NBA Player News

Washington has missed the Mavericks’ last two games, and he’s on track to miss a third on Friday. While Khris Middleton started Wednesday’s loss to the Suns, he only played 18 minutes. Don’t expect much production from the veteran forward on Friday.

Achiuwa is dealing with left ankle soreness that will keep him sidelined for at least one game. With Achiuwa on the sideline, Keegan Murray could rejoin the starting five for the first time since returning from injury.

Traoré sat out Wednesday’s blowout win over the Pelicans, but Brooklyn went big, starting Danny Wolf, Day’Ron Sharpe, Julius Randle and Michael Porter Jr. alongside the lone guard, Egor Dëmin. If Traoré is cleared to play Saturday against Memphis, he could rejoin the starting five, with Wolf or Sharpe likely to shift back to the bench.

Brown Jr. sat out Sunday against the Mavericks due to a back issue, and he missed Wednesday’s tilt with New Orleans due to the illness. His illness could keep him sidelined for another game, but fantasy managers will need to check his status ahead of Saturday’s matchup with the Grizzlies. Keon Ellis could handle additional minutes if Brown Jr. is forced to miss a third straight game.

According to head coach JJ Redick, Reaves and the Lakers medical staff opted against imaging. This latest update is favorable for the severity of the injury, and Reaves could miss little time, if any at all. If Reaves is forced to sit out, Collin Sexton and Quentin Grimes could pick up the slack.

McGowens’ availability isn’t super impactful to the Pelicans’ rotation, but his absence could free up some extra minutes for Bennedict Mathurin.

With a number of key players sidelined, Mathurin could be in line for additional run against Memphis. He’s averaging just 6.0 points across 15.8 minutes this season, but he’s worth a dart throw on Friday night for fantasy managers in need of his stat set.

Murray was previously listed as doubtful due to a left ankle sprain, but this recent update from Charania means that Murray’s status may actually be related to his trade request. The former Hawk and Spur will likely have interest around the league, and his landing spot will dictate his rest-of-season fantasy value. Murray isn’t expected to play for New Orleans again, which means Jeremiah Fears’ stock is way up.

Klay Thompson (ankle) has been upgraded to probable, but the expected absence of Larsson should free up additional minutes for Tim Hardaway Jr. and Andrew Wiggins.

Murray is dealing with a left ankle sprain, and he’s unlikely to suit up against Memphis. That could lead to Herb Jones sticking with the first unit and Jeremiah Fears handling increased responsibilities as a scorer, rebounder and facilitator. In three prior games with Murray sidelined, Fears averaged 18.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 9.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.3 blocks.

After receiving doubtful tags on Thursday, both players are unsurprisingly unavailable against Memphis. With Dejounte Murray (ankle) doubtful, expect Saddiq Bey, Karlo Matković and Herb Jones to see bumps in playing time.