NBA News

Brooklyn Nets guard D'Angelo Russell (ankle) won't play on Saturday against Washington. The veteran had only five points in 18 minutes in Friday's loss to the Clippers. With that in mind, the Nets can't earn a Play-In berth, so Russell along with Nicolas Claxton (rest), who also suit up, and Cameron Johnson could see less work for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign. As a result, Keon Johnson should handle things at the one, with Reece Beekman also in line for more work.

Brooklyn Nets center Nicolas Claxton (rest) won't play in Saturday's game against Washington. He logged only 19 minutes in Friday's loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, finishing with six points, five rebounds, and two blocks. But with the Nets unable to earn a Play-In berth, Claxton could see less work for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign. Day'Ron Sharpe (knee) is also out, meaning Trendon Watford could find himself in the middle on Saturday night. Drew Timme, who had a double-double in the first appearance of his career on Friday night, should also see some action.

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (hamstring) remains questionable heading into Saturday's matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers after missing the last six games because of a hamstring strain. However, on a wider scale, with the team relieving Taylor Jenkins of his head coaching duties, there are now questions about Morant's future with the organization, specifically, whether he wants to remain in Memphis. The front office has made it known in the past that the multi-time All-Star isn't on the block. But even if Morant wanted to be moved this offseason, "at least two league executives" have questioned his value from rival clubs around the National Basketball Association. Without question, the 25-year-old has MVP potential. Unfortunately, he's had trouble staying on the floor throughout his career due to injuries and off-the-court incidents. His production has also dipped this season, averaging 22.3 points, his lowest since the 2020-21 campaign. While the new offense that was installed is a big reason why Morant has suffered on the scoring end, his inability to stay healthy has also severely compromised his worth for fantasy managers.

Miami Heat guard/forward Duncan Robinson (back) will miss a third consecutive game on Saturday against the Philadelphia 76ers. The veteran sharpshooter has been dealing with a back issue recently and has not joined the team for the first stop on a three-game road trip. With Andrew Wiggins (hamstring) also not playing on Saturday, Miami will hope to receive more production from the likes of Kyle Anderson, Haywood Highsmith, and Jaime Jaquez Jr.

Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins (hamstring) has been ruled out for Saturday's matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers. Wiggins has struggled in recent games and is now sidelined due to a right hamstring injury. Jaime Jaquez Jr. may re-enter the rotation due to Wiggins' absence, although Kyle Anderson and Pelle Larsson are also candidates for increased playing time, especially with Duncan Robinson (back) remaining unavailable. The team might also be without Alec Burks (back), who is considered questionable for the game.

Orlando Magic point guard Cole Anthony (toe) is listed as doubtful for Saturday's game against the Sacramento Kings. It looks like he will be out for a sixth consecutive game due to a left big toe sprain. Cory Joseph will likely continue to start in his place, although Anthony Black has offered more production from a fantasy perspective. Over the last five games, Black has posted 14.2 points per game with 4.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.4 blocks.

Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (illness) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Denver Nuggets. The team has downgraded his status from questionable to out. This is another boost for Kyle Filipowski, who has already had a larger role in the rotation due to the absences of John Collins (ankle) and Lauri Markkanen (conditioning). Filipowski put together a full line in Thursday's defeat to the Houston Rockets, finishing with 16 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and two steals. With Kessler out, we may also see more of Brice Sensabaugh and Kenyon Martin Jr. in Friday's game.

Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (hip) has been listed as questionable for Saturday's matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. A hip problem may keep Pritchard sidelined for only the second time this season. The 27-year-old has been among the league's top bench performers, averaging 14.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. If Pritchard is out on Saturday, Sam Hauser may have a more active role in the second unit against the Spurs, alongside Al Horford, who is set to land back on the bench with Jayson Tatum's (ankle) return.

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (ankle) appears ready to return to action on Saturday against the San Antonio Spurs, as the team has not listed him on the injury report. Tatum missed Wednesday's meeting with the Phoenix Suns due to an ankle injury. However, he is expected to be back on the floor against San Antonio. Al Horford, who bagged a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double on Wednesday, will return to the bench with Tatum back. Tatum went off for 34 points in this season's first clash against the Spurs, adding 14 rebounds and seven assists to his tally.

Philadelphia 76ers point guard Tyrese Maxey (finger) is set to miss at least two more games. On Friday, 76ers head coach Nick Nurse stated that Maxey would not be available this weekend against the Miami Heat and Toronto Raptors. However, Maxey was a partial participant in Friday's practice, which suggests that he could be ready to rejoin the action soon. Due to a finger sprain, Maxey has been unavailable for 13 games. Jared Butler and Jeff Dowtin Jr. have shared point guard duties during Maxey's absence.

