NBA Player News

There’s no such thing as “garbage time” when you’re looking to earn more opportunities. Walker made the most of his minutes in Tuesday’s blowout loss to the Spurs, scoring 20 points and earning rotation minutes on Wednesday. The 76ers forward put up an efficient 22 points and recorded a double-double against the Jazz, making some personal history. This is the first time in Walker’s NBA career that he’s scored at least 20 points in consecutive games. The 76ers don’t play again until Saturday in Atlanta, so some of the absent players could be available. If not, don’t be surprised if head coach Nick Nurse gives Walker another opportunity. He’s earned it.

O’Neale is dealing with a sore right foot and will go through his pregame routine before a decision is made regarding his availability for Friday’s game. If O’Neale can’t play, Grayson Allen and Ryan Dunn are potential replacements in the starting lineup.

Smith is set to miss only his fourth game of the season on Friday against the Trail Blazers. The 22-year-old forward is dealing with an ankle injury. With Smith out, Tari Eason and Josh Okogie should see additional minutes.

Murray is set to miss his second game in a row with an illness. With Deni Avdija (back) also sidelined, Scoot Henderson should start again for the Trail Blazers.

Already without Norman Powell, the Heat won’t have Andrew Wiggins for Friday’s game, either. Gardner moves into the starting lineup, where he offers modest value as a deep-league streamer.

The Mavericks are without Daniel Gafford and Marvin Bagley III for Friday’s game, so Powell will be the starting center. While he offers a limited fantasy ceiling, the veteran forward/center will play plenty due to Dallas’s lack of interior depth.

Avdija is set to miss his sixth consecutive game as he continues to manage a lower back injury. Scoot Henderson should be in line for another start with Avdija and Kris Murray (illness) sidelined.

Tatum will make his season debut on Friday, prompting a change to the Celtics’ starting lineup. Baylor Scheierman heads to the bench, which lowers his fantasy ceiling, especially with Tatum not under a minutes restriction.

Coward and Hendricks sat out Wednesday’s loss to the Trail Blazers, as it was Memphis’ second game in as many nights. The former’s return will likely mean fewer minutes for Jahmai Mashack, while the latter may siphon minutes away from GG Jackson and Olivier-Maxence Prosper.

Thompson is good to go after appearing to tweak his right ankle during Thursday’s loss to the Warriors. He’ll take on his usual role within the starting lineup.

Jerome and Pippen are back after sitting out Wednesday’s loss to the Trail Blazers. Their returns will likely push Javon Small and Rayan Rupert to the bench. Small and Rupert offer limited fantasy value in reserve roles.