NBA News

Kawhi Leonard • SF • Clippers

Kawhi Leonard is Available on Friday

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (ankle) is available to play ahead of Friday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. Leonard was questionable coming into this game after tweaking his ankle on Wednesday. It wasn't significant enough to hold Leonard out of action, so he'll suit up for the first game of this back-to-back set. Over his last 10 games, Leonard is averaging 32.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists across 37.1 minutes per game. Fantasy managers should double-check their lineups and make sure Leonard is active ahead of tip-off.

Jan 9

Trey Murphy III • SF • Pelicans

Trey Murphy III Back in Action Friday

New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Trey Murphy III (back) will return from a one-game absence on Friday versus the Washington Wizards. He's been dealing with lower back spasms, but the team upgraded Murphy III's status from questionable to available. Murphy III began the week with a career night against the Los Angeles Lakers, scoring 42 points on Tuesday night. He could cook up something special again on Friday, as Washington has the second-worst defensive rating in the league.

Jan 9

Tristan da Silva • PF • Magic

Tristan da Silva Won't Play on Friday

Orlando Magic forward Tristan da Silva (back) is ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. This comes as a surprise, given da Silva looked fine during Wednesday's game. He finished with 14 points, three rebounds, and two assists across 24 minutes of action. His absence should free up playing time for Tyus Jones and Jett Howard in the rotation. Jalen Suggs (knee) is also sidelined, so Jones will probably see heavy minutes. He's the better streaming choice between the two players for Friday's slate.

Jan 9

Michael Porter Jr. • SF • Nets

Michael Porter Jr. Cleared for Friday

Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. (knee) will play against the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday. The team upgraded his status on the injury report from probable to available. The 27-year-old has shaken off knee soreness and will continue to lead Brooklyn's offense on Friday. Porter Jr. averaged 28.3 points in December and has been even more productive in his first few outings in January, notching 30.5 points per game. Since the Clippers have the fifth-worst defensive rating in the NBA, Porter Jr. could be in line for another prolific scoring performance on Friday night.

Jan 9

LeBron James • SF • Lakers

LeBron James Upgraded to Probable

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (foot/sciatica) is now considered probable for Friday's action against the Milwaukee Bucks. The team initially listed him as questionable on the injury report. The fact that James was upgraded to probable indicates he is likely to return to the lineup after a one-game absence. While James has ridden the backseat for most of the campaign, he has started 2026 in dominant fashion. Across three January appearances, the veteran star has produced 29.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game. It's been a remarkable run, given that James turned 41 on Dec. 30.

Jan 9

Nicolas Claxton • C • Nets

Nicolas Claxton Returning to Starting Five

Brooklyn Nets center Nicolas Claxton will move back into the starting five ahead of Friday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Claxton returned on Wednesday after missing two games due to personal reasons. He operated under a minutes limit on Wednesday as the team wanted to ease him back into action. He'll return to the starting five on Friday, which will shift Day'Ron Sharpe to the bench. Claxton is averaging 13.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists across 29.9 minutes per game this season. He appears to be a full-go now, so fantasy managers can get him back into their lineups ahead of tip-off.

Jan 9

Brandon Ingram • SF • Raptors

Brandon Ingram Out Friday

Toronto Raptors guard/forward Brandon Ingram (thumb) will miss his first game of the season on Friday against the Boston Celtics. The former All-Star injured his right thumb during Wednesday's win over the Charlotte Hornets and was ruled out for Friday after initially being considered a game-time call. Ingram's first opportunity to return will come on Sunday against the Philadelphia 76ers. On Friday, the Raptors are also rolling without Scottie Barnes (knee), so RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley could have extremely high usage rates. Meanwhile, Jamal Shead, Ja'Kobe Walter, and Gradey Dick may see additional time on the court.

Jan 9

Scottie Barnes • SF • Raptors

Scottie Barnes Ruled Out on Friday Night

Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (knee) won't play on Friday against Boston. He injured his knee in Wednesday's win over the Charlotte Hornets. While the 24-year-old could miss a few contests, the fact he wasn't ruled out early heading into this one at least suggests he might be day-to-day, meaning there may be a chance he suits up on Sunday versus Philly. With Brandon Ingram (thumb) also unavailable, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley should pick up more of the slack offensively. Collin Murray-Boyles and Sandro Mamukelashvili could also benefit on both ends of the floor.

Jan 9

Anthony Davis • C • Mavericks

Anthony Davis "Could Miss a Number of Months"

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Dallas Mavericks forward/center Anthony Davis (hand) "could miss a number of months." AD suffered an injury to his left hand in Thursday's loss to the Utah Jazz. He is heading for a second opinion, and there's a chance he may need surgery. With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, Davis might find himself remaining with the Mavericks. However, the team could still find a trade partner, although his asking price can't get much lower. With that said, with Davis out of the picture, Moussa Cisse and Dwight Powell may gain consistent minutes behind Daniel Gafford throughout the remainder of the 2025 campaign, assuming Dallas can't acquire another big.

Jan 9

Jamal Murray • PG • Nuggets

Jamal Murray Carries Probable Tag into Friday's Game

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (ankle) is listed as probable ahead of Friday's game against the Atlanta Hawks. His presence on the injury report is likely precautionary after he missed Monday's game. Murray looked fine during Wednesday's game when he finished with 22 points, 17 assists, and eight rebounds. Barring any setbacks, Murray will be out there and is an elite option in all fantasy formats. If he sits out, Jalen Pickett and Tim Hardaway Jr. would have increased playing time. Both players would be viable streaming options if Murray gets downgraded.

