Ja Morant Facing Multi-Week Absence With Elbow Sprain
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (elbow) will be reevaluated in roughly three weeks after suffering a left elbow UCL sprain, effectively sidelining him until after the All-Star break. The extended absence shifts short-term fantasy value to the backcourt replacements. Cam Spencer has been the most reliable option, averaging 12.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 3.6 rebounds in 24.7 minutes over his last five games while handling primary creation duties. Vince Williams Jr. remains a secondary play, while Ty Jerome (calf) profiles as a speculative add once healthy.
Source: Grizzlies PR
Source: Grizzlies PR
Joel Embiid On Track to Play vs. Knicks
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (ankle) is probable for Saturday's matchup against the Knicks after sitting earlier this week for ankle management. He returned Thursday and delivered 32 points, 15 rebounds, 10 assists, one block, and one steal in 46 minutes, signaling full workload capability. Over his last five appearances, Embiid is averaging 28.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists while shooting 51.7 percent in 34.5 minutes. If active, he remains a top-tier anchor across formats, though managers should note occasional rest risk tied to schedule density.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Daniel Gafford Expected to Play Saturday vs. Lakers
Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (ankle) is probable for Saturday's game against the Lakers as he manages a right ankle sprain, which matters for a Dallas frontcourt thinned further with Anthony Davis (finger) still sidelined. When available, Gafford has handled interior responsibilities and averaged 6.2 points and 9.0 rebounds in 21.9 minutes over his last five appearances. That role keeps him relevant for rebounds and blocks if his minutes hold. Dwight Powell's fantasy appeal takes a hit, while Gafford carries moderate upside tied to health and workload.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Jalen Suggs Expected Back Saturday vs. Cavaliers
Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (knee) is probable to return Saturday against Cleveland after missing eight games with a right knee MCL contusion. A minutes cap or bench role remains possible, but his presence reshapes Orlando's backcourt. Suggs averaged 17.0 points, 4.4 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals in 27.5 minutes over his last five appearances. Anthony Black has thrived during Suggs' absence, though his role bears monitoring as the rotation tightens. Suggs remains a hold with upside if his workload ramps quickly.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Khris Middleton to Miss Saturday's Game Against Hornets
Washington Wizards forward Khris Middleton (foot) will miss Saturday's game against Charlotte as he continues to recover from a left foot injury, with Tuesday against Portland next on the schedule. His absence reshapes Washington's wing rotation and opens short-term fantasy opportunities. Justin Champagnie is the best bet to benefit after logging a start recently and averaging 9.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.4 steals over his last five games in 24.8 minutes. Will Riley could see added run, though his production has been inconsistent of late.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Bilal Coulibaly Ruled Out for Fifth Straight Game
Washington Wizards guard/forward Bilal Coulibaly (back) will miss Saturday's game against Charlotte, extending his absence to five straight contests after being ruled out a day in advance. His continued unavailability keeps Washington's wing rotation unsettled for fantasy managers. Justin Champagnie has been the most usable option, averaging 8.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.7 steals over his last three games while logging consistent minutes. Will Riley and Jamir Watkins can chip in on certain nights, but the lack of a stable role makes them hard to trust.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Franz Wagner Misses Second Straight Game
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (ankle) will miss Saturday's game against Cleveland as he continues to manage soreness following a recent return from a high-ankle sprain. The repeated absences create short-term opportunity but little stability for fantasy managers. Noah Penda flashed across the stat sheet with 13 points, two rebounds, four assists, two steals, and one block in 19 minutes last time out, yet his role has fluctuated sharply. Jett Howard and Tristan da Silva also remain volatile, offering scoring or minutes in spurts but lacking consistent usage. Wagner should be held, though durability concerns cap his ceiling.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Jonathan Kuminga Will Not Play Saturday vs. Timberwolves
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (knee) will sit Saturday against Minnesota after exiting Wednesday's loss early with left knee soreness. The absence halts recent momentum created by Jimmy Butler's (knee) continued unavailability and shifts short-term fantasy value to the wings. De'Anthony Melton is the top beneficiary after posting 22 points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block in 23 minutes against Dallas. Brandin Podziemski started and delivered nine points and ten rebounds in 33 minutes, while Moses Moody added 12 points and three rebounds in 23 minutes. Kuminga should be held, but managers should monitor lingering risk.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Jalen Green Suffers Another Hamstring Setback
Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (hamstring) exited in the first quarter Friday due to right hamstring tightness, finishing with four points, one rebound, and one assist in four minutes. The setback is notable given Green has appeared in only four games all season, struggling to stay on the floor since returning from a lengthy absence. His unreliable availability limits his fantasy utility outside of deeper formats. Collin Gillespie remains the top beneficiary, averaging 15.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 3.4 three-pointers over his last five starts. Grayson Allen offers steady shooting, while Jordan Goodwin and Ryan Dunn remain inconsistent fantasy options.
