NBA News

Kawhi Leonard • SF • Clippers

Kawhi Leonard Exits Early Friday Night

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (ankle) will not return to Friday's game against the Lakers after leaving in the fourth quarter due to left ankle soreness. Before exiting, he delivered 31 points on 11-of-19 shooting with four threes and five assists in 31 minutes. If he misses additional time, Bennedict Mathurin becomes the primary scoring option after posting 26 points and seven rebounds in 32 minutes off the bench. Kris Dunn added eight assists in 35 minutes and would handle more playmaking, while Derrick Jones Jr. could see elevated usage. Leonard's status warrants close monitoring.

5 hours ago

Devin Booker • SG • Suns

Devin Booker Sidelined vs. Orlando

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (hip) has been ruled out for Saturday's matchup against Orlando after aggravating a right hip strain. His absence again funnels usage to Jalen Green and Collin Gillespie. In the last game, Green posted 26 points with four threes and three steals in 26 minutes, while Gillespie handed out eight assists across 30 minutes. Jordan Goodwin added 10 points in 27 minutes. Green profiles as a potential long-term hold if he stays healthy. Gillespie offers assists value in deeper formats.

5 hours ago

Joel Embiid • C • 76ers

Joel Embiid Out Saturday vs. Pelicans

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) will not play Saturday in New Orleans, marking his fourth straight absence. With the All-Star big man sidelined, Tyrese Maxey remains the primary usage driver, while the frontcourt minutes continue to split between Andre Drummond and Adem Bona. In the last game, Drummond logged 28 minutes and posted 10 points, 14 rebounds, and three assists, while Bona added 9 points and seven rebounds in 20 minutes. Both remain volatile options, though Drummond profiles as the stronger rebound streamer. Embiid's absence boosts Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr. in scoring formats.

5 hours ago

Austin Reaves • SG • Lakers

Austin Reaves Back in Starting Five

Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward Austin Reaves (calf) will start Friday against the Clippers after working his way back from a strained right calf that sidelined him for 19 games. The 27-year-old has appeared in five of the last six contests and is averaging 20.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.0 steal, and 1.6 threes in 25.4 minutes over his last five outings. With the Lakers at full strength alongside Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Deandre Ayton, Reaves profiles as a strong hold in standard formats, though usage may fluctuate in a balanced offense. Marcus Smart shifts back to a secondary role.

18 hours ago

Matisse Thybulle • SG • Trail Blazers |

Kris Murray • PF • Trail Blazers

Kris Murray, Matisse Thybulle Suit Up Friday

Portland Trail Blazers forwards Kris Murray (back) and Matisse Thybulle (knee) are available for Friday's matchup against Denver. Murray returns from a prolonged absence due to a lumbar strain and has averaged 6.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.2 steals in 25.7 minutes across 34 games this season, though a full workload is unlikely with the rotation near full strength. Thybulle, who has logged 12.2 minutes over four outings, is averaging 5.0 points and 2.5 steals, giving him deep-league appeal as a defensive streamer. Vit Krejci could see a slight minute reduction.

18 hours ago

Scoot Henderson • PG • Trail Blazers

Scoot Henderson No Longer Limited

Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson (hamstring) will no longer face a minutes restriction after returning from a torn left hamstring. The third-year guard has averaged 20.0 minutes, 14.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.8 threes on 51.7 percent shooting across four appearances, though 4.5 turnovers per game remain a concern. An expanded workload should push him into standard-league relevance as a points and assists source. Jrue Holiday and Deni Avdija may see slight usage dips, while Shaedon Sharpe's (calf) role could fluctuate once healthy. Henderson profiles as a viable add with upside.

19 hours ago

Jamal Murray • PG • Nuggets |

Jalen Pickett • SG • Nuggets

Jamal Murray, Jalen Pickett Available Friday vs. Portland

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (hamstring) and guard Jalen Pickett (knee) are available for Friday's game against Portland. Murray was initially listed with right hamstring tightness on the second night of a back-to-back but will handle his usual workload. Over his last 10 games, he has produced 24.2 points, 8.8 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.2 threes in 36.3 minutes, reinforcing his must-start status in all formats. His return keeps Christian Braun and Cameron Johnson in complementary roles alongside Nikola Jokic. Pickett is available despite the knee soreness, though his 15 minutes per game keep him off the radar outside of deeper formats.

