NBA News

Naji Marshall • SF • Mavericks

Naji Marshall Cleared to Play Friday

Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Naji Marshall (foot) will be available for Friday's game against Cleveland after playing through recent soreness. The 28-year-old has carved out a steady role this month, averaging 9.2 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.6 rebounds in 25.0 minutes across his last five appearances. With P.J. Washington (ankle) sidelined and Daniel Gafford resting, Marshall should see more frontcourt involvement and could take on a slightly larger offensive role alongside Khris Middleton, who should help shoulder more of the scoring. Marshall, Middleton, and Marvin Bagley III all profile as viable streaming options in deeper formats.

4 hours ago

Karl-Anthony Towns • PF • Knicks

Karl-Anthony Towns is Ruled Out on Friday

New York Knicks center Karl Anthony-Towns (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Indiana Pacers. He was initially listed as questionable on the injury report, but will ultimately sit out due to knee soreness. His next chance to play will come on Sunday against the Golden State Warriors. In his absence, Mitchell Robinson is expected to move into the starting center spot. Robinson should be a strong streaming option while Anthony-Towns is out. Ariel Hukporti could also see more involvement, but Robinson is the best streaming choice here.

4 hours ago

P.J. Washington • PF • Mavericks

P.J. Washington Out Friday Against Cleveland

Dallas Mavericks forward/center P.J. Washington (ankle) will miss Friday's game against Cleveland after being listed as doubtful following Thursday's win over Memphis, where he finished with 12 points, 10 rebounds, one assist, and one block in 28 minutes. His absence should push Khris Middleton into a larger role after the veteran erupted for 35 points with eight three-pointers, two rebounds, one assist, and two steals in 25 minutes off the bench last game. Middleton profiles as a strong scoring and three-point streaming option, while Marvin Bagley III and Caleb Martin (finger) could also see modest workload bumps.

5 hours ago

Daniel Gafford • C • Mavericks

Daniel Gafford Resting Friday Against Cavaliers

Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (rest) will sit out Friday's matchup against Cleveland as part of a maintenance plan during a back-to-back. His absence should create a short-term streaming opportunity for Marvin Bagley III, who posted six points, nine rebounds, and two blocks in 19 minutes off the bench in his last outing and could see a larger role. Dwight Powell may also pick up situational minutes. With P.J. Washington (ankle) still sidelined, Bagley profiles as a viable deep-league rebounds-and-blocks streamer.

5 hours ago

Bez Mbeng • PG • Jazz

Bez Mbeng Signs 10-Day Contract With Utah

According to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, guard Bez Mbeng has agreed to a 10-day contract with the Utah Jazz. The undrafted rookie spent this season in the G League, averaging 6.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.8 steals in 27.5 minutes per game across 41 appearances. With Keyonte George (hamstring) dealing with an injury, Mbeng could see reserve guard minutes, though his fantasy appeal is limited to very deep formats. Isaiah Collier and Brice Sensabaugh should continue handling most backcourt usage, leaving Mbeng as more of a watch-list name than an immediate pickup.

15 hours ago

Maxi Kleber • C • Lakers

Maxi Kleber Likely Out Longer with Back Injury

Los Angeles Lakers forward/center Maxi Kleber (back) is expected to remain sidelined as he continues recovering from a lumbar issue, extending a recent stretch of missed games. Kleber has logged limited minutes when available this season, leaving little direct fantasy fallout from his absence. Jarred Vanderbilt should continue handling the backup frontcourt role, while Drew Timme could mix in for spot minutes when the Lakers go deeper into the rotation. Deandre Ayton's role remains unchanged as the starting center. Given Kleber's minimal workload, he can remain on waiver wires in most formats, with Vanderbilt only holding deep-league streaming appeal for rebounds and defensive stats.

