NBA News
Sam Merrill Ruled Out For Friday
Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Sam Merrill (ankle) has been ruled out for Friday's matchup against Dallas. He hurt his right ankle against the Lakers on Tuesday, and Merrill was unlikely to be available for Friday's contest when the team listed him as doubtful on the initial injury report. His absence shouldn't be a big loss for the Cavaliers, as Merrill has averaged only 7.0 points in 19.2 minutes this season. Max Strus and Caris LeVert will likely share the available minutes on Friday. Strus appears to be getting closer to working at full capacity. He logged a season-high 26 minutes on Tuesday against the Lakers, notching 15 points with three rebounds, four assists, and two blocks.
2 hours ago
Tari Eason Remains Out On Friday
Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (lower leg) has been ruled out for Friday's contest against Boston. His absence will extend to an eighth consecutive game. Eason was listed as doubtful on the initial injury report, suggesting it might take a bit more time until he's ready to play. With Eason out, Cam Whitmore and Jae'Sean Tate have entered the rotation. Both players also benefit from the absences of Jabari Smith Jr. (hand) and Amen Thompson (suspension). However, they will remain in the second unit on Friday, with Rockets head coach Ime Udoka deciding to insert Jeff Green into the starting five as Smith Jr.'s replacement.
2 hours ago
Miles McBride Out Again Versus OKC
New York Knicks guard Miles McBride (hamstring) won't play on Friday against OKC. Deuce has been battling hamstring tightness, so he'll miss his second consecutive game on Friday night. Had Jalen Brunson (calf) remained out, McBride could have benefited if he were active. However, with Brunson available on Friday, McBride's upside would have been limited. Still, Cameron Payne should see more minutes and could be more productive than usual.
2 hours ago
AJ Green On Track To Return Saturday
Milwaukee Bucks guard AJ Green (back) appears to be on track to return to the lineup on Saturday against Portland, with the team listing him as probable for the contest. A back problem took Green out of the lineup for the second time this season when Milwaukee played Brooklyn on Thursday. Green has averaged 7.7 points this season as a three-point specialist. He's nailed 44.2 percent of his attempts from behind the arc. Portland allows the opposition to hit 37.9 percent of shots from outside, the third-highest mark in the league. Thus, this will be a favorable matchup for Green, though his role in the rotation is relatively limited.
2 hours ago
Jalen Brunson Cleared For Friday Night
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (calf) will play on Friday versus OKC. Brunson hasn't been as productive on the scoring end this season compared to the 2023-24 campaign. However, he's still a potent fantasy provider, averaging 25.2 points, 7.7 assists, and 40.3% shooting from behind the arc. Brunson has mostly been playing through calf tightness of late. However, it finally kept him off the floor for Wednesday's matchup against Utah. But with Brunson back in the mix, he should be featured in all fantasy lineups, although his presence will likely mean fewer scoring opportunities for OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges. Cameron Payne, who got the start on Wednesday, will head back to the bench, limiting his fantasy upside.
2 hours ago
Khris Middleton Likely To Remain In Lineup On Saturday
Milwaukee Bucks small forward Khris Middleton (ankle) is considered probable for Saturday's matchup against Portland. The Bucks continue to list him on the injury report, but Middleton has been a regular in the lineup for nearly a month now, and nothing suggests that he will sit out on Saturday. Middleton has been a starter for the last six games, recording 18.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.2 assists across 26.0 minutes. If Middleton doesn't play on Saturday, Taurean Prince will likely move back to the starting unit and receive an uptick in minutes.
2 hours ago
Giannis Antetokounmpo Listed As Probable For Saturday
Milwaukee Bucks forward/center Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) is probable for Saturday's contest against Portland. After recovering from an illness, Antetokounmpo is back on the injury report with a knee problem, but he is expected to make his third consecutive appearance. However, if Antetokounmpo suffers a setback and has to sit out Saturday's action, Bobby Portis would be in line to rejoin the starting unit. He has been fantastic in five previous starts this season, averaging 21.2 points with 11.6 rebounds and 4.6 assists.
2 hours ago
Jimmy Butler Gets Suspended Seven Games
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler has been suspended seven games by the organization on Friday. The Heat have suspended Butler for multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team. Butler has not been shy about airing out his disappointment with the team and his desire to play elsewhere. This is not the first time that Butler has talked his way out of an organization. The superstar forward has a player option for next season, which he's obviously not going to accept if Miami doesn't trade him. That being said, Butler is expected to be traded this season and possibly has already played his last game with the Heat.
2 hours ago
Jeremy Sochan Absent Versus Nuggets
San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan (back) will not play against Denver on Friday. An issue with his lower back limited Sochan to 15 minutes on Tuesday against the Clippers, and he will miss at least one full game because of the injury. Keldon Johnson and Julian Champagnie could receive an uptick in minutes with Sochan out. Johnson has been more productive of the two recently, notching 15.0 points and 6.0 rebounds in 21.0 minutes.
3 hours ago
Jerami Grant Unavailable On Saturday
Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (face) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. This marks the third game in a row that Grant has been forced to miss due to a facial contusion. His next chance to play will be against the Detroit Pistons on Monday. In the meantime, Deni Avdija will continue seeing an increased role. Avdija has been playing well lately and is worth rostering in most fantasy formats right now. He should continue seeing a bigger role until Grant is able to play again.