19 hours ago

LeBron James • SF • Lakers

LeBron James Upgraded to Available Friday vs. Clippers

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (knee) will play Friday against the Clippers after being added to the injury report earlier in the day. The 41-year-old remains a high-end fantasy anchor, producing 21.8 points, 10.5 assists, and 6.8 rebounds across 35.8 minutes per game in his last four outings, with one triple-double and three double-doubles in that span. With Luka Doncic and Deandre Ayton also active, usage should remain balanced, but James' 28.5 percent role keeps him locked into elite territory. Austin Reaves can settle back into his usual secondary playmaking role, while Rui Hachimura's upside remains limited with the starters healthy.

19 hours ago

Max Christie • SG • Mavericks

Max Christie is Downgraded to Out

Dallas Mavericks guard Max Christie (ankle) has been downgraded to out ahead of Friday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was initially listed as questionable, but will ultimately take a seat due to a lingering ankle injury. The expectation is that his playing time will be split up between Klay Thompson and Tyus Jones during Friday's game. Neither guard has been a consistent contributor lately, but Thompson has the higher update between the two of them. Fantasy managers should adjust their lineups ahead of tip-off.

21 hours ago

Evan Mobley • PF • Cavaliers

Evan Mobley is Unavailable for Friday's Game

Cleveland Cavaliers forward/center Evan Mobley (calf) is ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. Mobley made his return to the court on Thursday after missing seven games due to a calf strain. The Cavs have decided to take the cautious approach and rest Mobley in the second leg of the back-to-back set. The absence of Mobley will likely free up playing time for multiple players in the rotation. Jaylon Tyson, Dean Wade, and Sam Merrill figure to all see increased run on Friday. Among the three players, Tyson is the best streaming choice for Friday's slate.

21 hours ago

Tyler Herro • SG • Heat

Tyler Herro to Make his Return on Friday

Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (ribs) is available to play ahead of Friday's game against the Atlanta Hawks. As expected, Herro will suit up after missing the last 15 games due to a right rib injury. He hasn't suited up for a game since mid-January, so fantasy managers should expect Herro to have a minutes limit. There is no word on how many minutes he'll play, so DFS players should be cautious. Fantasy managers in season-long formats can go ahead and get Herro active on Friday. It'll be interesting to see if he plays during the second leg of the back-to-back set on Saturday. For now, Herro is safe for Friday's slate, but fantasy managers should check back on Saturday for another update.

22 hours ago

Norman Powell • SG • Heat

Norman Powell is Cleared to Play on Friday

Miami Heat guard/forward Norman Powell (back) is available to play ahead of Friday's game against the Atlanta Hawks. Powell missed the final two games before the All-Star break. He has received plenty of rest and is ready to go for the first game out of the break. There is no word on Powell being limited, so fantasy managers should expect him to have his full workload. Powell is averaging 23.0 points, 2.6 assists, and 3.6 rebounds in 30.6 minutes per game this season. Fantasy managers should make sure to double-check their lineups and get Powell active.

22 hours ago

Nicolas Claxton • C • Nets

Nicolas Claxton to Remain Out on Friday

Brooklyn Nets center Nicolas Claxton (ankle) is ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Claxton will miss both games in the back-to-back set, and this marks his third absence in a row. The Nets haven't given a timetable for his return, but his next chance to play will come Sunday against the Atlanta Hawks. Day'Ron Sharpe should continue seeing an increased role in the rotation while Claxton is out. Sharpe has been inconsistent at times, but is a more appealing streaming option with Claxton unavailable.

