NBA Player News

Mitchell bounced back after being held to just 17 points against Toronto on Monday. The extra rest may have helped him surpass 40 points for the second time this year, but it wasn’t enough for Cleveland to get the win. He did his best by scoring 16 points in the final frame, but they still lost a second straight game. Next up is a matchup with the Celtics on Sunday to wrap up this week. That will be a lone home game for Cleveland after two straight on the road, which may be needed after consecutive losses.

Santos is available after not playing in Wednesday’s loss to the Spurs. While his return should bump Will Richard to the bench, the rookie is likely to remain in the rotation.

Melton is back after sitting out Wednesday’s loss to the Spurs. His return likely pushes LJ Cryer to the bench. However, the rookie guard may remain in the rotation since Seth Curry is out.

After sitting out Sunday’s loss to the Nets, Monk played 29 minutes off the bench in Wednesday’s win over the Raptors. If he’s unable to play on Friday, those minutes will be divided among multiple players, including Devin Carter and Daeqwon Plowden.

According to Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault, Caruso wanted to give it a go, but he has since been ruled out. His absence does not significantly affect fantasy basketball, but it does free up a few more minutes for Cason Wallace, Ajay Mitchell and Jared McCain.

Harris played just six minutes before exiting Thursday’s game. Due to a left knee contusion suffered while converting a layup over Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert, the veteran forward is done for the night. More minutes will be available to Javonte Green and Ron Holland.

Harris suffered a left knee contusion when converting a first-quarter layup over Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert. The veteran forward limped back to the locker room seconds later, with Javonte Green replacing him in the lineup.

Battle has missed Toronto’s last three games due to illness. His absence has not affected fantasy basketball, as he is not guaranteed rotation minutes when available.

Gibson has missed Memphis’ last three games, and the doubtful tag means he’ll likely miss a fourth on Friday. The veteran forward/center is more valuable to the locker room than to fantasy basketball.

While Spencer was in the Grizzlies’ starting lineup for Wednesday’s loss to the Knicks, Jerome has missed the team’s last six games, counting Friday’s matchup with the Raptors. Memphis will lean heavily on Javon Small and Walter Clayton Jr., with the former already in the starting lineup.

Hendricks is back after sitting out Wednesday’s loss to the Knicks. With Olivier-Maxence Prosper (back) listed as doubtful, Hendricks is likely to take his place in the starting lineup on Friday. In this scenario, Hendricks is worth rostering due to his defensive potential.