NBA Player News

Murray is trending toward a return after missing Portland’s last two games, good news for a team likely to be without Jerami Grant (doubtful). However, in most fantasy leagues, Murray isn’t worth the risk, even if Grant cannot play.

Absent from the initial injury report, Beal began to experience swelling between Thursday night and Friday morning. He has since been ruled out, opening up a spot in the starting lineup. Kevin Durant’s return will help, while Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale should see their minutes increase.

Embiid took a shot to the face just before halftime and will be held out for the rest of the game. Andre Drummond and Guerschon Yabusele will be the center options for Philly as they try to claw their way back into this game.

Brooks has yet to miss a game this season, but that could change with his appearance on the injury report ahead of Saturday’s NBA Cup semifinals. Amen Thompson would likely move into the starting lineup if he cannot play. However, it will likely take a lot to prevent Brooks from taking on the challenge of defending fellow Canadian Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Due to his lingering ankle issue, Wiggins has missed Golden State’s last two games. Gary Payton II replaced him in the starting lineup for both contests, but he does not provide enough value to merit being streamed in most fantasy leagues.

Both bigs will be sidelined, with Williams having been out for over two weeks. Ayton has been available in recent weeks, but his absence will coincide with Donovan Clingan (knee) returning. However, Clingan will be on a minutes restriction, so Jabari Walker will get the start at center.

Clingan is available for the first time since November 23, when he injured his knee during a win over the Rockets. His minutes will be restricted, but there’s room for fantasy production due to the absences of Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams III. Jabari Walker will start and is worth streaming due to the injuries.

Once again, Young is expected to play through this Achilles ailment. It has only forced him to miss one game this season, and it likely won’t be his second in the NBA Cup semifinals on Saturday.

After sitting out Sunday’s loss to the Nuggets, Bogdanovic played 24 minutes off the bench in Wednesday’s win over the Knicks. Hunter played 29 minutes in New York and has not missed a game since November 17. Look for both players to be part of the Hawks’ bench rotation in Las Vegas.

Johnson tweaked his ankle in the fourth quarter against the Knicks on Wednesday, and there is a chance that he keeps him out of their semifinal matchup in the NBA Cup. Larry Nance Jr. got the start when Johnson was sidelined on Sunday, though De’Andre Hunter will also see extra minutes.

Gordon and Braun were initially probable for Friday’s game, so the status upgrades were expected. They’ll take their usual places in the starting lineup, with Julian Strawther and Peyton Watson coming off the bench.