NBA News
Khris Middleton Probable For Friday
The Milwaukee Bucks X account announced that Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (ankle) is listed as probable for Friday's game against the Orlando Magic. Middleton is expected to play in his second straight contest on Friday despite dealing with bilateral ankle issues. If the 33-year-old does suit up he will likely come off the bench like against the Spurs on Thursday. He posted eight points, five rebounds and three assists in 21 minutes during the 121-105 Bucks win.
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Robert Williams III Questionable On Thursday
Due to rest purposes, Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (personal) is questionable for Thursday's matchup with the Dallas Mavericks. Williams isn't injured, but the Blazers may give him the evening off since it's the second half of back-to-back games. If the 27-year-old is sidelined, the backup center, Donovan Clingan, will likely take on extra minutes. Clingan collected four points, five rebounds, and one assist across 13 minutes in his last appearance on Tuesday against the Pistons.
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Jerami Grant Ruled Out On Thursday
Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (face) will remain sidelined for a sixth consecutive game on Thursday versus the Dallas Mavericks. He has yet to recover from a facial contusion. Deni Avdija joined the starting five while Grant was missing in action. Kris Murray has also seen an uptick in minutes when the 30-year-old has been out. Murray registered six points and one rebound across 21 minutes in a 119-100 loss to New Orleans on Wednesday.
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Damian Lillard Likely Available For Friday
Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (calf) will likely play against the Orlando Magic on Friday despite dealing with a left knee contusion. If he does suit up, the 34-year-old won't have any restrictions placed on him, as he posted 26 points, five rebounds, and eight assists across 35 minutes in the Bucks' 121-105 win over the Spurs on Wednesday. Fantasy managers in season-long formats should feel comfortable getting Lillard back in their lineups.
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Davion Mitchell Probable Against Cleveland
Toronto Raptors guard Davion Mitchell is expected to play through a left calf contusion on Thursday when the Raptors visit the Cavaliers. Mitchell played less than a minute on Wednesday against the Knicks but could get more time on Thursday since Ochai Agbaji (hip) has been ruled out. Mitchell was forced to step into a large role earlier this season while Immanuel Quickley, Scottie Barnes, and RJ Barrett battled various injuries. He has played a more reduced role lately, averaging just over 20 minutes in his 12 games since December 1 even before Wednesday's early departure. While he focuses on the defensive end of the court, Mitchell can be a solid source of steals and assists for deep leagues if he gets playing time on Thursday.
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Ochai Agbaji Ruled Out Thursday Against Cleveland
Toronto Raptors forward Ochai Agbaji (hip) will not play on Thursday against the Cavaliers due to a left hip pointer injury that he suffered after just eight minutes against the Knicks on Wednesday. While Agbaji doesn't usually have high usage when Toronto is at full strength, he has played 29.3 minutes per game in his 37 contests this year. His absence opens up significant playing time, and Chris Boucher and Bruce Brown are the top candidates to get a chance to step up with Agbaji is out. Toronto's next game is scheduled for Saturday against the Pistons, but it's unclear if Agbaji will be ready to return for that contest or need longer to recover.
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Sam Merrill Uncertain Against The Raptors
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (ankle) could be in line for a larger workload with Donovan Mitchell (rest) out against the Raptors on Thursday, but the 28-year-old from Utah State will have to overcome his own questionable tag. Merrill has missed the last three games for Cleveland but could be able to return for the second half of his team's home back-to-back Thursday night. Merrill had 20 points in a spot start against the Jazz just before Christmas, so he does have potential upside. However, on the season, he has only averaged 7.0 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.8 three-pointers while playing 19.2 minutes per game.
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Josh Richardson Upgraded To Questionable For Thursday
Miami Heat guard Josh Richardson (heel) hasn't played since November 18 and was originally listed as doubtful for Thursday's game in Utah, but the veteran was upgraded to questionable and has a chance to return to action for the first time in 23 games. He has only played eight games all season, averaging 18.4 minutes and 4.0 points in his very limited action. Even when he does return, it is unclear how much work there is for him with Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier taking most of the work in the backcourt and Duncan Robinson and Alec Burks serving as their primary backup.
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Andrew Wiggins Will Not Play Thursday In Detroit
Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (personal) was ruled out on Thursday, leaving the Warriors potentially extremely short-handed for their road game against the Pistons. Steph Curry (knee), Draymond Green (ankle), Dennis Schr der (hip), and Moses Moody (knee) remain questionable while Jonathan Kuminga (ankle), Brandin Podziemski (abdomen), and Gary Payton (calf) have already been ruled out in addition to Wiggins. Draymond Green will have a big role if available, but if he sits, Trayce Jackson-Davis could have to play more power forward with Kevon Looney at center. Kyle Anderson will also step into a larger role without Wiggins and Kuminga, and Lindy Waters III and Buddy Hield may have to carry more of the workload as well, depending on who is available in the backcourt.
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Ausar Thompson Probable Against Golden State
Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson (illness) is on track to play on Thursday night when his Pistons host the Warriors. He missed his team's last two games due to illness, but just before that, he stepped up with 10 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, and an impressive total of six steals in 26 minutes against the Timberwolves. He got the start in that contest in place of Jaden Ivey (leg), and if Thompson is back in the starting lineup on Thursday, he'll be a strong DFS option at his salary. The 21-year-old brings plenty of multi-category production potential as he continues to ramp up after getting a late start to his second NBA season due to a blood clot issue. Thompson has at least five rebounds in six straight games and has averaged 7.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.2 steals despite playing just 20.6 minutes per game in those six contests.
