NBA Player News

Markkanen has had some struggles this season, and he hasn’t been able to replicate his production from his first two years in Utah. However, he got back on track in this game. This was his highest scoring outing since he had 35 in the season opener, and he has scored at least 25 points in three of their last four games. Markkanen is one of the best players in fantasy basketball, so it is good to see him shake off the slow start and get back to producing at a high level. He’ll look to keep it up against the Knicks on Saturday.

Thybulle is will take the floor for the first time since October 29 when he exited Portland’s win over Utah with a thumb injury. Nearly four months later, the veteran forward will make his fifth appearance of the season. He’ll return to a crowded Trail Blazers rotation on Friday without a clear role, which should not impact fantasy basketball.

Murray is good to appear in a game for the first time since January 5. He’ll provide added wing depth off the bench, but the third-year forward is not guaranteed to get the minutes needed to affect fantasy basketball. Leave Murray on the waiver wire.

The Bucks welcome Rollins back to the rotation after a foot injury sidelined him for the Bucks’ two final games before the All-Star break. His return will bolster Milwaukee’s starting backcourt and provide the team with more scoring and playmaking from the opening tip, as they look to extend their win streak to three games. He’s played consistently throughout the year and is posting averages of 16.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 5.5 assists.

On the same day that he agreed to a three-year deal, McGowens has been moved into the Pelicans’ starting lineup. He’ll fill the void left by Trey Murphy, who is out with a right shoulder contusion suffered before the All-Star break.

Allen has missed Phoenix’s last four games, including Thursday’s loss to the Spurs. While Devin Booker (hip) being out makes Allen a more important player if available, he is not guaranteed to play starters’ minutes because of the time missed.

Booker suffered a right hip strain during Thursday’s loss to the Spurs and did not return. His absence for Saturday’s game opens up a spot in the starting lineup. Jordan Goodwin started the second half of Thursday’s defeat and may be the first choice to move into the starting five.

Mitchell was upgraded from questionable to available, as the Heat look to put together back-to-back wins for the first time in nearly one month. Mitchell, the team’s leader in assists per game, should play a pivotal role in getting Miami’s scorers going. Andrew Wiggins’ and Tyler Herro’s returns from injury should also benefit the Heat.

Down several key starters, the injury-hit Jazz will piece together a rarely-used opening unit against the Grizzlies. The two teams split their first couple of meetings this season, and Memphis and Utah could use a win on Friday to get back in the win column. They’ll meet once more in April.

The Grizzlies are without Ty Jerome, Cedric Coward and Scotty Pippen Jr. for Friday’s game, among others. Wells and Jackson are the holdovers from the Grizzlies’ final game before the All-Star break, with Mashack, Hendricks and Lovering moving into the starting five. Of the three replacements, Hendricks is the one who offers the highest fantasy ceiling.

Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd told reporters that Jones will start on Friday. He’ll replace Max Christie (ankle) in the opening unit to provide the team with some playmaking and ball-handling at the lead guard position. Jones was recently acquired by the Mavericks via trade; he’s averaging 3.0 points and 4.3 assists in 17.0 minutes per game in his three appearances with Dallas. Joining Jones in the starting lineup are Naji Marshall, Khris Middleton, P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford.