NBA Player News

While the Pelicans scored 74 points in the first half, that did not keep interim head coach James Borrego from making a few lineup changes. Missi and Jose Alvarado were inserted into the lineup, with rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen (8/5/4/1/1 in 17 minutes) being bumped to the bench. Missi had his best game of the season, recording a double-double with season-highs in points and rebounds. Add in the blocked shots, and Monday’s effort was a step in the right direction for the second-year center. As long as Queen remains the starter, there isn’t much to gain from rostering Missi right now. But keep an eye on him, as his value may expand during the “silly season.”

Nurkić missed Thursday’s game against the Nets with a rib injury with Kyle Filipowski replacing him in the starting lineup. Filipowski had 15 points, eight rebounds and five assists in the win over Brooklyn. If Nurkić is out again, Filipowski will likely start again and he just showed he has streaming value under these circumstances.

Agbaji missed Thursday’s game against the Lakers for personal reasons and will miss Friday’s game against the Hornets as well. Without the 25-year-old guard, AJ Lawson could pick up additional minutes.

Smart has missed the last four games with a back injury. He’ll continue to sit out as he manages the injury. Lakers coach JJ Redick told reporters earlier this week that he expected Smart back soon, but he’s missed two games since that quote and remains without a clear timetable to return.

Dončić is still away from the team for personal reasons after missing Thursday’s game against Toronto. Without the 26-year-old point guard, Gabe Vincent should remain in the starting lineup. Austin Reaves will get a nice usage bump without Dončić as well.

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.