NBA Player News

While Franz Wagner was back in the lineup after a 16-game absence, his return did not negatively affect Black’s opportunities. The third-year guard was excellent during the second half, helping Orlando bounce back from a slow start. Black shot 4-of-6 from the field in the third quarter, and in the fourth, provided one of the dunks of the season. His fantasy value should be fine until Jalen Suggs returns from injury, and it’s going to take a lot to decrease Black’s opportunities, given how well he’s played.

Herro will miss a second straight game with a quad injury, meaning that Kasparas Jakučionis will remain in the starting lineup. The rookie has not done enough in prior opportunities to merit streaming in this spot.

Nembhard’s return pushes Kam Jones to the bench, while Zubac’s Pacers debut means Jay Huff will be used in a reserve role. Also, Thompson and Brown start due to Aaron Nesmith and Obi Toppin being sidelined. The lone holdover in the starting lineup is Walker.

As expected, Thompson will miss the first leg of this back-to-back, though he should return to play the Cavaliers on Friday. Caleb Martin should take on extra minutes off the bench, though he isn’t a strong fantasy option.

The 76ers won’t have Joel Embiid, Adem Bona or Andre Drummond for Thursday’s game. As a result, Barlow shifts to the starting center spot, with Watford moving into the starting lineup. Also, Edwards starts because Kelly Oubre Jr. is out.

Sims is back after a one-game absence, which resulted in Pete Nance picking up a few more minutes off the bench. Nance may not fall out of the rotation entirely, but his playing time should decrease with Sims available.

Portis will be back following a one-game absence. Pete Nance filled out the backup center minutes behind Myles Turner, but with both Portis and Jericho Sims (knee) returning, Nance likely won’t see the floor much.

Already without Joel Embiid and Adem Bona, the 76ers won’t have Drummond for Thursday’s game, either. Expect to see plenty of Jabari Walker, and he’s worth streaming despite the challenging matchup.

KPJ missed Milwaukee’s last four games, but he will return to take on Miami. Ryan Rollins has been starting in his place, but he should head back to playing a reserve role with KPJ available, which will limit his fantasy upside.

Şengün is dealing with lower back pain, casting some doubt on his availability for Friday’s game. If he can’t play against the Pelicans, Clint Capela would be the next man up. A fantasy afterthought this season, Capela would be worth streaming because of the rebound and blocked shot potential.

This will be a third straight absence for Allen, which means Jordan Goodwin, Haywood Highsmith and Rasheer Fleming should continue to take on extra minutes off the bench. None have contributed enough to be worth rostering in most fantasy formats.