15 hours ago

John Konchar • SG • Jazz

John Konchar to Miss Second Straight Game

Utah Jazz guard/forward John Konchar (calf) will sit out Friday's game against Portland, marking his second straight absence as he continues to deal with a left calf strain. His role has been modest, but the missed time helps solidify minutes for Utah's younger wings. Brice Sensabaugh capitalized on the last game with 29 points, six three-pointers, five rebounds, and five assists in 30 minutes, while rookie Ace Bailey added 21 points and five three-pointers in 36 minutes. Both should remain fantasy-relevant even when Konchar is active, given Utah's thin rotation, though his absence does open the door for slightly larger roles and more secure minutes.

15 hours ago

Lauri Markkanen • PF • Jazz

Lauri Markkanen Not Playing Friday Against Portland

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (hip) will remain sidelined for Friday's matchup against Portland as he continues working through a lingering issue with no clear return date. His continued absence keeps Utah's younger frontcourt firmly in play for fantasy managers. Rookie Ace Bailey turned in 21 points with five three-pointers, four rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 36 minutes last game, while Cody Williams logged 10 points and five assists in a team-high 38 minutes. Kyle Filipowski added 15 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and one block. All three remain viable streamers while Markkanen stays out.

15 hours ago

Ousmane Dieng • SF • Bucks

Ousmane Dieng Cut Short by Illness Thursday

Milwaukee Bucks forward/center Ousmane Dieng (illness) did not return to Thursday's loss to Miami after logging 14 minutes, finishing without a point while missing two shots as the team opted for caution. The absence appears temporary, but his recent stretch of 10.4 points, 2.0 three-pointers, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.0 assists across his previous five games had made him a viable deep-league streamer. Ryan Rollins could remain the primary beneficiary after producing 16 points, two three-pointers, five rebounds, and 10 assists in 33 minutes. Kyle Kuzma and Bobby Portis may also see slight usage bumps if Dieng misses additional time.

15 hours ago

Jonathan Isaac • PF • Magic

Jonathan Isaac Exits Early with Knee Issue

Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (knee) is expected to miss time after suffering a knee sprain Thursday, though his absence carries minimal fantasy impact given his limited role and workload this season. Isaac logged in just one minute before exiting and has averaged modest minutes when active, leaving little statistical void. Deep reserves Noah Penda and Goga Bitadze could see slight bumps in emergency minutes, with Penda posting four points, three rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 14 minutes last game. Bitadze remains a fringe option. Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr. should continue handling most frontcourt usage.

16 hours ago

Scotty Pippen Jr. • PG • Grizzlies

Scotty Pippen Jr. to Undergo Season-Ending Toe Surgery

Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe) will miss the rest of the season after opting for surgery to address a lingering big toe issue that already sidelined him in recent games. The 25-year-old appeared in just 10 contests, averaging 11.4 points, 2.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.9 steals in 21.2 minutes. His absence should open more opportunities for Javon Small, who posted 19 points and nine assists in 28 minutes last game, though his fantasy appeal depends on the health of Ty Jerome (calf), Walter Clayton Jr. (ankle), and Cam Spencer (back). Small profiles as a speculative add in deeper formats.

16 hours ago

Keyonte George • SG • Jazz

Keyonte George to Be Re-Evaluated in Two Weeks

Utah Jazz point guard Keyonte George (hamstring) will be re-evaluated in two weeks, ESPN's Tim Bontemps reports. The talented guard was injured in Wednesday's loss to the New York Knicks and has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 right hamstring strain. George looks set to miss at least seven games, but considering the Jazz's approach to the season, it wouldn't be surprising if he were shut down for the rest of the campaign. Isaiah Collier will move into the starting point guard spot and is expected to make a big impact. Across his previous 16 starts this season, Collier has produced 15.3 points, 8.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.

Yesterday

Isaac Okoro • SF • Bulls

Isaac Okoro Remains Out Thursday

Chicago Bulls forward Isaac Okoro (knee) will miss a second consecutive game on Thursday against the Los Angeles Lakers. The 25-year-old was initially listed as questionable on the injury report. With Okoro unable to return to the lineup, Leonard Miller will make another start. He had a good outing with 17 points and 11 rebounds on Tuesday night against Golden State. Okoro will get his next chance to return on Friday night against the Clippers.