Milwaukee Bucks forward/center Giannis Antetokounmpo (foot) will suit up for Friday's contest against the New York Knicks. The former MVP has battled a foot sprain lately and missed Wednesday's matchup against the Denver Nuggets. He was also at risk of missing Friday's game, but the team has upgraded Antetokounmpo's status from questionable to available. With Damian Lillard (calf) unavailable, the Bucks are heavily relying on Antetokounmpo, whose numbers have dropped this month. He has averaged 27.9 points and 11.5 rebounds in March.

According to Danny Emerman of The San Jose Mercury News, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said that guard Stephen Curry (pelvis) is expected to play against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday. The veteran has missed the last two games after suffering a pelvic contusion in a recent win over the Toronto Raptors. Curry has appeared in 10 games during March while posting averages of 25.0 points, 6.1 assists, 4.1 three-pointers, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.1 steals across 32.8 minutes per game. For fantasy managers, the superstar guard is a must-start anytime he is available to suit up.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (ankle) is listed as questionable for Saturday's contest against the Memphis Grizzlies due to a right ankle sprain. Reaves has played in four consecutive contests despite the lingering ankle injury. Across 65 appearances this season, the 26-year-old is averaging 19.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.9 assists in 34.7 minutes per game. Should Reaves miss Saturday, 23-year-old rookie Dalton Knecht could see an uptick in minutes and scoring opportunities during the game.

Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (knee) isn't listed on the injury report for Saturday's matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies. Hachimura sat out the second leg of the Lakers back-to-back on Thursday against the Bulls, but it appears he will be good to go against the Grizzlies. The 27-year-old averaged 8.0 points and 3.0 rebounds in 23.3 minutes during his last three games. He was out of action for 12 consecutive contests due to a left knee injury and is building up his conditioning for heavier workloads down the stretch.

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (hamstring) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Lakers after missing the last six games due to a hamstring strain. The Grizzlies are comfortably sitting in the playoff picture. Yet, it didn't stop the team from firing head coach Taylor Jenkins on Friday. With that said, if Morant can't play, Scotty Pippen Jr., averaging 14.2 points, 5.8 assists, and 1.7 steals in 20 starts this season, could find himself back in the starting lineup, with Desmond Bane, Santi Aldama, and Jaren Jackson Jr. in line to see more scoring opportunities.

Brooklyn Nets forward Noah Clowney (illness) won't play on Friday against the Clippers. The 20-year-old has shown some growth in his second season in the National Basketball Association, averaging 9.0 points and 3.9 rebounds. Still, he hasn't been a consistent fantasy contributor, most recently amassing five points off 1-for-9 shooting in Wednesday's loss to the Toronto Raptors. Without Clowney available, Trendon Watford (illness), who is cleared to suit up, will likely see a few extra minutes.

Brooklyn Nets forward Ziaire Williams (illness) will suit up on Friday versus the Clippers. Williams is coming off a rough outing, scoring 13 points while shooting 4-for-14 from the field and 2-for-9 from downtown. He popped up on the injury report because of an illness. Fortunately, Brooklyn will have him in the lineup. With Cam Thomas (hamstring) done for the year, Williams has stepped things up offensively. Yet, with D'Angelo Russell and Cameron Johnson available, Williams isn't a lock to do anything meaningful for fantasy managers.

James Ham of ESPN 1320 Sacramento reports that Sacramento Kings forward Jake LaRavia (thumb) was diagnosed with a bone contusion in his left thumb Friday and will be re-evaluated in seven to 10 days. The 23-year-old will now likely miss the next four Kings contests. He could potentially return on April 6 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. While LaRavia is out of action, veteran forward Doug McDermott and Trey Lyles will likely be in line for expanded roles and extra minutes on the floor.

Brooklyn Nets forward Trendon Watford (illness) is available on Friday versus the Clippers. He was listed as questionable heading into this one. But the 24-year-old is good to go. Watford had a slow start to the 2023-24 campaign. However, he's carved out a nice role for himself of late, averaging 11.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 11 games in March. With that said, D'Angelo Russell and Cameron Johnson are available, so Watford's fantasy outlook isn't as favorable, although he still warrants some streaming consideration from managers in need of an injury replacement.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (ankle, wrist) will require surgery to address a right ankle impingement and will miss the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign. He will also undergo "a minor procedure on his right wrist." The 2020 No. 3 overall pick played well this season, averaging a career-high 25.2 points with 4.9 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.1 steals. However. Ball will finish the year having logged only 47 games after appearing in 22 contests in 2023-24. Without question, he is an MVP-caliber player when healthy. But, based on Ball's inability to stay healthy, fantasy managers should consider other options heading into next season. In the meantime, KJ Simpson will likely work his way into the starting lineup, with the 22-year-old averaging 12.4 points, 4.8 assists, and 1.4 steals in five starts this season.