NBA Player News

Jakučionis was selected by the Heat with the No. 20 pick in the draft after he slid down the board to them. The expectation was that he would be a lottery pick, but he fell right into Miami’s hands. He’s a talented offensive engine, but his first game didn’t go well. There’s no reason to panic at this point; plenty of future stars struggle in their first taste of NBA action. At this point, it’s just good to see him out there, though managers in standard leagues shouldn’t have him on their draft board.

Diabaté is good to go, with his status being upgraded for the second time today. He’s remained the starting center even after Ryan Kalkbrenner’s recent return from a sprained left elbow, so the rotation is unlikely to change on Thursday.

Kennard was upgraded from probable to available after a neck injury kept him sidelined for the Hawks’ most recent game against the Lakers. The veteran guard has remained a knockdown shooter in his ninth NBA season. He’ll take the floor on the heels of arguably his most productive game of the season, when he scored 22 points and drained six three-pointers in a win over the Warriors.

Gueye was upgraded from questionable to probable earlier Thursday, so things were trending in this direction. He’ll provide depth off the bench, serving as Onyeka Okongwu’s primary backup. Gueye should only be rostered in dynasty leagues.

Thursday’s game will be Grant’s first in nearly a month, as he last played on December 18. Similar to how the Trail Blazers have worked Jrue Holiday back into the fold, Grant will come off the bench in his first game back. Sidy Cissoko will likely see his playing time decrease, a negative for his streaming value despite remaining in the starting lineup.

Thursday’s game will be Shamet’s first since November 22, when he injured his shoulder against the Magic. While his return gives the Knicks additional depth on the perimeter, he’s unlikely to immediately emerge as a player worth rostering in most fantasy leagues.

The Mavericks are without multiple rotation players, with Thursday’s game being their second in as many nights. Williams, Martin and Powell are in the starting five, filling the voids left by Cooper Flagg, P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford. Of the three new starters, Williams offers the highest streaming upside.

Due to a sore left knee, Vukčević will not be available for Friday’s game. His absence does not affect fantasy basketball, as Alex Sarr and Marvin Bagley III will be available. Sarr was ejected during the second quarter of Wednesday’s loss to the Clippers, resulting in more minutes for Bagley, while Vukčević only played eight minutes.

On the heels of one of his most productive games of the season, Middleton won’t take the floor for Friday’s contest. The veteran guard has played a less significant role in his first full season as a Wizard, and his absence shouldn’t make too much of a difference from a fantasy basketball standpoint. He’s averaging 9.6 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game.

Coulibaly had to exit Wednesday’s loss to the Clippers after playing 10 minutes due to lower back tightness. Rookie Will Riley’s playing time increased, as he logged 27 minutes off the bench. While he isn’t worth the streaming risk yet, managers looking ahead to the “silly season” should keep an eye on Riley.