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Paolo Banchero Expected To Return Friday Against The Bucks
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (oblique) will return from his extended injury absence when the Magic face the Bucks on Friday, according to NBA Insider Chris Haynes. Banchero was officially listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Timberwolves, but according to this report, he will miss one more game before returning for the second half of Orlando's back-to-back. Banchero got off to a great start to the season, averaging 29.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 36.3 minutes per game in his first five games of the season. He looked ready to make the leap to superstar status before being shelved since October 30. While he will likely play limited minutes in his first few games back, he is an elite fantasy producer. He should step into a large role as soon as possible since the Magic remain without Jalen Suggs (back) and Franz Wagner (oblique).
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Paul George Able To Practice On Thursday
Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (groin) missed the Sixers' win on Wednesday with groin tightness, but he was able to return to practice on Thursday, according to coach Nick Nurse as reported by NBC's Noah Levick. George has played 24 games in his first season in Philly, including 14 straight before missing Wednesday's game. In those 14 games, PG13 averaged 16.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.6 steals in 33.7 minutes per game. There seems to be a good chance both he and Joel Embiid (foot) return on Friday against the Pelicans after both stars were able to practice on Thursday. Check back on the Sixers' official injury report as we get closer to game time.
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Joel Embiid Practices Thursday
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (foot) was able to return to practice on Thursday, according to coach Nick Nurse as reported by NBC's Noah Levick. Embiid has missed the last two games for Philadelphia with a foot sprain and has been limited to just 13 games this season due to a variety of issues and injuries. He has averaged 24.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.0 blocks in his 29.5 minutes per game, and he hasn't fully ramped up to his typical 30+ minute workload. He definitely has a chance to play on Friday in Philly's next game, which is at home against the Pelicans. Stay tuned for his official status and more updates on Embiid's potential return leading up to Friday's tip time.
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Brice Sensabaugh Ruled Out Thursday
Utah Jazz forward Brice Sensabaugh (illness) will miss a second straight game while battling an illness when the Jazz host the Heat on Thursday night. Sensabaugh was a first-round pick of the Jazz before last season, and he recently made a splash with 34 points against the Heat and 27 points against the Jazz last weekend in Florida. He missed Tuesday's game against Atlanta, though, and will also miss Thursday's contest, leaving more work for Johnny Juzang, Patty Mills, and Cody Williams. Williams played 30 minutes on Tuesday but only finished with four points, three rebounds, and three assists.
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Jordan Clarkson Listed As Out For Thursday's Game Against Miami
Utah Jazz point guard Jordan Clarkson (foot) will not suit up for Thursday's contest against the Miami Heat. The last time he played, Clarkson had to leave the court due to a foot injury and played only three minutes against the Miami Heat on January 4th. Later in the game, the Jazz announced that Clarkson injured his left plantar fascia. In 22 games played this year, Clarkson is averaging 16 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. Clarkson is set to miss upcoming games against the Phoenix Suns, and Brooklyn Nets. Patty Mills will see more work in Clarkson's absence.
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Donovan Mitchell Ruled Out Thursday Against Toronto
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (rest) will not play on Thursday when the Cavs finish their back-to-back with a home game against the Raptors. Mitchell played 35 minutes in Wednesday's big win over the Thunder, and he finished with 11 points, six rebounds, and four assists in Cleveland's win, despite struggling from the field, going just 3-of-16. Mitchell's absence will leave more playing time and usage for Caris LeVert and Max Strus alongside Darius Garland, who will pick up more workload with Spida on the sidelines. This will be just the second game all season that Mitchell has missed.
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Bogdan Bogdanovic On Track To Play Thursday In Phoenix
Atlanta Hawks guard Bogdan Bogdanovic (leg) was listed as probable for Thursday night's game against the Suns. He has been battling a lower leg contusion and has only been able to play two games since Christmas. He played two of the Hawks' last three games, and on Tuesday, he played 28 minutes and scored 11 points, three assists, and three three-pointers. Bogdanovic has averaged 10.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 25.5 minutes per game in his 16 games this year.
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Daniel Gafford Could Return Thursday
Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford is questionable for the Mavs' Thursday matchup with the Trail Blazers after missing just one game with a sprained ankle suffered in Monday's loss to the Grizzlies. After the injury, coach Jason Kidd said Gafford was "probably going to be out some time," so him missing just one game would actually seem to be a very favorable outcome for the 26-year-old big man. Gafford has averaged 11.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in 20.1 minutes per game while sharing time in the middle with Dereck Lively II. Gafford had a few big games while Lively was sidelined recently, but he'll be back in the timeshare if he's able to return Thursday. If he misses a second game, Lively would carry the load in the middle with Maxi Kleber getting more work off the bench.
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Kevin Love Will Not Play Thursday
Miami Heat center Kevin Love (personal) will not play on Thursday against the Utah Jazz. He has been downgraded from doubtful to out due to personal reasons. The specific nature of the personal issue has not been disclosed. This season, Love has averaged 5.9 points per game, along with 4.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists. It remains to be seen when he will be back in the lineup for the Heat. This means more work for Duncan Robinson and Nikola Jovic moving forward.
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Dennis Schroder Uncertain To Play Thursday Night
Golden State Warriors guard Dennis Schroder (hip) was listed as questionable for Thursday's road game in Detroit. Stephen Curry (knee) and Moses Moody (knee) are also questionable, so even if Schroder is available, his role is uncertain. Since joining the Warriors, Schroder has not missed a game, starting 11 straight games for Golden State but producing only 9.5 points, 4.6 assists, 2.4 rebounds, and 0.5 steals in 27.9 minutes per game. Schroder could be in for a large workload in a favorable matchup if he plays through his questionable tag and Curry is out, but he has yet to really flourish with his new team. If he is out, Moses Moody, Lindy Waters III, and Buddy Hield could help pick up extra work.
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Khris Middleton
• SF
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Bucks
