NBA Player News

The Bucks chose to waive and stretch Lillard, who is likely to miss all of next season as he recovers from an Achilles tear. Milwaukee is able to stretch the $113 million still owed to Lillard over five seasons. This was a necessary move for the team to have the requisite space to sign free agent center Myles Turner. The Bucks had to get creative to give their roster an immediate upgrade. Lillard’s free-agent market will be a bit of a mystery given the fact that he’s unlikely to play much — if at all — this season. It’s possible we’ve seen the last of him as a major fantasy option.

Initially questionable for Thursday night, McConnell is now officially out. His absence should push Quenton Jackson, who’s on a two-way deal, into the Pacers’ rotation. While productive in Indiana’s February 10 win over the Knicks, Jackson is not worth the risk as a streamer.

Nesmith missed the final game before the All-Star break with a lumbar strain, but is set to make his return Thursday against the Wizards. Ben Sheppard will likely move back to the bench with Nesmith active.

Peavy was held out of New Orleans’ final game before the All-Star break, and Friday’s contest will be the second that he’s missed. The rookie wing’s continued absence does not affect redraft leagues, as his playing time decreased before the injury.

Missi was held out of the Pelicans’ final game before the All-Star break, and he isn’t healthy enough to play on Friday. The second-year center’s continued absence frees up minutes for Karlo Matković and Kevon Looney, but neither is a must-stream option in fantasy leagues.

Murphy exited the Pelicans’ last game before the All-Star break with a right shoulder injury, the same one that he suffered a torn labrum in last season. While the Pelicans don’t have an incentive to tank, there’s no need for them to take any chances with Murphy. His absence may open the door for Jeremiah Fears to return to the starting lineup; that would raise the rookie’s fantasy ceiling if so.

After missing Milwaukee’s final two games before the All-Star break with plantar fasciitis in his right foot, Rollins is off the injury report. Rollins’ return may push Ousmane Dieng to the bench, but he’s played well enough to continue to receive solid rotation minutes, even with a potential demotion.

Turner is still dealing with the same calf injury that cost him a game before the All-Star break. The 29-year-old center is set to miss Friday’s game against the Pelicans. Ousmane Dieng should fill in for Turner and is worth streaming given his recent play.

Flagg is still dealing with a left midfoot sprain that cost his a game before the All-Star break. He’s set to miss Friday’s game against the Timberwolves with the same injury. Naji Marshall has been excellent when given additional minutes this season and is worth streaming with Flagg sidelined.

Davis, who suffered ligament damage in his left hand in early January, is progressing in his recovery. However, the Wizards’ forward/center still has not been cleared for basketball activities. For fantasy managers who can afford to take their chances on Davis being active at some point, he’s worth holding onto in an IL slot. That said, managers in leagues where the playoffs will begin before Davis’ re-evaluation will have to seek alternatives.