NBA News
Nikola Jokic Will Miss Third Consecutive Game On Friday
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (ankle) has been ruled out for his third game in a row on Friday and will watch the contest against the Portland Trail Blazers from the sidelines. The three-time MVP rarely misses games, but will now miss at least three of the team's four games this week. That comes as a huge blow to many fantasy managers who are either already in the playoffs or trying to get into the fantasy postseason. Peyton Watson joined the starting five in Jokic's place on Wednesday and registered 12 points, two rebounds, two assists, and one block. There is no direct replacement for Jokic, so fantasy managers will likely have to aim for quantity over quality with their streaming options.
1 hour ago
Jamal Murray Tagged As Questionable Against Trail Blazers
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (ankle) is dealing with an ankle sprain and has been listed as questionable for their Friday night matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers. This could be Murray's third straight missed contest, which would be a big blow since Nikola Jokic (ankle) will miss his third straight game. If Murray doesn't suit up, Christian Braun (foot) will likely see a bump in usage while Russell Westbrook will continue to see playing time with the starting five. On Wednesday night, Westbrook finished with 12 points, nine assists, four rebounds, and two steals while Braun registered 10 points, four rebounds, and three assists.
1 hour ago
Lauri Markkanen Set To Miss Another Game On Friday
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (personal) will miss his 24th game of the season on Friday as the team has ruled him out for personal reasons against the Boston Celtics. The youth movement has been in full effect for the Jazz as they try to inch closer to better odds for the number-one draft pick. John Collins (ankle) has also been ruled out of this game, so the starting frontcourt will likely continue to feature Walker Kessler, Kyle Filipowski, and Cody Williams. Filipowski would be the best streaming option as he's enjoyed a great March with averages of 15.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game while shooting 52.9% from the floor and 43.1% from three.
2 hours ago
John Collins Out Again On Friday Against Celtics
Utah Jazz forward John Collins (ankle) will miss his fifth consecutive game on Friday while he continues to suffer from a sprained left ankle. The Jazz have fully embraced the youth movement as they head towards better odds in the draft lottery. Since Lauri Markkanen (personal) is also out, Walker Kessler and Kyle Filipowski will likely remain in the starting five like their last game. Filipowski is available in a wider range of leagues and just posted 21 points, four rebounds, and two assists in their last game against the Washington Wizards.
2 hours ago
Kelly Oubre Jr. Remains Sidelined On Friday
Philadelphia 76ers forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (knee) will miss his fifth consecutive outing as the team ruled him out with the same knee sprain he suffered against the Toronto Raptors on March 12. The 76ers are far from the playoff race and are one of the most injured teams in the league at the moment, Oubre likely won't be rushed back for any reason. While he watches from the sidelines, Jared Butler, Justin Edwards, and Quentin Grimes have all been quality streaming options. Since Grimes is likely the most rostered, Butler and Edwards give some good value in scoring and guard stats. Edwards recently posted 19 points, two assists, two rebounds, and two steals in their last game on Wednesday.
2 hours ago
Andrew Wiggins Listed As Probable On Friday
Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins (ankle) appeared on the injury report for Friday's matchup with the Houston Rockets but is considered probable despite the ankle impingement. Wiggins' tenure in Miami has been bumpy so far as he's appeared in 10 of a possible 19 games and has averaged 18.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks per contest with shooting splits of .422/.309/.755. His value is undeniable when he is on the court though, especially for fantasy managers in the playoffs of category leagues. With his return, Jaime Jaquez Jr. will likely take the biggest fantasy hit as he moves back to the bench.
2 hours ago
Amen Thompson Likely To Play Against Heat On Friday
Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson (ankle) is considered probable on Friday and will likely take the floor against the Miami Heat. This marks his first game back after a six-game absence due to a left ankle sprain. The second-year wing has been a big part of the Rockets' success this year, with averages of 14.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.3 blocks, and 2.1 turnovers per game. With Thompson back in the lineup, Tari Eason would likely move back to the bench.
2 hours ago
Cason Wallace Considered Questionable Against Hornets
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (shoulder) draws a questionable tag for Friday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. He's dealing with a shoulder strain that could force him to miss a second consecutive game. Since Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be back for this game, the Thunder could decide to play it safe given their opponent. If Wallace doesn't suit up, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins are likely available in most fantasy leagues and have produced solid numbers for streaming options. On Wednesday night, Joe posted 21 points, five assists, and three rebounds while Wiggins contributed 26 points, six assists, and four rebounds.
3 hours ago
Luguentz Dort Sidelined On Friday
Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Luguentz Dort (hip) has been ruled out of Friday's matchup with the Charlotte Hornets due to a hip impingement. This will be the third consecutive missed game for Dort, but the Thunder have already clinched their division and hold a 12.5-game lead for the first seed, so they'll likely be cautious leading into the playoffs. If Cason Wallace (questionable - shoulder) doesn't play, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins should remain in the starting five. In their last game, Joe posted 21 points, five assists, and three rebounds while Wiggins collected 26 points, six assists, and four rebounds.