3 hours ago
Maxi Kleber Active On Friday
Dallas Mavericks forward/center Maxi Kleber (oblique) will play against Cleveland on Friday. He has been upgraded from questionable to available. Kleber has been carrying a heavier workload lately, as the team has missed several frontcourt pieces. However, his output has been underwhelming, to say the least. Despite averaging nearly 30 minutes a night over the last four games, Kleber has scored only 5.3 points while notching 5.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists.
3 hours ago
P.J. Washington Available Versus Cavaliers
Dallas Mavericks power forward P.J. Washington (knee) will be active against Cleveland on Friday. Washington has shaken off a knee sprain to remain in the lineup. The 26-year-old makes his presence felt all over the court, averaging 12.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.1 blocks, and 1.2 steals for the campaign. However, on Friday, Washington faces a difficult matchup against Cleveland's twin towers, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. Washington was limited to 11 points and two rebounds the last time he went up against the two.
3 hours ago
Jaylen Brown Won't Play On Friday
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (shoulder) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Houston Rockets. The superstar guard is set to miss his second straight game due to a right shoulder strain. The absence of Brown should mean more minutes for Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard in the rotation. Hauser has scored double digits in each of the last two games, but Pritchard has higher upside as a whole. Both players are worth a look as a streaming option with Brown unavailable on Friday.
3 hours ago
Kristaps Porzingis Available For Friday
Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (ankle) is available ahead of Friday's game against the Houston Rockets. Porzingis will return to the court after missing each of the last four games due to a sprained ankle. Porzingis should resume his normal role in the starting five on Friday. His return should mean less playing time for Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta in the rotation. When healthy, Porzingis has been solid with 18.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 27 minutes per game this season. Fantasy managers can safely get him back in their lineups on Friday.
3 hours ago
Jabari Smith Jr. To Miss 4-8 Weeks With A Fractured Hand
Houston Rockets forward/center Jabari Smith Jr. (hand) is expected to miss 4-8 weeks with a fractured left hand, the team announced on Friday, as reported by ESPN's Shams Charania. Smith Jr. was injured during shootaround ahead of Friday's game against Boston. The third-year player averages 11.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks across 30.9 minutes this season. With Tari Eason (lower leg) also nursing an injury and Amen Thompson suspended, the door is open for Cam Whitmore and Jae'Sean Tate to make a big impact. The former has already had a few impressive outings lately.
3 hours ago
Cody Martin Available On Friday
Charlotte Hornets forward Cody Martin (knee) is available ahead of Friday's game against the Detroit Pistons. Martin will make his return to the court after missing each of the last two games due to a left knee contusion. The expectation is that Martin is going to have his normal workload on Friday. Possibly, Martin takes on a bigger role with Brandon Miller (ankle) still sidelined. Martin hasn't been a great fantasy option this season, but is worth a look as a streaming option with Miller out.
3 hours ago
Anthony Black Unavailable On Friday
Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black (back) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Toronto Raptors. Black will miss his third game in a row due to a lower back contusion. The Magic are likely to continue using a committee approach to fill the void. Trevelin Queen, Gary Harris, and Caleb Houstan will likely all see increased roles on Friday. None of these players have ideal streaming option, but Harris might have the highest upside of the three.
3 hours ago
Brandon Miller Still Out Versus The Pistons
Charlotte Hornets guard Brandon Miller (ankle) remains out on Friday against the Pistons. He's had the best season of his young career, averaging 21.4 points, 5.1 boards, and 1.1 steals. Unfortunately, the 22-year-old has been sidelined of late, missing time because of an ankle injury. Hopefully, Miller can play on Sunday versus Cleveland. But as far as Friday night is concerned, Miles Bridges, Seth Curry, and Vasilije Micic should see most of the offensive opportunities, considering LaMelo Ball (ankle, wrist) will miss a third-straight contest.
3 hours ago
LaMelo Ball Remains Out On Friday
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (ankle, wrist) remains out on Friday versus Detroit. Melo has been sidelined the last two games, most recently missing Monday's overtime loss to the Chicago Bulls. There was hope that extra time in between contests would allow Ball to get right. Unfortunately, that's not the case, so his next chance to suit up will be on Sunday in Cleveland. With Brandon Miller (ankle) also out, Miles Bridges is expected to lead the way offensively. However, there's room for Mark Williams, Seth Curry, and Vasilije Micic to get more involved than usual.
4 hours ago
Bradley Beal Questionable For Saturday Versus Pacers
According to Kellan Olson of ArizonaSports.com, Phoenix Suns guard/forward Bradley Beal (hip) is questionable for Saturday's matchup with the Pacers due to a left hip contusion. Beal's injury occurred during Tuesday's 117-112 loss to the Grizzlies. He practiced Thursday, but was a limited participant. If the 31-year-old is unavailable, Monte Morris and Ryan Dunn will likely gain more minutes on the floor. Luckily for the Suns, Grayson Allen (shoulder) will also be back to help, as he's been removed from the injury report.
4 hours ago
Sam Merrill
• SG
•
Cavaliers
