NBA Player News

Chicago would have to win two play-in tournament games to reach the postseason, beginning with Wednesday’s matchup with the Heat. Ball has not appeared in a game since February 28, and the Bulls have been without two rotation point guards, Tre Jones being the other, since March 20. Kevin Huerter has been the third starter on the perimeter for the Bulls, with Josh Giddey and Coby White being the top playmakers. Given the time Ball has missed, he’s unlikely to play significant minutes if Chicago can advance and face Cleveland in the first round.

Barrett was held out of Thursday’s win over the Bulls due to injury management. His return to the lineup means that Ja’Kobe Walter will head to the bench. While productive against the Bulls, Walter should only be rostered in dynasty leagues when the Raptors’ perimeter rotation is whole.

Quickley sprained his right ankle during Friday’s practice and is now questionable for Sunday afternoon’s game. Jamal Shead has been the replacement when Quickley’s been unavailable in the past, and that should be the case against the Pacers if Toronto has to go that route.

Poeltl, who has not appeared in a game since December, has been plagued by a lower back injury since training camp. With the 7-footer going through practice on Saturday, there’s a chance that he plays on Sunday against the Pacers. Given the time that Poeltl has missed, conditioning is a concern. While his return would mean fewer minutes for Collin Murray-Boyles and Sandro Mamukelashvili, Poeltl is unlikely to take on a full workload immediately.

Thompson, a late addition to the Rockets’ injury report, has yet to miss a game this season. It goes without saying that his absence would have a significant impact on Houston’s play, especially on defense. Reed Sheppard and Aaron Holiday would be in line for additional opportunities due to the lack of on-ball playmakers.

Acquired from the Celtics on Thursday, Tillman has yet to join his new team. Upon arrival, he’ll give the Hornets another option in the frontcourt, but he’s unlikely to get the run needed to affect fantasy basketball.

Salaün has missed Charlotte’s last three games, with Grant Williams taking up his minutes. Since Williams is also available for Saturday’s matchup with the Hawks, there’s no guarantee that Salaün gets legitimate rotation minutes.

After missing Utah’s last two games, Love is on track to be available for Saturday’s game. However, with Jaren Jackson Jr., Kyle Filipowski and Jusuf Nurkić available, there may not be enough minutes for Love to affect fantasy basketball. Nurkić has been a DNP-CD in the last two games; if he isn’t starting, don’t expect him to play.

Initially questionable for Saturday’s game, George is on track to be available after a three-game absence. While the Jazz have held Jusuf Nurkić out of games recently, even though he was listed as available, that should not be an issue for George. That said, fantasy managers need to ensure that he’s in the starting lineup before locking the point guard into their lineups. George’s return would push Isaiah Collier to the bench.

With the Wizards likely focused on doing all they can to avoid losing their 2026 first-round pick, which is top-8 protected, to the Knicks, Davis not making his debut for the team until next season would be an unsurprising development. It was reported in mid-January that Davis’ left hand injury wouldn’t require surgery to repair the ligament damage. Will he go through with the procedure now that it’s reportedly been decided that Davis won’t play this season? For fantasy managers who have been stashing Davis in an IL spot, it’s time to move on.

The rookie center took advantage of increased minutes on Friday and logged arguably his best game as a professional. He’s notched back-to-back double-digit rebound games and could realistically carve out a consistent role with this team, given where they are in the standings at this point in the season. Cardwell recently signed a standard contract with the Kings after going undrafted and agreeing to a two-way deal.