Udoka: Smart (forearm) likely to play Friday

Brown is back after sitting out Friday’s win over the Knicks, but the 76ers are giving LeBron James and Joel Embiid the night off. As a result, Wade remains a starter, and Bona starts at center.

Back on the court after missing Wednesday’s loss to the Spurs with a right wrist injury, Markkanen played 29 minutes on Saturday before fouling out. Given the injury he was returning from, it wasn’t too surprising to see Markkanen shoot 2-of-11 from beyond the arc. Utah plays four games next week, starting with the Spurs on Monday. Hopefully, Markkanen is sharper than he was against Portland.

The 22 points are the most Lillard has scored in a game since Portland’s opener against the Suns, when he tallied 25. He didn’t shoot particularly well, but Dame led the Trail Blazers in assists and recorded a complete stat line. With Portland winning comfortably, Lillard played only 27 minutes on Saturday.

As expected, Henderson replaced Ja Morant (hamstring) in the starting lineup on Saturday. Unfortunately, he produced one assist and four turnovers in 31 minutes, but his steals tally was solid. Jrue Holiday (14/4/3/1 with two three-pointers) played nine fewer minutes than Henderson and was the more efficient of the two. Henderson is worth rostering while Morant sits, but those who add him will likely have to accept the efficiency issues.

Portland’s first game since losing Ja Morant to a hamstring strain went smoothly, as they beat the Jazz by 22. Avdija led the way offensively, shooting a solid percentage from the field. He was one of three Trail Blazers to record multiple assists, along with Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday. Compared to Thursday’s loss to the Grizzlies, Avdija’s usage increased slightly, and it should remain that way until Morant returns. Portland plays four games next week, starting with Denver on Monday.

While Walker has missed Philadelphia’s last three games, Fall was injured during the preseason and has not seen any action. With LeBron James and Joel Embiid out, the 76ers may have opportunities for Walker or Fall to provide frontcourt depth.

Due to the birth of his son, Murray will miss a second straight game. That leaves Jeremiah Fears as the lone point guard in the starting lineup, raising the second-year guard’s fantasy ceiling considerably. Also, Herb Jones should get another start.

Brown is good to go after sitting out Friday’s win over the Knicks. With LeBron James and Joel Embiid out, Dean Wade will likely start again after filling in for Brown on Friday.