Jan 9

Christian Braun • SG • Nuggets

Christian Braun is Listed as Probable for Friday

Denver Nuggets forward Christian Braun (ankle) holds a probable tag heading into Friday's game against the Atlanta Hawks. His appearance on the injury report is precautionary after Braun missed nearly two months due to a sprained left ankle. Braun finished with five points, five rebounds, and two assists in 30 minutes of action on Wednesday. Barring any setbacks, Braun should be out there for this favorable matchup against the Hawks. Tim Hardaway Jr. and Jalen Pickett would see increased run if Braun does get downgraded to out. Between the two, Hardaway has the higher upside as a streaming option.

Jan 9

Cedric Coward • SG • Grizzlies

Cedric Coward Could Miss Third Straight Game

Memphis Grizzlies guard/forward Cedric Coward (knee) is listed as questionable ahead of Friday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Coward is in danger of missing his third straight contest after suffering a left ankle sprain during Sunday's contest. The absence of Coward has led to increased playing time for GG Jackson and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Both players should be viewed as low-end streaming options if Coward misses a third straight game.

Jan 9

Michael Porter Jr. • SF • Nets

Michael Porter Jr. is Tagged as Probable for Friday

Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. (knee) is listed as probable for Friday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Porter is feeling a little sore after a knee-to-knee collision with Wendell Carter Jr. during Wednesday's game versus the Orlando Magic. It didn't seem to impact his performance as he finished with 34 points, five rebounds, and three steals during the loss. Danny Wolf would likely be asked to take on a larger role if Porter is unable to play. He normally only plays minutes in the teens, but could offer low-end streaming value with an expanded role.

Jan 9

Kawhi Leonard • SF • Clippers

Kawhi Leonard Holds Questionable Tag for Friday

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (ankle) is listed as questionable ahead of Friday's game versus the Brooklyn Nets. Leonard suffered a right ankle sprain during Wednesday's loss to the New York Knicks. The Clippers might take the cautious approach on Friday, with this being the first game of a back-to-back set. The absence of Leonard could mean that Kobe Sanders moves into the starting five. The rookie guard dropped 20 points with seven rebounds and three assists during a spot start on Monday. His playing time has been inconsistent this season, but Sanders could be worth a look as a streaming option if Leonard misses Friday's contest.

Jan 9

Brandon Ingram • SF • Raptors

Brandon Ingram Considered Game-Time Decision for Friday's Game

Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (thumb) is considered a game-time decision for Friday's game against the Boston Celtics. He is listed as questionable on the injury report, but is viewed as a game-time decision after participating in morning shootaround. Ingram is dealing with a sprained right thumb that he suffered during Wednesday's game. If active, it'll be interesting to see if this thumb injury impacts his performance on the court. Ja'Kobe Walker and Jamal Shead figure to see extended run if Ingram is unable to play. Gradey Dick could also see more run, but Walker and Shead are better streaming options.

Jan 9

Scottie Barnes • SF • Raptors

Scottie Barnes Questionable Friday with Knee Sprain

Toronto Raptors guard/forward Scottie Barnes (knee) is questionable for Friday's game against Boston after sustaining a right knee sprain. Barnes exited briefly late in Wednesday's contest but returned to finish, suggesting the injury may be minor, though Toronto may still take a cautious approach. Brandon Ingram (thumb) is also questionable, creating potential ripple effects across the rotation. If either sits, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley would take on more of the offense after combining for 49 points on 43 shots last game. Ja'Kobe Walter, Ochai Agbaji, Gradey Dick, and Jamison Battle could see expanded minutes but remain volatile fantasy options.

Jan 9

Joel Embiid • C • 76ers

Joel Embiid Appears on Injury Report Ahead of Magic Matchup

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) is questionable for Friday's game against Orlando due to left knee injury management. Embiid has appeared in five straight contests and looked dominant, averaging 28.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.2 blocks in 34.4 minutes during that stretch. He logged 28 points in just 25 minutes Wednesday, signaling efficiency even with workload monitoring. If Embiid sits, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George absorb heavier usage, while Andre Drummond and Adem Bona remain risky, low-minute fantasy pivots.

Jan 9

Trey Murphy III • SF • Pelicans

Trey Murphy III Uncertain for Friday's Game Versus Washington

New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Trey Murphy III (back) is questionable for Friday's matchup against Washington after missing Wednesday with back spasms. His potential absence keeps usage elevated for Jordan Poole, who logged 39 minutes and produced 21 points, three assists, three steals, and six three-pointers in his last outing. Poole carries real fantasy value due to points volume and strong free-throw impact, though his field-goal percentage remains volatile. Bryce McGowens and rookie Micah Peavy should see minutes but remain unreliable for consistent fantasy production.

Jan 9

Aaron Gordon • PF • Nuggets

Aaron Gordon Expected to Play Friday vs. Hawks

Denver Nuggets forward/center Aaron Gordon (hamstring) is listed as probable for Friday's game against Atlanta as Denver continues to manage his workload. Gordon is still playing under a reduced workload, logging 23 minutes while producing 12 points and six rebounds on Wednesday. Nikola Jokic (knee) remains out, but Jamal Murray (ankle), Christian Braun (ankle), and Bruce Brown (knee) are all probable, helping stabilize the rotation. Peyton Watson should still see meaningful usage after a 30-point outing, while Gordon profiles as a steady fantasy option with a capped ceiling until his minutes normalize.

Jan 9

Ja Morant • PG • Grizzlies

Ja Morant Remains Sidelined Versus Thunder

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (calf) will remain sidelined Friday against Oklahoma City, marking his fourth straight absence after being ruled out a day in advance. His next chance to return is Sunday versus Brooklyn. With Morant out, Cam Spencer has stepped into a larger role, averaging 13.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 2.3 three-pointers in 30.4 minutes over the last three games. Spencer profiles as a viable assists-and-threes streamer, while Jaren Jackson Jr. continues to shoulder added offensive responsibility.

Jan 9

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