feb 25

Scottie Barnes • SF • Raptors

Scottie Barnes Set to Suit Up Wednesday

According to Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca, Toronto Raptors guard/forward Scottie Barnes (quadriceps) will play on Wednesday against the San Antonio Spurs. Barnes sustained a right quadriceps contusion during Tuesday's contest versus Oklahoma City but appears ready to suit up without restrictions. Before exiting late in the fourth quarter, the two-time All-Star recorded 15 points, three rebounds, seven assists, three steals and four blocks. With no reported limitations, Barnes should remain a high-upside fantasy option in all formats.

Feb 25

NBA News

LEGEND