NBA Player News

Per ESPN’s Shams Charania, Coward will be traded to the Grizzlies for the No. 16 pick, a 2028 first-round pick via Orlando and two future second-round picks. The move makes sense for Memphis after they traded Desmond Bane to Orlando. Coward started out his collegiate career with D3 Willamette before spending two years at Eastern Washington and his final season at Washington State. The 6’5, 213 pound wing averaged 17.7 points, seven boards, 3.7 assists, 2.5 “stocks,” and two triples per game while shooting eye-popping 60/40/84 splits. Coward can rebound and facilitate at a high level, but his biggest strengths are three-point shooting and defense, making him a solid three-and-D prospect at the next level. He’ll be a great fit alongside Ja Morant in Memphis’ backcourt.

Walter will remain out for a fourth consecutive game as he recovers from a right hip pointer. While his absence does not affect fantasy basketball, it is another blow to the Raptors’ depth, as RJ Barrett (ankle) is also out. Gradey Dick should see his playing time increase, but he is not a must-stream player.

With Jaxson Hayes already out, the Lakers could ill afford not to have their starting center available for Saturday’s game. Unfortunately, Ayton will not be able to play against the Trail Blazers. Jarred Vanderbilt may move into the starting lineup, and there will also be a need for rotation minutes from Maxi Kleber and even Drew Timme.

Upgraded from questionable to probable earlier Saturday, Grant is good to go. He came off the bench in his first game back from an Achilles injury, resulting in Sidy Cissoko remaining in the starting lineup. Look for that to be the case again on Saturday since Grant is under a minutes restriction.

Holiday is good to go after being upgraded from questionable to probable earlier Saturday. While he did start Thursday’s win over the Hawks, the veteran guard was limited to 21 minutes. Look for Holiday’s playing to be restricted as he works his way back from a strained calf.

Brown will take on his usual role coming off the Nuggets’ bench. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been as impactful in fantasy basketball during his second stint with the franchise as he was in his first.

Gordon is good to go after initially being listed as probable for Saturday’s game. His minutes may still be managed to a certain extent, but Gordon should play enough to offer reliable fantasy value.

Murray was initially probable for Saturday’s game, so the status upgrade was expected. Given the matchup, this could be a big night for managers who have the Nuggets’ guard on their rosters.

While LaMelo Ball is available, Saturday’s game is the first of two in as many nights. For injury management reasons, he’ll come off the bench, with James moving into the starting five. The other change is Kalkbrenner, who’s starting in place of the injured Moussa Diabaté (hamstring).

Quickley did not play in Toronto’s last two games, with Ochai Agbaji serving as his replacement in Friday’s loss to the Clippers. Not only could Agbaji retain that role if Quickley can’t play against the Lakers, but it would also place more playmaking responsibilities on Jamal Shead’s shoulders.

Battle sprained his left ankle during Wednesday’s win over the Pacers and did not play in Friday’s loss to the Clippers. While he can offer additional wing depth since RJ Barrett (ankle) is out, Battle will not be worth rostering in fantasy leagues.