NBA Player News

Blatche is just a roster stash at best right now. Though he gets a boost with the exits of Nick Young and JaVale McGee, it is offset by the acquisition of Nene who plays his position. Kevin Seraphin started at center tonight, too, scoring 12 points with nine boards and two blocks in 29 minutes. Factor in Trevor Booker (14 points, five boards, two blocks), and Blatche is in a real mess. All of that said, though, when teams get shook up it’s a good time for a talent like Blatche to try to right the ship.

Powell injured his right ankle during a December 18 loss to the Heat and has missed Brooklyn’s last two games. His return will coincide with Cam Thomas’s, so the rookie’s opportunities may be limited. Powell is unlikely to affect fantasy basketball.

A late addition to the Bulls’ injury report, Williams will be available on Friday. However, his production has not been consistent enough to affect fantasy basketball, regardless of league size. Leave Williams on the waiver wire.

Champagnie is officially available after being listed as questionable earlier Friday. While Corey Kispert is out, the Wizards are otherwise relatively healthy on the wings, which limits Champagnie’s opportunities. There’s no need to roster him in most leagues.

After being listed as questionable, Murray was upgraded to active ahead of Friday’s matchup, giving the Raptors a key rotation forward. The rookie has started four of 26 games thus far and is averaging 7.0 points and 3.8 rebounds, and is coming off of his first-career NBA double-double. With Scottie Barnes (illness) also available, Murray-Boyles will likely remain in a reserve role.

Barrett has been out since November 23, but a return to game action may happen soon. According to Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic, the forward/guard did some full-contact work on Friday and is progressing in his recovery. Barrett is now considered to be day-to-day. Ochai Agbaji should remain in the starting lineup until the Raptors clear RJ to play in games.

Added to the Raptors’ injury report Friday morning, Barnes is officially available to play. And this sets up to be a good matchup for the versatile forward, who has been one of the most productive players in fantasy basketball this season.

Şengün is dealing with tightness in his left calf. The same issue landed the Rockets center on the injury report ahead of Thursday’s win over the Lakers, and he ultimately played 31 minutes. If Şengün can’t play on Saturday, the Rockets would likely move Steven Adams into the starting lineup.

Johnson will be available for Friday’s game despite dealing with an illness. However, his availability does not affect fantasy basketball, even with Tyler Herro unavailable.

Larsson is good to go after missing Miami’s last five games with a sprained left ankle. He’ll provide additional depth on the wings but should not be considered a must-roster player in fantasy leagues.

After a four-game absence, Jović will be available for Friday’s game. With Bam Adebayo (back) out, there may be additional minutes available to Jović, but he’s unlikely to get the run needed to affect fantasy basketball.