NBA Player News

Giannis came up with the biggest defensive play of Friday’s game, as he poked the ball away from LeBron James in the final seconds to prevent the Lakers’ forward from attempting a potential game-tying layup. While Antetokounmpo’s shot volume was low, he shot the ball efficiently from the field and the foul line. Having seemingly put to rest any rumors regarding his future in Milwaukee, the question now is what (if anything) the Bucks will look to do to strengthen the roster around Antetokounmpo before the trade deadline. Regardless of the answer, he’ll still provide excellent fantasy value.

Markkanen is set to miss his seventh game in a row Saturday against the Heat. Cody Williams should continue to start in his place while Markkanen’s next chance for a return will come Tuesday against the Clippers. Williams isn’t worth streaming in most fantasy leagues.

Merrill is set to miss his fifth consecutive game with a hand injury. Jaylon Tyson and Dean Wade should remain in the starting lineup with Merrill out while De’Andre Hunter continues to occupy a bench role.

Williams was initially listed as probable with an ankle injury, so his availability isn’t much of a surprise. He returned from a two-game absence Thursday with five points and three rebounds in 16 minutes off the bench in the win over the Timberwolves. Williams isn’t worth rostering in most fantasy leagues.

Giddey was initially listed as probable, so his availability doesn’t come as much of a surprise. The 23-year-old guard returned from a hamstring injury and came off the bench, playing 26 minutes in Thursday’s win over the Timberwolves. The Bulls could continue to deploy Giddey this way until he feels 100 percent.

Nurkić was initially listed as doubtful with an illness. With the 31-year-old center being upgraded to questionable Saturday, his odds of suiting up against the Heat have certainly improved. With his status still up in the air, though, Kyle Filipowski could move into the starting lineup and be worth streaming if Nurkić is ruled out prior to game-time.

Kalkbrenner came off the bench in the Hornets’ win over the Magic on Thursday, but the 24-year-old rookie center played 27 minutes compared to starter Moussa Diabate’s 16 minutes. The Hornets’ Twitter account initially had Kalkbrenner in Saturday’s starting lineup, before correctly showing Diabate as the starter. Both centers will likely still play Saturday, but if Charlotte continues to give Kalkbrenner more minutes he could move into the starting lineup eventually.

Riley moves into the starting lineup with Khris Middleton (foot) out. The 19-year-old forward is making the first start of his career. According to the Wizards, this is the youngest starting lineup in NBA history with an average age of 20.64 years old.

Morant suffered a UCL sprain in his left (non-shooting) elbow during Wednesday’s loss to the Hawks. The injury is expected to sideline the 26-year-old point guard for at least the next three weeks, at which point he’ll be reevaluated. Cam Spencer started in Morant’s place Friday and had 21 points and 11 assists, making him a legitimate fantasy option while Morant is out.

Middleton was listed as questionable initially, but has since been ruled out with left foot soreness. In his absence, Justin Champagnie could slide into the starting lineup with Will Riley picking up rotation minutes off the bench.

Kalkbrenner was originally listed as probable with a wrist injury, so it’s no surprise he’s available for Saturday’s game. The 24-year-old rookie center had 10 points and nine rebounds in 27 minutes off the bench in the Hornets’ win over the Magic on Thursday. We don’t expect Kalkbrenner to be limited against the Wizards, though he’ll still share center minutes with Moussa Diabate.