NBA Player News

In the aftermath of his stellar performance on Monday and the Heat having played two games in Las Vegas, we’ve likely seen the last of Jaquez this week. The plan was for him to play two games before the team decided on Jaquez’s availability for the rest of the week. His summer began with a few practices for the United States select team, which helped the senior national team in its stateside prep for the upcoming Paris Olympics. While Jaquez was effective as a rookie, his role should expand next season after Caleb Martin’s exit. Add Jimmy Butler’s past availability issues, and Jaquez will be worth drafting in standard leagues.

Caldwell-Pope will rest on Friday, which leaves Memphis without one of its veteran rotation players. The 13th-year pro is having a down season as mostly a reserve player, posting his lowest scoring averages since his rookie season and some of the worst shooting numbers of his career. Caldwell-Pope’s absence shouldn’t impact the Grizzlies much on Friday from a fantasy basketball standpoint.

Pippen is officially available to make his season debut after undergoing offseason toe surgery. Like Ty Jerome before him, Pippen is likely to be under a minutes restriction. While he’s still capable of providing tangible fantasy value, Cam Spencer is a safer play for Friday’s slate.

Anderson’s second stint with the Grizzlies won’t begin on Friday, as he’s due to an illness. Since it’s unknown how he’ll fit into the rotation, SloMo’s absence does not affect fantasy basketball.

Wesley is set to play after initially being questionable for Friday’s game. With Deni Avdija (back) out, there should be rotation minutes available to Wesley. Scoot Henderson (hamstring) is available to make his season debut, but he’s unlikely to log heavy minutes.

Henderson is officially available to make his first appearance of the season for the Trail Blazers after suffering a torn hamstring during the offseason. Given the time that he’s missed, the guard will likely be under a minutes restriction. Also, those who have Henderson rostered should plan for him to sit out Saturday’s game against the Grizzlies.

Without the services of their top scorer, the Trail Blazers will have to depend on the services of other players in order to end their current six-game losing streak, as Friday’s absence will mark the third straight for Avdija. The first-time All-Star selection is averaging career-highs in points, rebounds, and assists this season. Jerami Grant is a candidate to continue starting in Avdija’s spot.

Dončić suffered a strained left hamstring during Thursday’s win over the 76ers, exiting during the second quarter. Rui Hachimura started the third quarter, but Austin Reaves’ minutes restriction may have been the reason for that. Depending on how comfortable the Lakers are with Reaves playing starters’ minutes as he works his way back from a strained calf, it will influence who starts for Dončić.

Podziemski was dealing with an illness during Thursday’s win over the Suns, playing just 13 minutes. He’s on track to be available Saturday night, which may result in fewer minutes for Pat Spencer. However, with Stephen Curry (knee) out, Spencer will still figure prominently in the rotation, especially after scoring a career-high 20 points on Thursday.

Wade is dealing with a sprained left ankle. With Evan Mobley (calf) still out, the Cavaliers could turn to Nae’Qwan Tomlin to fill the void if Wade can’t play against the Kings.

After coming off the bench in his first game back from an oblique injury on Wednesday, Porter is in the starting lineup. He fills the void left by the recently traded Amir Coffey, who’s now in Phoenix. The other change is Sims, who is promoted into the starting lineup, pushing Kyle Kuzma to the bench. Sims doesn’t offer the highest fantasy ceiling, but Myles Turner’s limitations as a rebounder mean that he’ll have chances to provide added value in that category.