Source: Amanda Pflugrad
Source: Amanda Pflugrad
Nicolas Claxton Scheduled for MRI on Injured Finger
Brooklyn Nets center Nicolas Claxton (finger) is scheduled for imaging after hurting his right pinky during Friday's double-overtime loss, though he played through it and closed the game. Claxton posted 18 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and two blocks in 39 minutes, keeping his per-game production intact but introducing short-term risk. If he misses time, Day'Ron Sharpe becomes a priority streamer after averaging 15.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.5 steals, and 1.5 blocks in 31.0 minutes across two recent starts. Sharpe offers strong category juice, while Claxton should be held until his status is clearer.
Source: Erik Slater
Source: Erik Slater
Aaron Gordon Dealing with Hamstring Issue Again
Denver Nuggets forward/center Aaron Gordon (hamstring) aggravated his right hamstring Friday and did not return after logging 13 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 16 minutes. Gordon recently missed extended time with the same injury, placing his short-term availability in doubt. Peyton Watson remains the safest fantasy option regardless of Gordon's status, averaging 20.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.8 blocks over his last five starts. Zeke Nnaji becomes a situational streamer only if Gordon sits, while Spencer Jones lacks consistent production to trust.
Source: Katy Winge
Source: Katy Winge
Giannis Antetokounmpo Set for MRI After Calf Issue
Milwaukee Bucks forward/center Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) finished Friday despite discomfort but is set for imaging after appearing limited late in a 102-100 loss. The timeline remains unclear, adding short-term risk for fantasy managers given his prior calf absence earlier this season. If Antetokounmpo misses time, Bobby Portis profiles as a strong streamer after averaging 16.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.3 three-pointers in 28.9 minutes during the previous absence. Kyle Kuzma brings steady volume at 16.4 points and 6.7 rebounds in 30.4 minutes, while Ryan Rollins offers upside with 14.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.9 three-pointers in 26.6 minutes.
Source: Eric Nehm
Source: Eric Nehm
Devin Booker Injures Ankle on Friday, Requires Assistance Off the Court
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (ankle) exited Friday's loss to the Atlanta Hawks and did not return. The 29-year-old was cooking, amassing 31 points before abruptly exiting late in the third quarter due to a sprained right ankle late. He was in obvious discomfort and required assistance off the court, so it certainly doesn't look like he'll be available at least for Sunday's meeting with the visiting Miami Heat. With Jalen Green (hamstring) also not a lock to suit up for that one, Dillon Brooks, Grayson Allen, and Collin Gillespie could find themselves handling the bulk of the scoring load.
Source: Michael Scotto
Source: Michael Scotto
RJ Barrett Starting on Friday
Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett (ankle) will play on Friday against Portland. He's missed the last seven games because of a sprained ankle. While the former Duke Blue Devil will probably be limited in his first game back from the extended layoff, he'll return to his usual role in the starting lineup. Barrett was averaging 19.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists before going down with the injury, giving him upside for fantasy managers despite the chance of a reduced workload. With Barrett on the court, Jamal Shead will head back to the bench after logging 12.9 points and 7.6 dimes in seven appearances with the first five.
Source: Zulfi Sheikh
Source: Zulfi Sheikh
Herbert Jones is Returning on Friday
New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (ankle) is available to play ahead of Friday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Jones is back in the mix following an eight-game absence due to an ankle sprain. The expectation is that his minutes will be closely monitored, given he hasn't played since January 8. When healthy, Jones is a reliable contributor, so fantasy managers should check their waivers to see if he's available. This season, Jones is averaging 9.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists across 28.3 minutes per game. He's probably more of a deep league option, but could have more value in the future. Saddiq Bey and Yves Missi could see reduced playing time with Jones returning on Friday.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
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