Yesterday

Ayo Dosunmu • PG • Timberwolves

Ayo Dosunmu Could Miss Second Straight Game Friday

Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward Ayo Dosunmu (thumb) is considered questionable for Friday night's action against the Golden State Warriors. The former Bull is listed on the injury report with a right thumb sprain and could be absent for a second consecutive contest. Since moving to Minnesota, Dosunmu has averaged 11.0 points and 2.5 assists in 25.3 minutes per game. Kyle Anderson and Terrence Shannon Jr. saw their workload increase when Dosunmu sat out Wednesday's loss to the Clippers. Despite receiving more minutes, the duo failed to make a significant impact, making them poor fantasy options at present.

Yesterday

Patrick Williams • PF • Bulls

Patrick Williams Ruled Out Thursday

Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams (ankle) has been downgraded from doubtful to out for Thursday's contest against the Los Angeles Lakers. Williams was trending in the wrong direction throughout the day, having been listed as questionable on the initial injury report. The 24-year-old hasn't been able to build any momentum this season and will be sidelined for the sixth time in seven games. Chicago begins a back-to-back set, and it's unclear whether Williams will be in contention to play on Friday against the Clippers.

Yesterday

LeBron James • SF • Lakers

LeBron James Returns to Action Thursday

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (foot, hip) will return to action on Thursday night against the Chicago Bulls, ESPN's Dave McMenamin reports. The veteran superstar has dealt with several health issues recently, missing three games. Rui Hachimura has been a starter during James' absence and will likely drop back to the bench for Thursday's tilt. James had a 24-point outing in his first meeting with the Bulls this season. He has averaged 19.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 1.1 steals since making his 22nd All-Star appearance.

Yesterday

Guerschon Yabusele • PF • Bulls

Guerschon Yabusele Unavailable Thursday Night

Chicago Bulls forward/center Guerschon Yabusele (foot) will miss Thursday's encounter with the Los Angeles Lakers. He has been ruled out for the contest after being downgraded to doubtful on the injury report earlier on Thursday. Meanwhile, Jalen Smith (calf) has been cleared to play and will anchor the frontcourt with Nick Richards. Bulls head coach Billy Donovan has already announced that Smith is likely to be held out of Friday's matchup with the Clippers, which would allow Yabusele to take on a significant role again if he's ready to return.

Yesterday

Matas Buzelis • SF • Bulls

Matas Buzelis Will Play Against Lakers

Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (ankle) will suit up on Thursday against the Los Angeles Lakers. Due to an ankle injury, Buzelis was initially listed as probable for the game. The 21-year-old sophomore is fresh off a career night against the Warriors and should be full of confidence ahead of Thursday's matchup. Since the All-Star break, Buzelis has produced averages of 19.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game.

Yesterday

Josh Giddey • SG • Bulls

Josh Giddey Cleared to Face Lakers

Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (ankle) has received the green light to play on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Lakers. He was listed as probable on the initial injury report. Despite dealing with a right ankle sprain, Giddey logged 43 minutes in Tuesday's overtime against Golden State, so he doesn't appear to be limited in any way. Giddey produced a 21-13-17 line against the Warriors and will head out for his third consecutive triple-double on Thursday.

Yesterday

Jalen Smith • PF • Bulls

Jalen Smith Cleared to Play Thursday

Chicago Bulls forward/center Jalen Smith (calf) has been upgraded from questionable to available for Thursday's matchup against the Lakers. Smith recently logged 12 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, one block, and two 3-pointers in 34 minutes as a starter and should continue seeing meaningful frontcourt minutes if his workload remains intact. His availability could cut into Nick Richards' playing time, lowering Richards' short-term streaming appeal. Smith's mix of boards, blocks, and some floor spacing keeps him on the radar as a deeper league hold, especially if he continues to see stable playing time.

Yesterday

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