2 weeks agoBoston Celtics center
Kristaps Porzingis (leg) has been downgraded from questionable to out on Friday against the Milwaukee Bucks. He's played in four of the team's last five games but Friday's game is the first half of a back-to-back so injury management comes into play. Since Porzingis will be sidelined,
Al Horford (toe) has been made available. Horford remains a good streaming option when any other big men are out as he's averaging 13.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game when he gets 30 or more minutes.
--Alex Fischbein - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
2 weeks agoHouston Rockets guard
Fred VanVleet (knee) is active and starting on Thursday night against the Golden State Warriors. VanVleet is dealing with a right knee contusion but hasn't missed any time because of it. The 30-year-old has averaged 16.1 PPG and 5.9 APG this season, putting up 11 points and five assists in their previous matchup against the Warriors. With Golden State reeling as of late, this could be a solid spot for VanVleet to have a good game. He's a must start in all fantasy formats.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: Lachard Binkley
2 weeks agoGolden State Warriors forward
Andrew Wiggins (ankle) is available to play on Thursday night against the Houston Rockets. Wiggins is dealing with an ankle impingement but hasn't had to miss any time because of it. Without
Stephen Curry in the Warriors lineup, Golden State will need big production out of the 29-year-old to keep pace with Houston. That may be a tough ask against Houston's stellar defense. Wiggins has had success against the Rockets in the past, though, so he may be worth a flyer in DFS leagues. Fantasy managers should ensure Wiggins is in their starting lineups.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: Ohm Youngmisuk
2 weeks agoWashington Wizards guard
Malcolm Brogdon exited Thursday's game against the Dallas Mavericks early with what the team is describing as left hamstring tightness. Brogdon has been ruled out and won't return. The 31-year-old put up 16 points in 25 minutes. He has averaged 13.5 PPG and 4.3 RPG in eight games this season coming into Thursday. Brogdon missed much of October and November while recovering from thumb surgery so this is an unfortunate turn for his season. If he is forced to miss any time, expect Carlton Carrington to get more minutes.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: Washington Wizards
2 weeks agoIndiana Pacers guard
Andrew Nembhard (knee) is listed as questionable for Friday night's game against the Chicago Bulls. Nembhard missed a considerable amount of time due to a knee injury this season and his questionable status is revolved around managing that injury. He sat out Wednesday night's game on the second leg of a back-to-back as part of scheduled rest. The 24-year-old has averaged 7.9 PPG and 4.6 APG this season. His assists match his career marks while he's seeing a drop in his points. His fantasy impact will likely only help those needing help with assists, making him a tough start in most fantasy formats.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
2 weeks agoCleveland Cavaliers forward
Isaac Okoro exited Thursday night's game against the Denver Nuggets early with what the team is calling a left knee contusion. Okoro went 1-2 from three and finished with three points before exiting after playing just 12 minutes.
Dean Wade started the second half ahead of Okoro and should be expected to get more playing time if Okoro is sidelined for any length of time.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: Chris Fedor
2 weeks agoPhiladelphia 76ers center
Adem Bona (knee) has been ruled out for Friday night's game against the Orlando Magic. Bona is dealing with a left knee contusion. The rookie has been getting more minutes as of late with both
Joel Embiid and
Andre Drummond dealing with their own injury issues. Bona hadn't been making much of a fantasy impact, averaging just 3.3 PPG and 3.0 RPG off the bench in the last three games, two without Drummond active. Bona's absence won't have much impact on the Sixers against Orlando. Drummond, who's listed as questionable, will be a solid fantasy option from a rebounding standpoint if he's able to play.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
2 weeks agoBoston Celtics center
Al Horford (toe) is listed as questionable for Friday night's matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. Horford is dealing with a left toe sprain that forced him to miss Monday's game against Miami, though he was able to suit up after in Wednesday's victory over the Detroit Pistons. Given that Horford was able to suit up it points towards a good possibility he suits up on Friday. The 38-year-old has averaged 9.7 PPG and 5.1 RPG, providing iffy fantasy value. He's not a must start on Friday but those in deeper leagues that need rebounding help may want to consider him more than other fantasy managers.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
2 weeks agoMilwaukee Bucks forward
Taurean Prince (quad) is listed as probable for Friday night's matchup against the Boston Celtics. Prince hasn't missed a game all season and logged his normal minutes on Wednesday, when he showed up on the injury report as well, so it doesn't appear that this injury is hampering him much. A bigger concern for fantasy managers, in regards to Prince's performance, is the return of
Khris Middleton on Friday. Prince has brought fantasy value through making threes, hitting them at a league-leading 55.6% clip. However, it's been on generally low volume. If Middleton takes away any chances from three then it could impact Prince's numbers.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
2 weeks agoAtlanta Hawks guard
Trae Young is listed as probable for Friday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers due to right Achilles tendinitis. Despite dealing with the injury, Young is expected to suit up and continue his role as the league's leader in assists, averaging 12 per game. While his scoring has dipped recently, with three straight games under 20 points, he remains a key playmaker for the Hawks. Fantasy managers can feel confident that Young will be available, but should keep an eye on his status leading up to tip-off.
--Dave Goldsholl - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
2 weeks agoLos Angeles Lakers center
Anthony Davis (foot) is listed as probable for Friday night's matchup against the Atlanta Hawks. Davis has been dealing with plantar fasciitis but hasn't missed a game since November 6th. In what's likely to be a fast-paced, high scoring environment in Atlanta fantasy managers should expect Davis to have a big night. He's a must start in all fantasy formats and should be targeted in DFS lineups as well.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
2 weeks agoLos Angeles Lakers forward
LeBron James is listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Atlanta Hawks due to left foot soreness. James is at risk of missing his first game of the season if he is eventually ruled out. If that happens,
Cam Reddish could see increased playing time. James has been putting up impressive numbers this season, averaging 22.3 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 9.0 assists. However, with a recent shooting slump, some may argue that a rest could be beneficial for his long-term performance. Fantasy managers will want to check back Friday for his status before tip-off.
--Dave Goldsholl - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
2 weeks agoBoston Celtics center
Kristaps Porzingis (leg) is listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks due to left posterior tibialis tendon injury management. The Celtics are being cautious with their talented big man, and Porzingis could miss the game as they manage his health. With
Al Horford (toe) also questionable,
Luke Kornet and
Neemias Queta could see increased minutes in the frontcourt. The Celtics' long-term goal is to keep Porzingis healthy as they aim to repeat as champions. Porzingis has played in four games this season, averaging 27.3 minutes, 21.0 points, and 7.8 rebounds per game.
--Dave Goldsholl - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
2 weeks agoMemphis Grizzlies guard
Luke Kennard (illness) is currently listed as questionable ahead of Thursday's game against the Sacramento Kings. Kennard is a late addition to the injury report due to an illness. His absence probably won't have a huge impact on the rotation given Kennard is only averaging 19 minutes per game. If he sits,
Marcus Smart,
Jake LaRavia, and
John Konchar will probably all see additional run. None of them are likely going to gain significant playing time from Kennard's possible absence. Out of everyone, Smart probably has the most fantasy upside out of them all, assuming Kennard is out.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Grizzlies PR
2 weeks agoWashington Wizards forward
Marvin Bagley III will move into the starting five ahead of Thursday's game against the Dallas Mavericks. It looks like the Wizards have decided to shake up their starting five and give Bagley a bigger look. It's worth noting that Bagley has played nine minutes or less in every game this season. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect much from Bagley in this one considering he has barely played.
Jonas Valanciunas will come off the bench, but is the much better streaming option between the two ahead of this game.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Washington Wizards
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