NBA Player News

While the Pelicans have not played CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson for both games of back-to-backs, that has not been the approach with Murphy. He’s been active for every game since January 12, a trend fantasy managers hope will continue throughout the season. While Murphy’s fantasy value since the All-Star break has taken a hit, he remains a top-50 player for the season. The only negative for fantasy managers is the schedule, as the Pelicans play 10 games during weeks 20-22, starting with a four-game Week 20.

Smith has missed Chicago’s last two games due to concussion protocols. With Zach Collins also out, Lachlan Olbrich entered the rotation as Nikola Vučević’s backup, but the production to make the rookie a worthwhile streamer was not there. If Smith can play on Saturday, Olbrich will likely fall out of the rotation entirely.

Huerter was ruled out for Thursday’s game against the Heat, but since the contest was postponed, he did not officially miss a game. Coby White was available and moved back into the starting lineup, so Huerter will come off the bench if he’s allowed to play on Saturday.

Davis injured his left hand during the fourth quarter of Thursday’s loss to the Jazz. According to Charania, a second opinion on the injury’s severity will be sought. If surgery is required, Davis could miss “a number of months.” With the Mavericks’ forward/center being the subject of trade rumors, an extended absence would likely put those to rest. As for Dallas’ approach to the rest of the season, losing Davis could affect Kyrie Irving’s return from the ACL tear he suffered last March. Dallas’s first-round pick in June’s draft is the last one that they’ll have complete control over until 2031, so the front office could decide that punting on the rest of this season is in the franchise’s best interest.

Initially doubtful for Friday’s game, Holiday is now officially out. As has been the case since the veteran guard’s injury, Deni Avdija will continue to serve as Portland’s primary playmaker.

Hachimura has been sidelined for the Lakers’ last five games but had a chance to return for this one. However, he’ll remain out, which means Jake LaRavia will remain a starter for at least one more game, where he has been worth streaming.

LeBron was initially listed as questionable after missing Wednesday’s game but is now expected to play. Jarred Vanderbilt started that game in his place but will return to playing a role off the bench with LeBron expected back.

Payton was initially listed as probable, so his availability isn’t a surprise. He will return after a one-game absence, which will result in Gui Santos losing out on a few minutes.

Uh oh. Randomly popping up with an Achilles injury is not a good sign, especially for a player with the injury history that Porziņģis has. Mouhamed Gueye should fill out the backup center minutes if Porziņģis is out. This is a situation worth keeping tabs on since it could end up being more severe.

Jones was initially listed as questionable but is now expected to be sidelined against Atlanta. Bruce Brown started the second half in place of Jones and would likely take on a larger role in his absence, though Aaron Gordon could end up returning to the starting lineup.

Murray was initially listed as probable, but now there is a real chance he misses this game. Jalen Pickett would likely return to the starting lineup in that scenario, where he had 29 points, seven assists and seven triples earlier this week.