NBA Player News

Coward was upgraded to questionable earlier in the day after initially being tagged as doubtful. He’ll not only suit up, but he’ll make the first start of his career, which will push Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the bench. Edey is also starting in his first appearance this season, which will push Jock Landale to a reserve role.

Lebron finished with just eight points in the win over the Raptors on Thursday, snapping a streak of 1,297 games where he scored at least 10 points. Now the 40-year-old small forward is doubtful with a foot injury for Friday’s game against the Celtics. Gabe Vincent could move into the starting lineup if James is out, but isn’t worth rostering.

Mobley popped up as questionable with an illness Friday afternoon ahead of the Cavaliers’ matchup against the Spurs. The 24-year-old center’s status for the game is certainly up in the air. With Jarrett Allen (finger) already ruled out, the Cavaliers could end up relying on Dean Wade and Nae’Qwan Tomlin in the frontcourt.

Powell is set to return on Friday against the Magic after missing Wednesday’s loss against the Mavericks. With Tyler Herro (toe) listed as doubtful, Powell is in line to run the offense for the Heat. Pelle Larsson will likely return to the bench with Powell back.

Herro was initially listed as questionable, but was downgraded to doubtful and is unlikely to play against the Magic on Friday. If the 25-year-old point guard is ultimately ruled out, Pelle Larsson and Jaime Jaquez Jr. will see extra minutes. Norman Powell would also see a boost in fantasy value without Herro.

Banchero haș been out since November 14, missing the Magic’s last 10 games. With the 23-year-old power forward back in the lineup, expect Tristan da Silva to return to a bench role. Banchero could be on a minutes restriction in his first game back.

Kornet is set to miss Friday’s game against the Cavaliers with a sore left ankle. Kelly Olynyk should move into the starting lineup with Victor Wembanyama also sidelined while Jeremy Sochan also picks up additional minutes. Olynyk is worth streaming.

Rostered in 27 percent of Yahoo! leagues, Fears has been close to a top-100 player in eight-cat formats over the past week. Also, for the first time, the rookie guard has scored at least 20 points in three consecutive games. Fears is making strides after a rocky start to his first NBA season, one of the few positives for a team that is now 3-20. And with backup Jose Alvarado (13/3/1/2 with three three-pointers) doing his best to play through a left wrist injury, there could come a point when the Pelicans ask Fears to do even more as the starting point guard.

Make it four straight and five of his last six games in which Bey has scored at least 20 points. Since November 22, only Trey Murphy has been a better fantasy option amongst Pelicans players, with Bey providing top-50 value in eight-cat formats. Zion Williamson (adductor) is out for multiple weeks, and the Pelicans are also awaiting the return of Herb Jones. Rostered in 38 percent of Yahoo! leagues, Bey should be a popular option in more 12-team leagues, even with a light Week 8 schedule due to the NBA Cup knockout rounds.

While Murphy led the Pelicans in scoring on Thursday, he missed all five of his three-point attempts. That ends a streak of 17 consecutive games with at least one three-pointer for the wing, who is averaging 2.9 three-pointers per game on the season. Murphy’s overall stat line was still solid, but it could have been a lot better, especially when considering the 33/15/4 line he dropped on Minnesota in Tuesday’s overtime defeat.

Two days removed from torching the Pelicans for 44 points in an overtime victory, Edwards had arguably his worst game of the season. Due to foul trouble, he attempted six shots from the field, the second-fewest in a game for Ant-Man this season. He only attempted five shots in an October 26 win over the Pacers, but that’s because the Timberwolves guard exited after three minutes due to injury. Add in the eight turnovers, and Edwards had a dud on Thursday that fantasy managers will have to flush. Don’t be surprised if he bounces back on Saturday when Minnesota hosts the Clippers.