NBA Player News

While the Lakers made the selection, Olbrich’s draft rights were traded to the Bulls. The 6-foot-9 Olbrich, who can be used as a power forward or small-ball center, spent one season at UC Riverside (2022-23) before returning to his native Australia to play for the Illawarra Hawks. In 29 games, he averaged 8.7 points and 3.8 rebounds in helping the Hawks win the NBL championship. A solid performance at the NBA Draft Combine in May got him on more radars as a potential second-round pick, with Olbrich’s toughness and skill set standing out. According to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, he’ll be on a two-way contract next season, likely making Olbrich a non-factor in fantasy leagues.

Barnes injured his right knee during Wednesday’s win over the Hornets but returned after a trip to the locker room. He has been diagnosed with a sprain and is questionable for Friday. If Barnes can’t play, the Raptors will look to Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett for more production.

Minott will miss a third straight game with a sprained left ankle. His continued absence does not affect fantasy basketball, as the Celtics have relied more on Jordan Walsh and Sam Hauser in recent games.

One night removed from scoring a career-high 42 points, Murphy did not play in Wednesday’s loss to the Hawks. Karlo Matković moved into the starting lineup, but Bryce McGowens replaced him to begin the second half. Both players will lose out on minutes if Murphy returns on Friday.

Jones did not play in Wednesday’s loss to the Hawks, which was the Pelicans’ second game in as many nights. With the doubtful tag, he appears on track to miss a second consecutive game. Jordan Poole may remain in the starting lineup if Jones sits, raising his fantasy ceiling.

Friday’s game will be the fifth that Bey has missed with a strained right hip flexor. Karlo Matković moved into the starting lineup for Wednesday’s loss to the Hawks, but the Pelicans were also without Trey Murphy and Herb Jones. If Murphy can play against the Wizards, Matković will likely be headed to the bench.

Alvarado appeared to tweak something during Tuesday’s loss to the Lakers, but he was still on the floor in crunch time. The point guard’s sore oblique will keep him out for at least one game, likely resulting in more minutes at point guard for Jordan Poole. Jordan Hawkins could enter the rotation, but there’s no need to stream him.

Hart has been out since spraining his right ankle on Christmas Day against the Cavaliers. Based on the most recent timeline provided by the team, with the wing set to be re-evaluated on Friday, there may be a chance he plays during New York’s four-game road trip. Miles McBride played well as the fifth starter in Wednesday’s win over the Clippers and should retain that role.

Absent from the Magic injury report ahead of Wednesday’s win over the Nets, Richardson was announced as questionable to play during the first half and never checked in. His absence did not significantly affect the playing time of Orlando’s other reserves, as the starters played more after being benched for the entire fourth quarter of Tuesday’s loss to the Wizards.

Love was rested on Wednesday’s game against the Thunder, so it makes sense that he would be good to go for the second leg of the back-to-back. With Jusuf Nurkic listed as questionable, it’s possible that Love could return to play around 20 minutes in this one.

Bailey missed five games with a hip injury but returned last night to play 10 minutes against the Thunder. The Jazz are clearly going to be cautious with their rookie, so they may sit Bailey for the second game of a back-to-back. That would likely mean more minutes for Brice Sensabaugh on Thursday.