NBA Player News

Back in the lineup after missing two games for personal reasons, Porter recorded his second double-double in as many appearances and ninth of the season. And Tuesday should have been even better for the Nets forward, as he shot a brutal 0-of-9 from beyond the arc. Porter entered the game shooting 39.8 percent from three on the season, so this performance was a clear departure from the norm. The only thing that should concern fantasy managers is MPJ’s availability, especially if he remains in Brooklyn after the trade deadline.

Thursday’s game will be the fourth that Okongwu has missed due to a dental fracture that required surgery. The Hawks will continue to rely on Christian Koloko and Mouhamed Gueye to fill the void as they await Okongwu’s return and the arrival of Jock Landale.

Acquired from the Bulls on Tuesday, Vučević will be available to make his Celtics debut on Friday. While his addition to the rotation may not eliminate starter Neemias Queta’s fantasy value since they have different skill sets, Vooch’s arrival likely means fewer opportunities for Luka Garza. Those who have rostered Vučević or Queta throughout the season should hold, at least until it’s clear how head coach Joe Mazzulla will set up the new rotation.

Hauser is back after missing Wednesday’s win over the Rockets, the Celtics’ second game in as many nights. With the sharpshooter back in the fold, Luka Garza will head to the bench. And with Nikola Vučević available to make his Celtics’ debut, Garza’s limited fantasy value will take a hit.

Brown did not play in Wednesday’s win over the Rockets, which was Boston’s second game in as many nights. His return will push Ron Harper Jr. to the bench, whether the fourth-year wing will have minimal value at best.

Wagner has appeared in only two games since suffering a high left ankle sprain during a December 7 game against the Knicks. Getting him back will give Orlando a much-needed boost on the playmaking front. With Wagner already out for Thursday’s game against the Nets, the next opportunity for him to play would be on Saturday against the Jazz. While Anthony Black may be the player who heads to the bench, he’s worth holding onto in 12-team leagues.

Avdija has missed Portland’s last two games with a lower back injury that first surfaced during a January 11 loss to the Knicks. His absence on Friday would coincide with the return of Scoot Henderson, who will be available for the first time this season. While he certainly won’t log heavy minutes, Scoot can help Portland account for Avdija’s absence.

After suffering a torn left hamstring during the offseason, Henderson’s path to a full recovery has been an arduous one. He’ll make his season debut on Friday, and the point guard is likely to be under a minutes restriction. Henderson won’t affect fantasy basketball immediately, but he’s someone who could have added value after the All-Star break due to the Blazers’ need for playmakers on the perimeter.

Signed to a two-way contract in March, Tomlin played well enough this season to earn a standard contract. The Cavaliers got that done shortly after the trade deadline, ensuring that the athletic forward will be eligible for the postseason. In 41 games, Tomlin has averaged 6.6 points and 3.1 rebounds in 17.2 minutes. While ensuring that he’s available for the rest of the season helps Cleveland’s depth, it doesn’t affect fantasy basketball.

The goal of this transaction was for the Celtics to get out of the luxury tax. Tillman was out of the Celtics’ rotation for most of this season, averaging 7.9 minutes per game in 14 appearances. His fantasy outlook won’t change in Charlotte.

Herro has been out since January 15, which is the last time the Heat faced the Celtics. The guard has not been given a timeline by team doctors, and given the time Herro has already missed, fantasy managers should consider him week-to-week. Pelle Larsson has been the replacement in the starting lineup, and he’s worth considering as a deep-league streamer.