Matas Buzelis Will Play Against Lakers
Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (ankle) will suit up on Thursday against the Los Angeles Lakers. Due to an ankle injury, Buzelis was initially listed as probable for the game. The 21-year-old sophomore is fresh off a career night against the Warriors and should be full of confidence ahead of Thursday's matchup. Since the All-Star break, Buzelis has produced averages of 19.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Josh Giddey Cleared to Face Lakers
Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (ankle) has received the green light to play on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Lakers. He was listed as probable on the initial injury report. Despite dealing with a right ankle sprain, Giddey logged 43 minutes in Tuesday's overtime against Golden State, so he doesn't appear to be limited in any way. Giddey produced a 21-13-17 line against the Warriors and will head out for his third consecutive triple-double on Thursday.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Jalen Smith Cleared to Play Thursday
Chicago Bulls forward/center Jalen Smith (calf) has been upgraded from questionable to available for Thursday's matchup against the Lakers. Smith recently logged 12 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, one block, and two 3-pointers in 34 minutes as a starter and should continue seeing meaningful frontcourt minutes if his workload remains intact. His availability could cut into Nick Richards' playing time, lowering Richards' short-term streaming appeal. Smith's mix of boards, blocks, and some floor spacing keeps him on the radar as a deeper league hold, especially if he continues to see stable playing time.
Source: K.C. Johnson
Source: K.C. Johnson
Moses Moody to Miss Fifth Straight Game Friday
Golden State Warriors guard/forward Moses Moody (wrist) will be out for a fifth straight game on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Warriors announced earlier this week that Moody has resumed on-court activities. According to head coach Steve Kerr, the 23-year-old could be an option during the team's upcoming six-game road trip, which begins on Sunday in New York. Gary Payton II and Will Richard will continue to enjoy extra playing time until Moody returns.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Collin Sexton Out Thursday Against Lakers
Chicago Bulls guard Collin Sexton (leg) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Lakers after initially being listed as questionable due to a left leg injury. His absence should continue to open minutes for Tre Jones, who delivered 22 points, five assists, four rebounds, one steal, and two 3-pointers across 34 minutes off the bench in the last game. Second-year guard Rob Dillingham also saw 20 minutes with five points and four assists, making him a deeper league streamer. Jones profiles as the safer short-term fantasy play, while Dillingham remains a riskier upside option.
Source: K.C. Johnson
Source: K.C. Johnson
Quinten Post Iffy for Friday
Golden State Warriors center Quinten Post (foot) is listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Dutch big man is managing a foot injury and could be out for the third time in four games. Post has delivered some fine performances during his sophomore campaign, but the Warriors won't miss him as long as Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis are healthy. Both veterans are expected to play on Friday night.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
De'Anthony Melton Listed as Questionable for Friday
Golden State Warriors guard De'Anthony Melton (adductor) is questionable to play on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Melton has been a regular on the injury report this season while managing a knee injury, but he has now hurt his left adductor muscle. This issue could sideline him for a second consecutive game. Will Richard started in Melton's absence on Tuesday against Chicago and may keep his spot for Friday's game. The 23-year-old rookie had eight points, four rebounds, one assist, and three steals in an overtime defeat. Pat Spencer, who contributed 17 points and six assists, and Gary Payton II, who had a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double, are also in a position to see more action without Melton.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Josh Hart May Miss Another Game Friday
New York Knicks guard/forward Josh Hart (knee) is considered questionable for Friday's tilt against the Indiana Pacers. He is bothered by a sore left knee and missed Wednesday's win over Utah after being questionable. It remains to be seen whether the same happens on Friday night. While Landry Shamet moved into the first unit to replace Hart, Jordan Clarkson benefited the most from his absence against Utah. He reappeared as a regular in the rotation and popped off for a season-high 27 points against his former team. Shamet had a quiet night with seven points, three rebounds, four assists, and one steal.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Day'Ron Sharpe to Miss Remainder of Season
Brooklyn Nets center Day'Ron Sharpe (thumb) will miss the rest of the season after being diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb that requires surgery. Sharpe had carved out a steady reserve role, averaging 8.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 steals across 62 appearances. Danny Wolf should see the biggest opportunity increase after posting 13 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and two blocks in 28 minutes last game. Josh Minott and Chaney Johnson could also see deeper rotation minutes, though both profile as risky deep-league streamers.
Source: Erik Slater
Source: Erik Slater
Karl-Anthony Towns Questionable to Face Pacers Friday
New York Knicks forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) is listed as questionable for Friday's meeting with the Indiana Pacers. The six-time All-Star has landed on the injury report with bilateral knee soreness. If Towns sits out the action, the Knicks are expected to promote Mitchell Robinson to the starting lineup. While moving into the first unit would boost Robinson's fantasy appeal, he has averaged only 3.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in 19.1 minutes as a starter this season. Ariel Hukporti's role would also increase if Towns doesn't play.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Keyonte George Sidelined Against Portland
Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (hamstring) is out for Friday's game against the Trail Blazers after suffering a right hamstring strain during Wednesday's loss to the Knicks. With Utah likely to be cautious this late in the season, George could remain sidelined beyond one game. Isaiah Collier should see an expanded role after posting nine points, two rebounds, five assists, and one 3-pointer in 19 minutes last game. With fantasy playoffs already underway in many leagues, Collier is trending toward must-roster status. Brice Sensabaugh and Ace Bailey could also see modest usage bumps.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Harrison Barnes Returns to Spurs Lineup
San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes (ankle) will rejoin the lineup on Thursday against the Denver Nuggets. The veteran made 364 consecutive appearances before missing the last five games due to an ankle problem. Barnes might have extra responsibilities on Thursday with Victor Wembanyama (ankle) out of the lineup, though he will once again come off the bench. As a reserve, Barnes has averaged 7.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists this season.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Alperen Sengun Questionable for Friday Due to Back Issue
Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (back) may have to exit the lineup on Friday against the New Orleans Pelicans, as he has been listed as questionable on the injury report. The Turkish star is experiencing lower back pain and could be sidelined for the first time since Jan. 9. While losing Sengun would be a blow for Houston, Clint Capela is a capable replacement and would be an intriguing fantasy option if he moves into the first unit on Friday night. It's a promising matchup for Houston's big men, as New Orleans ranks sixth in the league for most fantasy points allowed to centers.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Darius Garland Ruled Out Friday Vs. Bulls
Los Angeles Clippers guard Darius Garland (toe) is out for Friday's game against the Bulls for injury management in the first leg of a back-to-back. Kobe Sanders is expected to move into the starting lineup, while Kris Dunn could also see added ballhandling duties. Dunn produced five points, two rebounds, six assists, and four steals in 24 minutes during his last start and offers short-term streaming appeal for assists and defensive stats. Sanders remains a deeper league flier after playing just six minutes last game, while Kawhi Leonard could take on more offensive responsibility.
Source: Joey Linn
Source: Joey Linn
Derrick White Misses Thursday's Game
Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (knee) will join Jayson Tatum (Achilles) on the sidelines on Thursday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder. White has been downgraded from questionable to out ahead of tip-off. Boston also had Payton Pritchard (neck) on the initial injury report, but he has been cleared to play. With White unavailable, Pritchard will play a huge role in the backcourt and is expected to lead the offense with Jaylen Brown. Meanwhile, there are minutes available for Sam Hauser, Baylor Scheierman, and Hugo Gonzalez.
Source: Boston Celtics
Source: Boston Celtics
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