NBA News
Dereck Lively II Unavailable Friday
Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (hip) will sit out Friday's action against Phoenix. Lively II landed on the injury report with a questionable designation ahead of the game and has now been ruled out because of a hip contusion. This will likely push Daniel Gafford to the starting unit. The Dallas big men have shared minutes quite evenly throughout the campaign, and Gafford's numbers haven't changed much as a starter. However, with Lively II out of the rotation, his playing time might increase, which should also boost Gafford's productivity. It's a good matchup for him on Friday, as Phoenix gives up the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing centers.
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Draymond Green Ruled Out For Friday
Golden State Warriors forward/center Draymond Green (back) will not play against the Clippers on Friday. Following a 34-minute shift on Christmas Day against the Lakers, Green sits out the first leg on a back-to-back due to a lower back contusion. Jonathan Kuminga recently enjoyed a stretch as a starter ahead of Green and might rejoin the first unit again on Friday. He's notched 16.8 points and 4.5 rebounds across 10 starts this campaign. Kevon Looney and Kyle Anderson may also see more action, but they lack fantasy appeal.
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Jay Huff Returns From Four-Game Absence
Memphis Grizzlies center Jay Huff (ankle) will return to the lineup for Friday's battle against New Orleans. The seven-footer has missed the past four games with a left ankle sprain. Huff, a former G League Defensive Player of the Year, has provided quality minutes as a reserve this season, averaging 9.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 15.2 minutes. However, he has very little fantasy value, with Zach Edey, Brandon Clarke, and Jaren Jackson Jr. all healthy.
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Santi Aldama Absent On Friday
Memphis Grizzlies forward/center Santi Aldama (ankle) will not be available against New Orleans on Friday. He injured his left ankle in Thursday's blowout win over Toronto. Aldama's role in the rotation has been significantly smaller recently, but he's still averaged over 22 minutes coming off the bench this month. Jake LaRavia and Brandon Clarke should get an uptick in minutes on Friday. The two have posted similar numbers across the season, though LaRavia has slightly more fantasy value due to his better passing ability.
1 hour ago
Jordan Hawkins Active Versus Grizzlies
New Orleans Pelicans shooting guard Jordan Hawkins (thumb) has been cleared to play on Friday versus Memphis. The team has upgraded him from questionable to available. The 22-year-old is a talented shooter who averages 12.5 points for the season. However, Hawkins managed only five points in Thursday's 128-111 loss against Houston, shooting 0-for-6 from three-point range. Friday's matchup is another tough one for Hawkins, as Memphis has limited opposing teams to 33.4 percent shooting from deep.
1 hour ago
Dorian Finney-Smith Returns For Nets Friday
Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith (calf) will be back from a three-game absence on Friday versus San Antonio. The Brooklyn frontcourt gets some additional help after Finney-Smith was initially regarded as questionable for the game. Noah Clowney will likely lose minutes to Finney-Smith despite enjoying a solid three-game stretch as a starter. Finney-Smith averages 10.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists for the season. He might have a more significant role offensively on Friday, as Cam Thomas (hamstring), Ben Simmons (back), and Cameron Johnson (hip) are out of the lineup.
1 hour ago
Ben Simmons Will Not Play Against Spurs
Brooklyn Nets guard/center Ben Simmons (back) will miss Friday's matchup against San Antonio. Following Thursday's clash against Milwaukee, Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez suggested that Simmons might be ready to play both legs of the team's back-to-back, but unfortunately, it won't happen. It's been 23 months since the last time Simmons played on consecutive nights. Simmons' absence on Friday should secure a prominent role for Shake Milton, who's had a solid month and scored a season-high 20 points in Thursday's 111-105 win.
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Cameron Johnson Misses Friday's Action
Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson (hip) will not take the court on Friday against San Antonio. Johnson produced a big 29-point performance with 8-for-13 shooting on Thursday versus Milwaukee but also hurt his right hip in the contest. With Johnson out, we should get a larger dose of Tyrese Martin, and Jalen Wilson should continue to play a big role in the rotation. Wilson has logged 30-plus minutes in back-to-back games, but shooting woes have limited him to only 12 total points. He's disappointed fantasy managers but will likely continue getting opportunities, as there aren't many alternative options.
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Dillon Brooks Sidelined Again On Friday Night
Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (ankle) won't play in Friday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, marking his third-consecutive absence. The 28-year-old has had a decent season, averaging 13.6 points. However, his abilities on the defensive end are what Houston have missed the most. With Tari Eason (leg) questionable, the team could look to Cam Whitmore to take on some minutes from off the bench. Whitemore is coming off a potent outing, scoring 27 points and shooting 4-for-8 from behind the arc in Thursday's win over the New Orleans Pelicans.
2 hours ago
Gary Harris Active On Friday
Orlando Magic guard Gary Harris (hamstring) will be back in the lineup on Friday versus the Knicks. He has been out for 13 games with a left hamstring strain. Harris' addition gives an injury-hit Magic squad an extra body, although it remains to be seen how big of a role the veteran will have in the rotation. Before getting hurt, Harris only averaged 16.6 minutes a night, posting 4.1 points. Trevelin Queen and Cole Anthony might lose minutes to him.
