NBA Player News

The Celtics have depth at the center position, even with Kristaps Porzingis (leg) expected to miss 5-6 months after undergoing surgery last month. Queta wasn’t considered by many to be in the equation, but his play in Las Vegas may change that. After tallying 20 points and nine rebounds in Saturday’s loss to the Heat, the 7-footer put up 22 and eight with three blocks against the Lakers. Queta’s contract for next season is guaranteed, so he will be on the roster. As for getting the minutes needed to be relevant in fantasy leagues, Queta’s best chance will be on nights when Al Horford doesn’t play.

Right Achilles tendinopathy will keep Conley out of Friday’s game, opening up rotation minutes among the Timberwolves’ reserves. Bones Hyland may play more minutes, but he still cannot be trusted in most fantasy leagues.

Edwards is dealing with a sore right foot, hence his inclusion on the Timberwolves’ injury report. With Mike Conley already out, Minnesota would have to look elsewhere if Ant-Man cannot play. Bones Hyland has passed Robert Dillingham in the rotation recently, but this could also be a chance for Terrence Shannon Jr. to take on a more prominent role.

Initially questionable for Thursday’s game, Green has officially been ruled out. Kyle Kuzma should remain in the starting lineup, with Gary Trent Jr. providing additional depth off the bench.

Poole has been cleared to make his first appearance in a game since November 5. His return likely means fewer minutes for Bryce McGowens and Jose Alvarado, with the former taking the more significant hit to his playing time.

The Trail Blazers will be without their top three centers on Thursday, as Hansen, Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams III are all unavailable due to injury. Duop Reath should slide into the starting lineup, and he’s worth rolling the dice on in deep leagues due to Portland’s lack of available options.

With Donovan Clingan already out, Williams will join him on the sidelines for Thursday’s game. Portland will also be without Yang Hansen, leaving Duop Reath as the lone healthy center on the roster. While the Blazers can go without a center on occasion, Reath is worth streaming on a four-game night.

Thompson is available after sitting out Saturday’s win over the Rockets with a sore knee. His return likely means fewer minutes for D’Angelo Russell and Jaden Hardy, with the latter possibly falling out of the rotation entirely. Thompson is mainly an option for deep-league managers needing three-pointers.

Gafford has missed two straight and four of Dallas’s last five games as his right ankle continues to be an issue. With Dereck Lively II (foot) done for the season, the Mavericks will continue to start Anthony Davis at the center position. Dwight Powell will pick up rotation minutes off the bench if Gafford remains out.

Markkanen was held out of Sunday’s blowout loss to the Thunder, with Kyle Filipowski replacing him in the starting lineup. While he would remain in the rotation, Filipowski has a lower fantasy ceiling when Markkanen and starting center Jusuf Nurkić are available.

Morant was a full participant in Thursday’s practice and did not experience any issues. If he can play on Friday, Vince Williams Jr. would head to the bench. Morant’s return would also affect Cam Spencer, who has been more efficient than Williams recently.