Killian Hayes is Returning on Thursday
Sacramento Kings guard Killian Hayes (toe) is available to play ahead of Thursday's game against the Orlando Magic. Hayes is back after missing Tuesday's game due to left toe inflammation. He should continue to see a larger role in the rotation with Russell Westbrook (foot) still sidelined. Over the last seven games, Hayes is averaging 7.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 21.7 minutes per game. His return to the rotation should mean a reduced role for Devin Carter. Hayes should offer some deep league value with Westbrook still on the sideline right now.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Tobias Harris is Active on Thursday
Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (hip) has been upgraded to available ahead of Thursday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Harris will shed the questionable tag and suit up for the second game of this back-to-back set. He finished with 22 points, three rebounds, and three assists across 35 minutes of action during Wednesday's game. The veteran forward has been asked to pick up the slack offensively with Cade Cunningham (lung) sidelined right now. Over the last six games, Harris is averaging 14.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists. Fantasy managers need to get him in their lineups ahead of tip-off.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Ausar Thompson is Cleared for Thursday's Game
Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson (ankle) is available to play ahead of Thursday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. As expected, Thompson is cleared to play after being listed as probable on the injury report. Despite the minor ankle injury, Thompson is ready to go for the second leg of this back-to-back set. The second-year forward is on a roll defensively, with 12 steals over his last three games. He needs to be rostered and started in most fantasy formats right now. Thompson looks to keep the good things rolling after dropping 18 points with four steals during Wednesday's contest.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Jalen Duren is Upgraded to Available
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (knee) has been upgraded to available ahead of Thursday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. As expected, Duren is cleared to play after being listed as probable with a minor knee issue. Despite the minor injury, Duren will be out there for the second leg of this back-to-back set. Duren is one of the best centers in the league, so fantasy managers make sure he's active in their lineups. He's averaging 19.3 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists across 28.0 minutes per game this season. The 22-year-old has been asked to take on a larger role offensively since Cade Cunningham (lung) went down.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Trey Murphy III Ruled Out for Thursday
New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Trey Murphy III (ankle) is unavailable for the first leg of a back-to-back on Thursday versus the Detroit Pistons. He is dealing with a right ankle sprain and will miss his first game of the month. Jeremiah Fears, Yves Missi, and Herbert Jones are expected to take on larger workloads in his absence, while Jordan Poole may also re-enter the rotation.
Source: New Orleans Pelicans
Source: New Orleans Pelicans
Precious Achiuwa is Available on Thursday
Sacramento Kings forward Precious Achiuwa (back) is available to play ahead of Thursday's game against the Orlando Magic. Achiuwa is set to return after missing Tuesday's game due to a back issue. His return to the rotation should mean a reduced role for Daeqwon Plowden on Thursday. Fantasy managers should make sure to adjust their lineups and get Achiuwa active ahead of tip-off. Over the last five games, Achiuwa is averaging 16.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks across 32.4 minutes per game. He's looking like a valuable streaming option down the stretch of the season.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Caris LeVert is Ruled Out for Thursday
Detroit Pistons guard Caris LeVert (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Thursday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. LeVert will take a seat for the second leg of the back-to-back set due to a knee issue. He finished with four points, five rebounds, and two assists across 15 minutes on Wednesday. His absence from the rotation should mean more minutes for Kevin Huerter and Daniss Jenkins. Fantasy managers should strongly consider adding Jenkins, who is playing big minutes without Cade Cunningham (lung) available.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Jaylen Brown Considered Questionable for Friday
Boston Celtics guard/forward Jaylen Brown (calf) is listed as questionable for Friday's matchup against the Atlanta Hawks. The Celtics may opt to give Brown a maintenance day due to tightness in his left calf after logging at least 35 minutes in each of his last five games. If Brown is unable to suit up, Jayson Tatum and Payton Pritchard would be in line for increased scoring opportunities.
Source: Boston Celtics
Source: Boston Celtics
Jalen Suggs Available on Thursday
Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (illness) is available to suit up for Thursday's game against the Sacramento Kings. Suggs missed the last two games due to illness but is good to go for tonight's matchup. The 24-year-old has averaged 14.9 points, 4.8 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals in 30.1 minutes per contest across his last eight outings. Jevon Carter and Jamal Cain's roles will decrease now that Suggs is back in the lineup, after the two shared starting duties during his absence.
Source: Marc Stein
Source: Marc Stein
Daniel Gafford Unavailable for Friday
Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (shoulder) has been ruled out for Friday's matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers. The big man will miss his second straight game due to a shoulder injury he sustained during Monday's loss to Golden State. Marvin Bagley III and Dwight Powell will move up the depth chart, with one of them likely drawing the start in Gafford's place. Bagley is the better fantasy option, even if he comes off the bench.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Immanuel Quickley Ruled Out for Friday
According to Esfandiar Baraheni of The Athletic, Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (foot) won't play on Friday against the New Orleans Pelicans. The 26-year-old will miss a third straight game due to right foot plantar fasciitis. Jamal Shead is expected to continue as the starting point guard in his absence. Shead has started the last two games, collecting 18 assists across 60 minutes on the floor.
Source: Esfandiar Baraheni
Source: Esfandiar Baraheni
Jaden Ivey Shut Down for the Rest of the Season
On Thursday, the Chicago Bulls announced that guard Jaden Ivey (knee) will miss the remainder of the regular season. With the team out of playoff contention, Chicago has elected to shut Ivey down early due to lingering pain in his left knee. The 24-year-old averaged 8.5 points, 1.8 assists, and 2.5 rebounds in 18.1 minutes per game across 37 appearances this season, split between the Bulls and Pistons.
Source: Chicago Bulls
Source: Chicago Bulls
Jalen Smith Sidelined for Remainder of Season
On Thursday, the Chicago Bulls announced that forward/center Jalen Smith (calf) will miss the remainder of the season due to a lingering calf issue. Through 53 regular-season outings, the 26-year-old big man averaged 10.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.8 blocks, and 1.5 three-pointers across 20.7 minutes per game. With Smith sidelined, Guerschon Yabusele and Nick Richards should see larger roles in the rotation for the rest of the campaign.
Source: Chicago Bulls
Source: Chicago Bulls
Keegan Murray Cleared for Basketball Activities
Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (ankle) has been cleared for contact basketball activities, the team announced. He is making "good progress" in his recovery from a left ankle sprain. Although the team provided an encouraging update, the Kings have nothing left to play for and may decide to keep Murray out until the end of the season. There are nine more games remaining for Sacramento, starting with Thursday's matchup against the Orlando Magic. Murray has had a tough campaign, shooting a career-low 27.7 percent from three-point range. He has averaged 14.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game.
Source: Sacramento Kings
Source: Sacramento Kings
Killian Hayes Uncertain for Thursday
Sacramento Kings point guard Killian Hayes (toe) has been tagged as questionable on the injury report ahead of Thursday's meeting with the Orlando Magic. The 24-year-old is dealing with toe inflammation, which could keep him sidelined for a second consecutive game. The Kings have already ruled out Russell Westbrook (toe) for the game, so Devin Carter could have a busy night as the starting point guard. He finished Tuesday's heavy loss to Charlotte with 18 points, three rebounds, three assists, and one steal.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
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