NBA Player News

Middleton has yet to appear in a game this season, and that will not change on Saturday. However, Bucks coach Doc Rivers said on Friday that he hopes that will change soon. Middleton remains without a timeline, so managers who have stashed him in an IL+ slot should continue to stay patient.

Beauchamp hasn’t been able to carve out a role for the Bucks in his third season, so his expected availability won’t impact fantasy basketball.

Giannis should continue to play through this right knee ailment that has been bothering him all season. With a chance to make the championship of the NBA Cup on the line, Antetokounmpo should play a few extra minutes in this game.

Middleton’s probable tag suggests he will be cleared to play. The question is what kind of minutes restriction will he be under. Anything under 25 minutes likely guarantees Taurean Prince another start, but he has not been worth rostering since Middleton returned to action.

Reaves returns after a five-game absence, returning at a perfect time for the Lakers. With LeBron James (foot, personal) away from the team, Reaves’ scoring ability will be critical. Gabe Vincent or Max Christie will be headed to the bench, with the former being the more likely option. Neither Vincent nor Christie provides consistent fantasy value.

Davis continues to play through a foot injury that he’s battled all season long. With LeBron James out again, Davis is in line for another heavy workload to try to keep this Lakers team afloat.

While the “doubtful” tag gave some a sliver of hope that Edey would return on Friday, the 7-foot-4 center will not play. Jay Huff has played additional minutes off the bench in Edey’s absence, but this has not significantly impacted fantasy basketball. While Brandon Clarke was a starter even before Edey’s injury, Santi Aldama is Memphis’ second-most valuable big in fantasy basketball, trailing only Jaren Jackson Jr.

Curry had his first big game in a while last week as he put up 18 points against the Knicks. He’s available for Friday’s game against the Bulls, but there’s no reason to consider him fantasy relevant at this point in his career.

Salaun is back after missing Saturday’s loss to the Cavaliers. However, with Miles Bridges (knee) also in the lineup, the rookie is likely headed to the bench. Salaun isn’t worth rostering in most fantasy leagues, especially when used in a reserve role.

Bridges is set to return to the Hornets starting lineup after missing almost a month with a knee injury. His return will push Cody Martin out of the starting lineup and possibly the rotation altogether with Tidjane Salaun also returning.

Minutes after his status was downgraded from active to questionable, Lowry was officially ruled out for Friday’s game. His absence frees up some playing time behind starter Tyrese Maxey, with Jared McCain and Reggie Jackson in line to absorb those minutes. McCain is a far better fantasy target wherever he’s available.