NBA Player News

Jones has been a consistent starter for Dallas when healthy, but he won’t be available for the remainder of Thursday’s game. Dwight Powell and Kessler Edwards should play more in his absence, with Anthony Davis also seeing extra minutes at center.

Valančiūnas returned to the lineup on Thursday and posted a 16/9 line across 22 minutes. After multiple weeks on the shelf, it’s understandable that he’s questionable for the second leg of the Nuggets’ back-to-back set. If JV sits this one out, Zeke Nnaji and DaRon Holmes II could handle additional playing time.

Watson has been electric as of late, culminating with a career-high 35 points in Thursday’s win over Washington. The severity of his injury is unknown, but it’s possible he’s getting a maintenance day on the second leg of Denver’s back-to-back set. If Watson is ultimately ruled out, Julian Strawther, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Spencer Jones are all candidates for additional playing time.

Murray is dealing with right hamstring inflammation and left hip inflammation. With Christian Braun (ankle) out, Denver’s backcourt could be shorthanded if Murray is ultimately sidelined. Jalen Pickett and Bruce Brown could be in line for additional playing time against Milwaukee.

Landale started Wednesday’s loss to the Hawks, but his potential absence could open up more playing time for John Konchar, with GG Jackson potentially moving into the starting five. With Zach Edey and Santi Aldama both out, Memphis’ frontcourt rotation is razor thin.

Both players will get the night off for injury maintenance, which means Josh Okogie and Reed Sheppard should see additional minutes against Detroit.

No surprises for either player, as Robinson was listed as probable, and LeVert was listed as doubtful. Robinson has knocked down at least four treys in six straight games, and he’ll look to carry positive momentum into Friday’s tilt with Houston.

Queta is a late addition to the injury report, so fantasy managers should have a backup plan in place. Luka Garza could replace Queta in the starting lineup, but at the very least, Garza should see a notable bump in playing time if Queta is out.

Cunningham will be back following a one-game absence, which means Daniss Jenkins should shift back to the bench. Fewer minutes will be available for Marcus Sasser and Jaden Ivey.

Adebayo has been awesome on offense recently, outside of the game against the Warriors last Saturday. Over his last six games, he has scored at least 20 points in five of those and is averaging 23.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.2 steals and three triples per game. He set a new season high for scoring in this one and will look to stay hot against Utah on Saturday.

Since making his return from a strained calf on January 13, Hachimura’s playing time has increased steadily. Thursday’s game was the second straight in which he logged 28 minutes, and the Lakers’ forward was solid. The question now is whether Hachimura is locked into the reserve role or will he reclaim his place in the starting lineup. Jake LaRavia (7/5/1/3/4 with two three-pointers) was highly productive as a defender on Thursday, but he only played 22 minutes as the starter. That’s something to be mindful of as the Lakers move forward.