NBA Player News

Davis and Russell are on the injury report, but both are expected to be available Friday night. While the latter has been a solid fantasy option thus far, Davis has been one of the most productive players in the NBA.

DFS is set to miss a fourth consecutive game. Tyrese Martin and Jalen Wilson will have opportunities to contribute significant minutes with DFS out, but it’s unclear whether one or both of them will get a starting nod.

Simmons is back in the Nets lineup after sitting out Monday’s loss to the Bulls. His return likely results in fewer minutes for Shake Milton, who played 35 on Monday. The few who streamed Milton can afford to drop him onto the waiver wire.

While Love was held out of Monday’s loss to the Celtics, Jovic has not appeared in any of Miami’s last five games. Both being available strengthens the Heat frontcourt rotation, although neither qualifies as a must-roster player in most fantasy leagues. Haywood Highsmith replaced Jovic in the starting lineup well before his ankle injury, while most of Love’s minutes are played as Bam Adebayo’s backup.

Butler will return from a one-game layoff to face the Lakers on Wednesday. His numbers have been up and down as of late, but he’s scored at least 20 points in four straight meetings with Los Angeles.

Vukcevic has not appeared in a game for the Wizards this season. His continued absence will not impact fantasy basketball.

Baldwin, who has not played in either of Washington’s last two games, has hit double figures in minutes once this season. Even if available for Thursday’s game, he should not be rostered in fantasy leagues.

Kuzma is expected to miss a second consecutive contest. Jonas Valanciunas has a chance to remain a starting frontcourt member alongside Alexandre Sarr with Kuzma out of the picture.

George will not be available on Thursday after spraining his ankle during the second quarter of Tuesday’s loss to Cleveland. Johnny Davis played rotation minutes on Tuesday due to the Wizards losing George and Corey Kispert (ankle). He may get another opportunity to prove himself on Thursday but should not be streamed.

Kispert injured his ankle during the first half of Tuesday’s loss to the Cavaliers and did not return. Johnny Davis could be pressed into action with Kyshawn George (ankle) also out and Malcolm Brogdon (knee) questionable for Thursday’s game. There’s no need to consider streaming him due to his limited production.

Brogdon was picking up steam before suffering an injury against the Cavaliers and is now in danger of missing time. Bub Carrington could step back into the starting lineup if Brogdon is sidelined.