22 hours ago

Kyshawn George • SF • Wizards

Kyshawn George Won't Play on Friday

Washington Wizards forward Kyshawn George (toe) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Indiana Pacers. George suited up for Thursday's contest, but he appears to have suffered a toe sprain in the process. He finished with six points, three rebounds, and one assist in 19 minutes during Thursday's win. The Wizards have decided to play it safe during the second leg of the back-to-back set and hold out George on Friday. His absence should mean increased playing time for Justin Champagnie and Will Riley. Between the two, Champagnie is the better streaming option for Friday's slate.

22 hours ago

Andrew Nembhard • PG • Pacers

Andrew Nembhard is Ruled Out on Friday

Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (back) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Washington Wizards. Nembhard will officially miss the second leg of this back-to-back set due to a back issue. He finished with five points, four assists, and had six turnovers across 22 minutes on Thursday. His minutes will likely be split up between T.J. McConnell and Kam Jones. His next chance to play will come on Sunday versus the Dallas Mavericks. McConnell is the better streaming option between the two guards with Jones sidelined.

22 hours ago

T.J. McConnell • PG • Pacers

T.J. McConnell is Available on Friday

Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (hamstring) is available to play ahead of Friday's game against the Washington Wizards. McConnell is back in the mix after sitting out Thursday's game due to a lingering hamstring injury. The veteran guard could be asked to play a larger role on Friday with Andrew Nembhard (back) listed as doubtful. Normally, McConnell only plays minutes in the teens, but he'd be a more attractive streaming option if Nembhard is unable to play. Fantasy managers should check back for an update on Nembhard ahead of tip-off.

22 hours ago

Lauri Markkanen • PF • Jazz

Lauri Markkanen Won't Suit up on Friday

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (illness) is ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Markkanen has gone from questionable to being completely ruled out due to an illness. The Jazz are tanking, so it's not shocking to see them sit Markkanen even for something that's probably minor. When healthy, Markkanen has been solid, averaging 26.7 points, 2.1 assists, and 7.0 rebounds across 34.4 minutes per game. His absence should mean an increased workload for Brice Sensabaugh in the rotation. Sensabaugh is coming off a 28-point performance before the All-Star break. His fantasy value will likely rise in the second half with the Jazz resting their veterans more frequently.

22 hours ago

Pascal Siakam • PF • Pacers

Pascal Siakam Remains Out for Personal Reasons

Indiana Pacers forward/center Pascal Siakam (personal) will miss Friday's rematch with Washington after sitting out Thursday's contest as well. His next opportunity to return comes Sunday against Dallas. With Siakam sidelined and Aaron Nesmith (ankle) also out, Indiana has leaned heavily on Jarace Walker, who logged 30 minutes and delivered 19 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and one 3-pointer in the first meeting with Washington. Micah Potter added 14 points and six rebounds in 27 minutes. Walker is a must-stream in all formats, while Potter profiles as a viable deep-league add until Siakam returns.

Yesterday

Ty Jerome • PG • Grizzlies |

Scotty Pippen Jr. • PG • Grizzlies

Ty Jerome, Scotty Pippen Jr. Ruled Out Friday vs. Utah

Memphis Grizzlies guards Ty Jerome (calf) and Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe) have been ruled out for Friday's matchup against Utah. Expect Cam Spencer, Javon Small, and Jahmai Mashack to pick up the slack in the backcourt while the usual ball handlers sit. Spencer logged 22 minutes with nine assists and one steal in a Feb. 11 loss to Denver, while Mashack posted nine points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block in 22 minutes. Small last played Feb. 9, recording eight points, two 3-pointers, and two steals in 21 minutes. Spencer profiles as the safest deep-league assist streamer, while Mashack offers multi-category upside in expanded run.

Yesterday

Luka Dončić • PG • Lakers

Luka Doncic Expected to Play Friday

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (hamstring) is not listed on the injury report for Friday's game against the Clippers after missing four contests before the All-Star break. He saw limited action during All-Star weekend and could have his workload managed in his first Lakers appearance since Feb. 5. In his last five games, Doncic averaged 26.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 3.6 3-pointers in 28.4 minutes, carrying a 37.6 percent usage rate. He remains a must-start in all formats, though managers should monitor minutes. Austin Reaves and LeBron James may see slightly reduced on-ball volume with Doncic back.

Yesterday

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