3 hours ago
Stephen Curry Set To Miss Start Of Warriors' Road Trip
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (pelvis) will miss the start of the team's six-game road trip, which starts on Saturday against the Atlanta Hawks. ESPN's Shams Charania reports that Curry's MRI confirmed a contusion in his pelvic area with no structural damage. This comes as great news since Curry would have missed significantly less time if it were the other way around. Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody will see a bump in usage, while one of Jonathan Kuminga and Gary Payton II (knee) could move into the starting five. Podziemski and Moody present the most consistent streaming options, as they've registered a 17.7% and 17.6% usage rate, respectively.
3 hours ago
Jaylen Brown Ruled Out Against Utah
Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown (knee) won't suit up for Friday's clash with the Utah Jazz. The 28-year-old has been on-and-off the injury report of late because of a knee injury. He was last on the court for Saturday's win over the Nets. However, Brown wasn't available when both clubs met again on Tuesday night. Al Horford moved into the starting lineup. Yet, it was Baylor Scheierman who stole the show, with the rookie finishing with 20 points while shooting 6-for-7 from behind the arc. Scheierman should remain in the rotation, although fantasy managers shouldn't expect a duplicate showing. Instead, Payton Pritchard should benefit the most in the scoring department behind Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, and Kristaps Porzingis.
19 hours ago
Ja Morant Continues To Sit Out
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (hamstring) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Morant will miss his fourth game in a row due to a lingering left hamstring issue. The Grizzlies haven't given a good timetable for Morant, but his next chance to play will come on Tuesday. In the meantime, Luke Kennard should remain in the starting five on Friday. Kennard has been offering low-end streaming value, but Desmond Bane and Scotty Pippen Jr. are the better fantasy options right now.
20 hours ago
Darius Garland Set To Return On Friday
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (rest) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Friday's game against the Phoenix Suns. Garland will be back in action after sitting out of Wednesday's contest for rest purposes. It's that time of the season where the top tier teams will likely rest their starters to keep them fresh for the postseason. The expectation is that Garland will have his normal role in the rotation on Friday. That being said, Dean Wade and Ty Jerome will probably take a step back which should hurt their streaming appeal.
20 hours ago
Gary Payton II Downgraded To Out
Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Thursday's game against the Toronto Raptors. Payton is dealing with left knee soreness and it appears to be significant enough to hold him out of this contest. Normally, the absence of Payton wouldn't mean too much, but the 32-year-old has been playing 20 minutes or more in six of his last seven games. The expectation is that Brandin Podziemski and Buddy Hield will absorb the extra minutes. Both are worth a look as streaming options, but Podziemski is probably the choice between the two.
20 hours ago
Jake LaRavia Cleared For Thursday
Sacramento Kings forward Jake LaRavia (illness) is available to play ahead of Thursday's game against the Chicago Bulls. LaRavia is back in action after sitting out of Wednesday's game due to an illness. LaRavia has been playing a bigger role lately with 21 minutes or more in six of his last seven games. Despite that, LaRavia has only scored double digits in three of those contests. He'll be a low-end streaming option for Thursday's slate.
20 hours ago
Zach LaVine Returning On Thursday
Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine (personal) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Thursday's game against the Chicago Bulls. LaVine will be back in action on Thursday after sitting out of Wednesday's contest due to personal reasons. The expectation is that LaVine will have his normal role against his former team. His have dipped a bit lately, but possibly a revenge game against the Bulls will help LaVine get back on track. Fantasy managers can go ahead and get LaVine active in their lineups on Thursday.
20 hours ago
Patrick Williams Available On Thursday
Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams (quad) is available to play ahead of Thursday's game against the Sacramento Kings. As expected, Williams has been cleared to play after being listed as probable on the injury report. Williams hasn't seen too significant of a role since returning from his nine-game absence. He played 17 minutes on Wednesday and finished with five points and two rebounds. The 23-year-old doesn't appear to be offering much fantasy value down the stretch of the season.
20 hours ago
Josh Giddey Ruled Out On Thursday
Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Thursday's game against the Sacramento Kings. The Bulls have decided to take the cautious approach and hold Giddey out during the second leg of this back-to-back set. Giddey returned from a three-game absence on Wednesday and finished with 22 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists across 30 minutes of action. His absence from the lineup should give Tre Jones more streaming appeal on Thursday. He has been a strong fantasy option lately and is certainly someone worth snagging in most formats right now.
20 hours ago
Jalen Brunson Sheds Walking Boot
According to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post, Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (ankle) is no longer in a walking boot. He was also spotted doing some "light shooting." The 28-year-old sprained his right ankle in a meeting with the Lakers on March 6. As a result, it was announced Brunson would miss at least a few weeks. Fortunately, it seems he's moving in the right direction. Still, the Knicks are looking for a championship, so the team won't put him back on the court until he's fully-healthy. While Brunson is on the shelf, Miles McBride, averaging 14.6 points, 4.7 assists, 3.1 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 43.1% shooting from deep in seven starts this season, should continue to roll with the first five. Precious Achiuwa, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart should also see a bump in scoring behind Karl-Anthony Towns.
21 hours ago
Cole Anthony Questionable For Friday Night
Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony (toe) is questionable for Friday's matchup with the Wizards. He has been battling a sprained toe, most recently keeping him off the floor for Wednesday's loss to the Houston Rockets. Cory Joseph got the start in that one, finishing with 13 points. If Anthony remains sidelined on Friday night, Joseph will likely continue to handle things at the one spot. But as long as Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are on the floor, Joseph isn't the safest option for fantasy managers.
22 hours ago
Nikola Jokić
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Nuggets
