Jabari Smith Jr. Exits Early Against Jazz
Houston Rockets forward/center Jabari Smith Jr. (face) left Friday's win over the Utah Jazz in the third quarter and didn't return. According to The Athletic's Will Guillory, Smith Jr. went to the locker room after taking a shot to the face from teammate Amen Thompson. Before leaving the action, Smith Jr. notched 18 points, five rebounds, and one steal in 24 minutes. Although Smith Jr. doesn't appear to be dealing with a serious injury, fantasy managers should keep an eye on his status before Sunday's contest against Golden State. Tari Eason and Josh Okogie could get more action if Smith Jr. doesn't play on Sunday.
Source: Will Guillory
Source: Will Guillory
Isaiah Stewart to Remain Out Saturday
Detroit Pistons forward/center Isaiah Stewart (calf) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. After Stewart injured his left calf in mid-March, he was initially expected to miss one week, but he hasn't been able to make a quick return. Saturday's game will mark his 12th consecutive absence. Paul Reed will continue to fill in for Stewart as Jalen Duren's backup. The former G League MVP has averaged 11.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.4 blocks over his last five outings.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Giannis Antetokounmpo Says Bucks Are Keeping Him Out Against His Wishes
According to The Athletic's Eric Nehm, Milwaukee Bucks forward/center Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) told reporters before Friday's game against Boston that he's healthy and ready to play, but the team is keeping him out against his wishes. "I'm available to play, but I'm not in the game," Antetokounmpo said. "I'm available to play today. Right now. I'm available. Do I look like I'm not available? ... I don't see myself in the first 12. I don't see myself in the starting lineup. I don't know what game is being played right here, I just don't wanna be a part of it." The NBA is investigating the situation and has reportedly interviewed Antetokounmpo, the Bucks, and team doctors. Antetokounmpo has been out of action with a left knee hyperextension and a bone bruise since March 15. Following Antetokounmpo's explosive comments, it seems his departure from Milwaukee will only be a matter of time this offseason.
Source: Eric Nehm
Source: Eric Nehm
Victor Wembanyama Available to Face Nuggets Saturday
San Antonio Spurs forward/center Victor Wembanyama (ankle) hasn't been included on the injury report ahead of Saturday's game against the Denver Nuggets. With San Antonio playing its second game in as many nights, Wembanyama sat out Thursday's matchup with the Clippers. Wembanyama has been a beast lately, posting 41 points in each of his last two appearances, while racking up rebounds and defensive stats for fun. Saturday's game will be Wembanyama's first matchup of the season against fellow MVP candidate Nikola Jokic. Luke Kornet, who tallied eight points, six rebounds, and five assists in a spot start on Thursday, will move back to the bench against Denver.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Pascal Siakam Exits Early Friday Due to Back Injury
Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (back) didn't finish Friday's matchup with the Charlotte Hornets. He missed the final few minutes of the game, with the team announcing that Siakam won't return due to a bruised lower back. Before exiting with 3:48 remaining in the fourth quarter, Siakam had an excellent performance. He finished with a game-high 30 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals in 34 minutes. Siakam's early exit on Friday night leaves him questionable for Sunday's meeting with Cleveland. Obi Toppin, Micah Potter, and Jarace Walker (back) would all be candidates for larger roles if Siakam misses time, although the latter has been out of the lineup for the last few games due to a back issue of his own.
