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
Derrick White is Resting on Friday
Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (rest) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. This appears to be a routine maintenance day for White during the first game of the back-to-back set. The assumption is that White will be back in the starting five for Saturday's game against the Chicago Bulls. Baylor Scheierman will take over in the starting five for only his third start of the season. During his last start, Scheierman posted nine points, seven rebounds, and four assists across 32 minutes of action. He'll offer some low-end streaming appeal for Friday's slate. He figures to return to being irrelevant in fantasy formats once White returns.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Aaron Gordon Holds Probable Tag for Friday
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (hamstring) is currently considered probable for Friday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. This is the second game of a back-to-back set, so it's not shocking to see the Nuggets being cautious with Gordon. He looked fine on Thursday, when he finished with 16 points, five assists, and five rebounds across 33 minutes of action. Fantasy managers will need to check back for another update ahead of tip-off. Spencer Jones and Zeke Nnaji would see increased roles if Gordon is downgraded to out.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Jaylin Williams is Returning on Friday
Oklahoma City Thunder center Jaylin Williams (back) is available to play ahead of Friday's game against the Indiana Pacers. He made it through shootaround without any issues and will return after sitting out Wednesday's contest. The Thunder are banged up right now, so having Williams back in the rotation is a nice feeling. The expectation is that he's going to have an increased role with Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) ruled out for this game. The last time Williams played at least 20 minutes, he finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds. His playing time has been inconsistent lately, but he should be a viable option with Hartenstein sidelined.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Quenton Jackson Won't Play on Friday
Indiana Pacers guard Quenton Jackson (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Jackson will miss this game after being forced to make an early exit during Wednesday's game due to a right ankle injury. Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said that Jackson could return against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday. Ben Sheppard should see a larger role in the rotation with Jackson unavailable here. He finished with eight points and two assists across 21 minutes on Wednesday. He'll be a risky streaming choice even with Jackson sidelined on Friday.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Duncan Robinson is Available to Play on Friday
Detroit Pistons forward Duncan Robinson (back) has been cleared to suit up ahead of Friday's game against the Houston Rockets. Robinson was tagged as probable earlier in the day due to a lower back injury. It's not going to be significant enough to keep Robinson on the sideline. Robinson has been heating up lately, so he could be an interesting streaming option for Friday's slate. He's averaging 17.0 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 2.4 three-pointers in 27.7 minutes over his last five outings. He'll look to keep his hot streak alive against the Rockets on Friday night.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Jock Landale is Cleared to Play for Friday's Game
Memphis Grizzlies center Jock Landale (personal) is available to play ahead of Friday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Landale was a late addition to the injury report due to a personal matter. He'll shed the questionable tag and suit up for Friday's contest. This month, Landale is averaging 12.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists across 25.7 minutes per game in nine contests. The Grizzlies' frontcourt is extremely banged up, so Landale has been playing significant minutes. He has been a consistent contributor lately and deserves to be looked at as a streaming option right now. He has scored 10 or more points in four of his last five games.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Ron Holland II to Play on Friday
Detroit Pistons forward Ron Holland II (illness) has been upgraded to available ahead of Friday's game against the Houston Rockets. He appears to be dealing with a minor illness, but it's not significant enough to keep him sidelined. The first-rounder has been picking up his play in the New Year. This month, Holland is averaging 7.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals across 20.9 minutes per game in nine games. He could be worth a look as a streaming option in deep leagues for Friday's slate. He has been consistent enough to be trusted as a low-end option.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Cade Cunningham is Upgraded to Available on Friday
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (hip, illness) has been upgraded to available ahead of Friday's game against the Houston Rockets. Cunningham was able to make it through shootaround and will return to the court after missing Wednesday's contest. The return of Cunningham should shift Daniss Jenkins back to the second unit. He dropped 17 points with Cunningham sidelined, but he won't be an appealing streaming option while playing with the second unit. Cunningham has been a stud this season and needs to be started in all formats. Fantasy managers should double-check their lineups and get Cunningham active ahead of tip-off.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Neemias Queta is Available on Friday
Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (illness) is available to play ahead of Friday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. Queta was a late addition to the injury report, but will ultimately play through his illness. He finished with 17 points, nine rebounds, and five blocks across 29 minutes of action on Wednesday. Fantasy managers should expect him to play in his normal role with Luka Garza playing in the primary backup role. Queta has been playing well enough to be rostered and started in most season-long formats right now.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Aaron Holiday Won't Suit Up on Friday
Houston Rockets guard Aaron Holiday (back) has been downgraded to out ahead of Friday's game against the Detroit Pistons. Holiday sat out Thursday's game and will now miss both games of the back-to-back set. When healthy, Holiday hasn't been a consistent member of the rotation anyway, averaging 13.9 minutes per game. Tari Eason (ankle) is also sidelined, which means Josh Okogie is likely to see additional playing time. He finished with eight points, two assists, and two rebounds across 22 minutes of action on Thursday. He'll offer low-end streaming appeal even with Holiday and Eason out.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Aaron Wiggins is Ruled Out for Friday's Game
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (groin) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Indiana Pacers. This marks the second straight game that Wiggins has been held out due to right groin soreness. The absence of Wiggins should mean increased playing time for Cason Wallace and Isaiah Joe. The extended playing time should make Wallace more appealing heading into Friday's slate. He finished with nine points, two assists, and four steals across 31 minutes of action on Wednesday. The expectation is that he'll play a similar role once again with Wiggins sidelined.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
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