NBA Player News

Ellis has been struggling in fantasy leagues lately because of a lack of 3-point shots, averaging just 0.4 per game over his last six contests. He has also turned the ball over 3.3 times per game. Everything else is more or less in place, though, as he’s averaging 17.6 points, 4.1 boards, 5.4 assists, and 1.3 steals during that span. Brandon Jennings added 18 points, nine assists, five steals, and two threes, and Ersan Ilyasova double-doubled with 12 points, 15 boards, two steals, and a three.

Thomas practiced in full on Friday, and Nets coach Jordi Fernandez said that Thomas will be available to play against Minnesota. He didn’t say anything about how much Thomas will play, but after missing nearly two months with a soft-tissue injury, it’s safe to assume they will bring him along slowly. Terance Mann and Tyrese Martin will likely lose out on minutes with Thomas back in the rotation.

Gueye was initially questionable after missing Tuesday’s game, but he’ll return to the lineup. Asa Newell saw a bump in minutes off the bench, and while he will still have a role, he’ll lose out on minutes with Gueye back.

Thomas has been sidelined for nearly two months, and it seems he is inching closer to a return. Brooklyn’s next game is on Saturday against the Timberwolves, so there is a chance he is upgraded to questionable ahead of that game. With a hamstring injury, Thomas should be brought along slowly, which likely means he will be on a minutes restriction at first. However, he will eventually return to the starting lineup, which will likely push Terance Mann to the bench.

Champagnie is a late addition to the injury report, and with Corey Kispert (hamstring) already ruled out, there will be extra minutes on the wing available. Tre Johnson should take on a larger reserve role, though Bilal Coulibaly and Khris Middleton should see a slight bump in minutes as well.

Walsh was initially probable, so his availability doesn’t come as a surprise. Josh Minott started in his place, but he’ll likely return to the bench with Walsh back. Minott held value earlier this season, but as a reserve, he isn’t worth rostering.

Johnson was initially listed as questionable but is now expected to play against Atlanta. However, he hasn’t been a consistent part of Miami’s rotation this season, and that likely won’t change in this game.

Adebayo has been downgraded after initially being listed as questionable for this game. Kel’el Ware has been starting recently and will see a bump in minutes and production with Adebayo unavailable. Simone Fontecchio and Jaime Jaquez Jr. are candidates to fill the open starting spot, though Jaquez should play a large role regardless.

Williams is a late addition to the injury report, but he hasn’t played a consistent role for Chicago lately. His absence may leave a few extra minutes for Matas Buzelis, but his status won’t have a dramatic impact on the Bulls’ rotation.

Potter will be the latest player to fill in for the Pacers temporarily. He’ll provide depth down low with Isaiah Jackson injured. They’ll release Garrison Mathews to clear a spot for Potter.

Barnes is a late addition to the injury report, and his potential absence would open up plenty of minutes and usage. The rookie Collin Murray-Boyles would likely replace him in the starting unit, and with his fantasy-friendly game, he’d be an appealing streaming option.