Source: Indiana Pacers
Source: Indiana Pacers
Karlo Matkovic Remains Out Friday
New Orleans Pelicans forward/center Karlo Matkovic (back) will not play in Friday's game against the Sacramento Kings, marking his second straight absence. Derik Queen could continue to see expanded minutes after posting 12 points, seven assists, six rebounds, two steals, and one block in 28 minutes last game. Yves Missi may also benefit after recording six points, seven rebounds, and one block in 20 minutes. Queen looks like the more appealing short-term fantasy option for his all-around production, while Missi offers deeper league rebounding and defensive stat appeal.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Zeke Nnaji Unavailable Against Spurs
Denver Nuggets forward/center Zeke Nnaji (hip) will remain in street clothes on Saturday against the San Antonio Spurs. He injured his left hip last weekend against Golden State and exited the lineup on Wednesday night versus Utah. His next chance to suit up will come on Monday against Portland. Nnaji plays only a limited role with the Nuggets, and his absence doesn't affect how the team operates. Jonas Valanciunas will continue to be the primary frontcourt option off the bench.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Spencer Jones Out Saturday
Denver Nuggets guard/forward Spencer Jones (hamstring) will miss a second straight game on Saturday against the San Antonio Spurs. He suffered a right hamstring strain last week and could be sidelined for the rest of the regular season, as muscle injuries usually take a minimum of 2-3 weeks to heal. The Nuggets have also lost Peyton Watson (hamstring) from the rotation, so Tim Hardaway Jr. (knee), Bruce Brown, and Julian Strawther could see more time on the floor during the final few regular-season games.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Trey Murphy III Good to Go Friday
New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Trey Murphy III (ankle) is available for Friday's game against the Sacramento Kings after recently returning from a three-game absence. Murphy posted 19 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 36 minutes last game and has averaged 19.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.4 steals across his last five appearances. He should remain locked into fantasy lineups without a minute limit. Murphy should continue to play a major scoring role alongside Zion Williamson and Saddiq Bey.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Tim Hardaway Jr. Likely to Play Saturday
Denver Nuggets guard/forward Tim Hardaway Jr. (knee) is probable for Saturday's clash against the San Antonio Spurs. The 13-year veteran couldn't finish Wednesday's matchup with Utah due to a sore left knee, but it looks like the issue won't keep Hardaway Jr. off the court this weekend. He practiced fully on Friday. Hardaway Jr. has produced good numbers off the bench this season and might have a slightly larger workload during the final week of the regular season, with Peyton Watson (hamstring) on the shelf. Since the All-Star break, Hardaway Jr. has nailed 41.4 percent of his three-point attempts, averaging 12.6 points per game.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Norman Powell Still Sidelined Saturday
Miami Heat guard/forward Norman Powell (illness) will not play in Saturday's game against the Washington Wizards, extending his absence to four straight contests. Pelle Larsson should remain in the starting group after posting 18 points, six assists, three steals, three rebounds, and two three-pointers in 38 minutes last game. Larsson looks like a solid short-term streaming option while Powell remains out, especially for managers needing points, steals, and assists. Tyler Herro should continue to carry more of the scoring load, while Jaime Jaquez Jr. could also see steady minutes off the bench.
Source: Barry Jackson
Source: Barry Jackson
Tyler Herro Likely Available Vs. Wizards
Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (foot) is probable for Saturday's game against the Washington Wizards and is expected to handle his usual workload. The 26-year-old has averaged 21.6 points, 3.4 three-pointers, 3.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists over his last five games and finished with 18 points, seven assists, four three-pointers, and one block in 40 minutes last game. Herro should continue to see extra touches with Norman Powell (illness) sidelined, keeping him locked into most fantasy lineups.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Tobias Harris Iffy for Saturday
Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (knee) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers after exiting early Thursday due to a knee bruise. Kevin Huerter could see more run after posting 12 points, four rebounds, two assists and two three-pointers in 22 minutes, while Javonte Green contributed eight points, six rebounds, one steal and two three-pointers in 27 minutes. Ron Holland II also added eight points and a steal in 16 minutes. Huerter looks like a viable short-term streamer if Harris sits, with Green and Holland also candidates for larger roles.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Tre Johnson Could Miss Heat Matchup
Washington Wizards guard/forward Tre Johnson (foot) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Miami Heat due to a right foot sprain. Bub Carrington could take on more ballhandling duties after finishing with 13 points, seven assists, and three three-pointers in 31 minutes last game. Jamir Watkins added seven points, five rebounds, and two assists in 19 minutes, while Jaden Hardy chipped in seven points with a three-pointer and a steal across 25 minutes. Carrington looks like the safest streaming option if Johnson sits, while Watkins and Hardy could also see expanded roles.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Bilal Coulibaly Questionable Against Miami
Washington Wizards guard/forward Bilal Coulibaly (heel) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Miami Heat as he continues to manage soreness. Will Riley could again benefit after producing 18 points, three assists, and two three-pointers in 32 minutes last game, while Justin Champagnie added 17 points, seven rebounds, one steal, and one block in 21 minutes off the bench. Riley looks like a solid short-term streaming option if Coulibaly is ruled out, while Champagnie and Jaden Hardy could also see increased opportunities in the rotation.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
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