NBA Player News

The Magic are guaranteed the seventh seed in the East, meaning they’ll host the 7 vs. 8 play-in game early next week. As a result, four starters did not play on Friday, and Cory Joseph only logged six minutes. The absences meant more opportunities for Queen, and the two-way contract guard took advantage. He only missed two shots on the night, providing solid value in multiple categories. Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Hawks won’t mean anything, so Queen may get to play extended minutes again.

McBride did not play in Wednesday’s win over the Raptors, which was the Knicks’ second game in as many nights. His absence led to Tyler Kolek playing more minutes, with the second-year guard logging 20 minutes and dishing out 10 assists.

Williams missed Portland’s last game, which was part of a back-to-back. There is a chance he is sidelined against New York, and with Duop Reath (foot) ruled out for the remainder of the year, Yang Hansen would be in line for the backup center minutes. With Williams out on Tuesday, Hansen only played 12 minutes.

Hart has been dealing with a sore right ankle for a few games, but he did gut out 35 minutes in Wednesday’s win over the Raptors. If he’s unable to play on Friday, some of the minutes will likely be absorbed by Mitchell Robinson, and Miles McBride could start if he’s available after not playing against Toronto.

Reaves has been sidelined since Christmas Day, but he could be back to take on Washington. Marcus Smart has been starting in his place, but with Luka Doncic (ankle) also questionable, there is a scenario where Reaves returns and Smart starts in place of Luka. Eventually, Smart will be pushed to a reserve role.

Robinson is off the injury report after sitting out Wednesday’s win over the Raptors, which was the Knicks’ second game in as many nights. His return likely pushes Guerschon Yabusele and Ariel Hukporti out of the rotation entirely, as they played a combined 15 minutes on Wednesday.

Avdija returned from a two-game absence on Tuesday, but he finds himself back on the injury report against New York. If his availability changes, Sidy CIssoko should return to the starting unit in his place, though he has proven that he isn’t a worthy streaming target, even in an increased role.

Queta was held out of Wednesday’s loss to the Hawks, leading to Amari Williams getting another start. However, the rookie played only 15 minutes, while Luka Garza played 24 off the bench. Neither Williams nor Garza is worth rostering in redraft leagues when Queta is available.

The Cavs’ lifted court resulted in an injury scare for Dončić and the Lakers; he twisted his ankle on the uneven surface while hopping backwards after shooting a three-pointer. He was able to return to finish the game, but there is a chance he sits out against Washington. In that scenario, Gabe Vincent will likely slide back into the starting unit in his place.

In addition to a lingering hamstring issue, Brown is dealing with a right knee contusion. With the Celtics’ All-Star wing appearing unlikely to play on Friday, Baylor Scheierman could be moved into the starting lineup. However, with Derrick White and Payton Pritchard available, the second-year guard offers a limited streaming ceiling.

Johnson has been ruled out for the second leg of this back-to-back. Atlanta will be incredibly shorthanded for this game with Onyeka Okongwu (mouth) also sidelined. Mouhamed Gueye has shined as a starter in place of Johnson previously, though there should be plenty of minutes for Asa Newell as well.