NBA Player News

While in Boston for the release of his signature sneaker, Brown said that he still has not decided on surgery to repair the partially torn meniscus in his right knee. “l got a lot of doctors I gotta get evaluated with — see the potential for surgery versus no surgery, wait to speak to the [Celtics] organization,” Brown said, according to Celtics Blog. “For now, it’s just rest and recovery. I’m taking a step back from a long season. Mentally, it was a lot of stuff going on.” With Jayson Tatum (Achilles) expected to miss a significant portion of the 2025-26 season, a healthy Brown would be Boston’s first scoring option if management keeps the roster intact.

Russell is off the injury report after missing Thursday’s loss to the 76ers. However, with Ryan Nembhard and Brandon Williams also available, there isn’t much to gain from rostering D’Lo.

Vukčević was initially questionable for Friday’s game. His absence does not affect fantasy basketball or the Wizards’ rotation, as Alex Sarr and Marvin Bagley are available.

Adams was held out of Thursday’s win over the Nets, and he may miss another game on Saturday. If so, Clint Capela would assume the backup center responsibilities.

Capela did not play in Thursday’s win over the Nets, leaving Houston with only Alperen Şengün available at the center position. If Steven Adams remains out, Capela will likely slot in as the backup, but that is not enough to make him a viable fantasy option.

Oubre has not appeared in a game since November 14, and it’s unknown when he’ll be able to return. The 76ers will continue to rely on Quentin Grimes for wing production off the bench, and he’s worth rostering in deep leagues. Also, Dominick Barlow will remain in the starting lineup.

With the probable tag, Embiid is on track to be available for Saturday’s game after missing the first meeting between the 76ers and Knicks. Andre Drummond will remain the backup, with Adem Bona likely getting some run off the bench as well.

Wells was initially listed as questionable with a sore left hamstring. Now it looks like the 22-year-old small forward will play Friday against the Lakers as he’s been upgraded to probable. Wells ranks outside the top-200 players in fantasy this season.

Add Murphy to the list of Pelicans starters who will not be available for Friday’s game. His absence should result in more opportunities for Micah Peavy and Jordan Hawkins, but fantasy managers should not feel obligated to stream either. On a 10-game night, there are likely to be safer streaming options on the waiver wire.

Caldwell-Pope is on track to return after sitting out Tuesday’s loss to the 76ers. This would likely result in fewer minutes for GG Jackson, who logged 23 against Philadelphia. Neither player has done enough to affect fantasy basketball this season.

Jović struggled on Thursday, but before that, he had been playing incredibly well off the bench. He is dealing with an elbow contusion, but he isn’t expected to miss Saturday’s game, and he’ll look to get back on track offensively.