NBA Player News

Powell and the Heat won in Atlanta by a comfortable margin, with a 31-19 second quarter allowing the visitors to grab control. The 25 points were the most he’s scored in a game in three weeks, when the Heat guard dropped 28 on the Magic on December 5. With Bam Adebayo (back) joining Tyler Herro (toe) on the sidelines, Powell becomes Miami’s top scoring option, which should raise his fantasy ceiling. The return home for their final game of Week 10 on Saturday against the Pacers, who also played on Friday.

The Bucks welcome Rollins back to the rotation after a foot injury sidelined him for the Bucks’ two final games before the All-Star break. His return will bolster Milwaukee’s starting backcourt and provide the team with more scoring and playmaking from the opening tip, as they look to extend their win streak to three games. He’s played consistently throughout the year and is posting averages of 16.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 5.5 assists.

On the same day that he agreed to a three-year deal, McGowens has been moved into the Pelicans’ starting lineup. He’ll fill the void left by Trey Murphy, who is out with a right shoulder contusion suffered before the All-Star break.

Allen has missed Phoenix’s last four games, including Thursday’s loss to the Spurs. While Devin Booker (hip) being out makes Allen a more important player if available, he is not guaranteed to play starters’ minutes because of the time missed.

Booker suffered a right hip strain during Thursday’s loss to the Spurs and did not return. His absence for Saturday’s game opens up a spot in the starting lineup. Jordan Goodwin started the second half of Thursday’s defeat and may be the first choice to move into the starting five.

Mitchell was upgraded from questionable to available, as the Heat look to put together back-to-back wins for the first time in nearly one month. Mitchell, the team’s leader in assists per game, should play a pivotal role in getting Miami’s scorers going. Andrew Wiggins’ and Tyler Herro’s returns from injury should also benefit the Heat.

Down several key starters, the injury-hit Jazz will piece together a rarely-used opening unit against the Grizzlies. The two teams split their first couple of meetings this season, and Memphis and Utah could use a win on Friday to get back in the win column. They’ll meet once more in April.

The Grizzlies are without Ty Jerome, Cedric Coward and Scotty Pippen Jr. for Friday’s game, among others. Wells and Jackson are the holdovers from the Grizzlies’ final game before the All-Star break, with Mashack, Hendricks and Lovering moving into the starting five. Of the three replacements, Hendricks is the one who offers the highest fantasy ceiling.

Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd told reporters that Jones will start on Friday. He’ll replace Max Christie (ankle) in the opening unit to provide the team with some playmaking and ball-handling at the lead guard position. Jones was recently acquired by the Mavericks via trade; he’s averaging 3.0 points and 4.3 assists in 17.0 minutes per game in his three appearances with Dallas. Joining Jones in the starting lineup are Naji Marshall, Khris Middleton, P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford.

The Pacers won’t have Andrew Nembhard or Aaron Nesmith for Friday’s game, opening up two spots in the starting lineup. Jones and McConnell, who were initially listed as questionable, will fill the resulting voids. While neither player is a must-stream option, they’re worth a look in deep leagues due to the Pacers’ lack of perimeter depth.

The Wizards won’t have Kyshawn George for Friday’s game, as he’s out with a toe injury. Champagnie moves into the starting lineup, raising his ceiling and making him a player worth streaming. That’s the lone change to the starting five.