NBA Player News

Kennard played through a neck injury on Saturday and then sat out Tuesday’s game against the Lakers. He seems likely to return on Thursday after missing just one game. It will be interesting to see how the Hawks manage the playing time between Kennard and Corey Kispert.

Baldwin, the 28th overall pick in the 2022 draft, was on a two-way deal with the Clippers to end last season before being waived in July. He most recently played for the franchise’s G League affiliate. His return to the NBA gives the Clippers more flexibility with Kobe Sanders and Jordan Miller, both on two-way contracts. However, this transaction does not affect fantasy basketball.

While Temple is trending toward being available for Friday’s game, he hasn’t logged more than seven minutes in any of his ten appearances this season.

Initially listed as questionable, Quickley is trending toward missing Friday’s game with back spasms. Jamal Shead, who has started the last three games in place of RJ Barrett, will figure more prominently within the rotation. Also, Ja’Kobe Walter could be moved back into the starting lineup if Quickley sits.

Initially questionable for Friday’s game, Leonard will not be available. While he scored 33 points in Wednesday’s win over the Wizards, the Clippers’ forward was on a restriction of 28-30 minutes, a sign that his ankle has been problematic. Kobe Sanders, who started for John Collins the last time out, should remain in the starting lineup, even if Collins returns.

Jones, who is dealing with a sprained right ankle, was absent from the Pacers’ initial injury report for Friday. The rookie guard’s availability won’t affect fantasy basketball, as he has not consistently played rotation minutes.

Thursday’s loss to the Warriors was the Knicks’ second game in as many nights, so Robinson did not play. His return to the rotation will give the team better cover in the chance that Karl-Anthony Towns gets into early foul trouble. Also, the Knicks had some success with the two-big lineup in their January 9 loss to the Suns in Phoenix.

Brunson did not play in Thursday’s loss to the Warriors after spraining his right ankle the night prior in Sacramento. Miles McBride scored 25 points and dished out six assists as the starting point guard, and he would be worth rostering if Brunson has to miss another game. For those who already have Deuce, he may be worth holding onto if the Knicks’ captain returns, given the team’s need for consistent bench production.

Mamukelashvili was held out of Wednesday’s win over the Pacers, leading the Raptors to go small whenever Collin Murray-Boyles wasn’t on the floor. Mamu’s likely return may result in fewer minutes for A.J. Lawson, who logged 17 on Wednesday.

Injured during Wednesday’s win over the Pacers, Battle was initially doubtful for Friday night. His absence will result in more minutes for Gradey Dick, who recorded 21 points and 11 rebounds on Wednesday. That said, this does not make Gradey a player worth streaming in most leagues.

LaRavia shot the ball efficiently on Thursday en route to finishing as one of five Lakers to score in double figures. The first-year Laker also collected a couple of steals in his team-high 37 minutes and tied for the team lead in three-pointers. LaRavia scored in double figures for the sixth time in January and continues to have a really good stretch from a production standpoint. He’s rostered in only 21 percent of Yahoo! leagues, and could be a worthwhile roster addition for those managers looking for upside.