2 hours ago
Obi Toppin Misses Friday's Game
Indiana Pacers power forward Obi Toppin (ankle) will not play against Boston on Friday. Toppin injured his left ankle in Thursday's 120-114 loss to Oklahoma City and will miss at least one game because of the injury. Jarace Walker should fill his minutes off the bench. From a fantasy perspective, Walker can be a bit of a hit-and-miss, but he made a positive impact on Thursday. The 21-year-old recorded 12 points, five rebounds, and one block in 15 minutes. Boston allows the ninth-most bench points in the league, so we could see a similar effort from Walker on Friday.
2 hours ago
Kristaps Porzingis Out Versus Indiana
Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (ankle) won't suit up on Friday versus the Pacers. The veteran tweaked his ankle in the Christmas Day loss to the 76ers. He stayed in the game for a while after it happened, so there's a good chance the team is being overly cautious. In the meantime, Al Horford will likely handle things at the five spot. Luke Kornet should also see more work behind Horford, making him a streaming option in all fantasy formats and a value play for DFS participants.
2 hours ago
Andrew Nembhard Out On Friday
Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (knee) has been ruled out for Friday's contest against Boston. He will sit out the second night of a back-to-back for left knee injury management purposes. Nembhard went off for a season-high 23 points in 29 minutes on Thursday versus Oklahoma City. Ben Sheppard might be Nembhard's replacement in the starting unit on Friday, with T.J. McConnell picking up extra minutes off the bench. Sheppard typically isn't productive during his time on the court. He had only five points with a pair of assists, and one steal in 22 minutes on Thursday. McConnell is a much better fantasy option.
2 hours ago
Jrue Holiday Out Against The Pacers
Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (shoulder) will remain out on Friday against the Pacers. The 34-year-old is battling right shoulder impingement, although it's unknown how severe it is. With Kristaps Porzingis (ankle) also sidelined versus Indiana, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Derrick White could each receive a few more scoring opportunities. Sam Hauser, averaging 16.5 points and 50.0% shooting from behind the arc in two starts this season, could also be worth streaming in all fantasy formats.
2 hours ago
Dereck Lively II Questionable Friday Against Suns
Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (hip) is dealing with a hip contusion and is considered questionable to face the Phoenix Suns on Friday night. The young big man started in the team's last game on Christmas and posted six points, 10 rebounds, three assists, one steal, and two blocks across 30 minutes. If he's unable to play, Daniel Gafford could be the one to move into the starting five. He averages 12.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.2 blocks across 20.1 minutes per game.
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Jamal Murray Considered Probable Against Cavaliers
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (ankle) returned from a quick sprained ankle absence to play on Christmas day and is considered probable to play again on Friday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The former NBA Champ was able to play 39 minutes against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday and registered 13 points, six rebounds, and six assists while shooting 4-for-10 from the floor and 1-for-2 from three. Whenever he's available, Murray should be started in all formats, but his presence takes some fantasy value away from Peyton Watson.
4 hours ago
Tari Eason Tagged As Questionable On Friday
Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (leg) has a chance to return from a four-game absence on Friday after being listed as questionable against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The team has listed him as going through lower leg injury management, after seemingly seeing a flare-up after he last played on December 14. If he's unable to play, Cam Whitmore would likely see added minutes again after he registered 27 points, four rebounds, one assist, and one steal across 27 minutes off of the bench on Thursday.
4 hours ago
Jordan Hawkins Considered Questionable Friday Versus Grizzlies
New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Hawkins (thumb) continues to battle injury after injury this season and is now considered questionable on Friday against the Memphis Grizzlies. He's dealing with a thumb injury this time around. He was able to play in their last four games, seeing at least 17 minutes each night. If he's unable to play, however, Brandon Boston Jr. and Javonte Green would likely see extra minutes. The former posted 17 points, six rebounds, one assist, and four steals in their last game against the Rockets.
4 hours ago
Marcus Smart Remains Out On Friday With Finger Injury
Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (finger) will miss his third consecutive game with a right index finger injury. The Grizzlies are set to take on the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night, and Scottie Pippen Jr. looks to be the top streaming option yet again. In games that he receives 20-29 minutes, like the last one against the Toronto Raptors, Pippen averages 11.4 points, 6.0 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game. Luke Kennard could also serve as an option for fantasy managers looking for three-point production.
4 hours ago
Cameron Johnson Uncertain On Friday Night
Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson (hip) is suffering from a hip contusion and has been tagged as questionable ahead of the team's Friday night game against the San Antonio Spurs. The 28-year-old just led the team to a big upset win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday with 29 points, five rebounds, and three assists. If he's unable to play along with the eight other names listed on the injury report, Noah Clowney, Jalen Wilson, and Shake Milton should all see some added minutes. Clowney and Wilson would make the better streaming options since they've been in the rotation longer.
4 hours ago
Dereck Lively II
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Mavericks
