DFS Alerts
Aleksej Pokusevski (knee) ruled out Saturday
Poku was ruled out due to a knee injury, and will miss the Thunder’s game against the Indiana Pacers. This is on top of having Lu Dort out with a hip injury, so the Thunder will be down of their starters. It’s likely that Isaiah Roby jumps into the starting lineup in place of Poku, with Bazley sliding down a position. From a production standpoint, Bazley shows the biggest bump with Dort and Poku off the floor; his usage jumps from 22.6% to 27.2% with them both off the floor per CourtIQ. Roby should see more minutes as a result as well, with Tony Bradley possibly re-entering the rotation. Kenrich Williams missed last game as a coach’s decision, so that the Thunder could evaluate the back of their roster; Charlie Brown Jr. and Gabriel Deck played more as a result. The minutes gained will likely have the biggest benefit, and Roby and Bazley should be able to take advantage.
As reported by: the Official NBA Injury Report
Lauri Markkanen (illness) and Nikola Vucevic (adductor) listed questionable Saturday
Vucevic and Markkanen were both listed as questionable ahead of the Bulls game against the Atlanta Hawks. Vucevic is questionable with an adductor injury, while Markkanen with an illness that caused him to be ruled out shortly before tipoff last night. The bigger name is Vucevic for sure; he’s been the hub of the team since Lavine has been out, and if he were to sit it would be a massive blow for the team. Cristiano Feliciano is out with an illness as well, so even the backup options would be limited for the Bulls. It’s likely that Daniel Theis and Thad Young would handle as many of the frontcourt minutes as possible, with Denzel Valentine chipping in as well. Patrick Williams played 35 minutes last night with no Markkanen, and would certainly have to play that many again, while Al-Farouq Aminu re-entered the rotation for the first time in six games and would have to play as well. From a production standpoint, Thad Young sees increased splits with Vuc off the floor, as does Garret Temple. But the whole team will likely benefit greatly if Vucevic sits.
As reported by: the Official NBA Injury Report Other tagged players: Lauri Markkanen Kristaps Porzingis (knee) and JJ Redick (heel) ruled out Saturday; Maxi Kleber (leg) now probable
Porzingis was downgraded from questionable with a knee injury to out, and will miss the Mavs game against the Washington Wizards. Redick was also ruled out due to injury recovery for a heel injury; it’s likely that he returns tomorrow, as the Mavs elect to sit him on the front end of the back-to-back. Kleber was upgraded from questionable to probable with a leg injury, and should be back in the lineup for the Mavs. With no Porzingis, it’s likely the Mavs start Dwight Powell and Maxi Kleber in the frontcourt again, with Willie Cauley-Stein playing off the bench and possibly playing more minutes at center. From a production standpoint, Luka Doncic will still be the hub of the Mavs offense, but he doesn’t show major boosts with KP off the floor. Tim Hardaway and Jalen Brunson see moderate boosts upwards, but nothing substantial. The minutes opened up by Porzingis may be the bigger benefactor; Cauley-Stein averaged 25 minutes in the two games Porzingis missed, and should be a good value in a great matchup. Luka remains one of the best plays of the slate in an pace-up matchup against the Wizards.
As reported by: Brad Townsend via Twitter Other tagged players: J.J. Redick, Maxi Kleber Malik Monk (ankle) expected to play Saturday
Monk is also expected to return from an ankle injury that cost him the last sixteen games, and should come off the bench tonight against the Detroit Pistons. Monk will be eased into action, as they will be cautious with him after having missed so much time. He’ll likely play off the bench, and will cut into the time of Brad Wanamaker and Jalen McDaniels most likely.
As reported by: Adrian Wojnarowski via Twitter Kevin Huerter (shoulder) and Bogdan Bogdanovic (hamstring) questionable Saturday
On the second half of a back-to-back, the Hawks will have two key cogs questionable against the Chicago Bulls. Bogdanovic has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury, and is questionable to make his return. Huerter was listed doubtful before missing yesterday’s game, but was upgraded to questionable with a shoulder injury for tonight’s game. The Hawks were blown out yesterday, but without both wings it was clear where the minutes would flow. Trae Young should dominate usage in the starting lineup, while Tony Snell and Solomon Hill should both start and play big minutes at the wings, as that’s where they are mostly lacking. Lou Williams will play alongside Trae as well at times. Hopefully the news comes before warmups, but if they end up sitting, Trae will be the biggest winner due to his increased usage.
As reported by: Sarah Spencer via Twitter Other tagged players: Bogdan Bogdanovic Grayson Allen (hand) doubtful Saturday
Allen was listed as doubtful with a hand injury ahead of the Grizzlies rematch against the Orlando Magic. Allen was listed as doubtful yesterday, then was considered a game-time decision, and then ultimately ruled out. If he ends up sitting as expected, it should be more minutes for Desmond Bane again; he started in his place and played 20 minutes, but did deal with some foul trouble early. De’Anthony Melton will get a few more minutes as well.
As reported by: Evan Barnes via Twitter LaMelo (wrist) expected to play Saturday
Shams reported that LaMelo is expected to play tonight against the Detroit Pistons after missing 21 games with a fractured wrist. Coach Borrego mentioned that both LaMelo and Malik Monk (who is questionable to return today) would be eased into action; they’d be on four to five minute stints and likely won’t play big minutes right away. LaMelo’s return completely shifts the nature of the Hornets roster; his leads the team in assist percentage and often times leads in usage as well. His minutes will likely come from Devonte’ Graham primarily, but some will come from Terry Rozier as well. Brad Wanamaker may be out of the rotation soon, although he could play while LaMelo gets eased in. Although it’s not advisable to play him right away, his return lowers the ceilings of all other Hornets.
As reported by: Shams Charania via Twitter Avery Bradley (leg) ruled out Saturday
Bradley was downgraded from questionable with a leg injury to out, and will miss the Rockets game against the Golden State Warriors. This will leave the Rockets with only nine healthy bodies, as they have been decimated towards the end of this year. This will mean more minutes for Kevin Porter Jr. as the Rockets will need help in the backcourt more than anything; KPJ should be forced to play around 36 minutes at a minimum. Armoni Brooks will likely stay in the starting lineup and will pick up more minutes as well, while DaQuan Jeffries may have to play more off the bench as well. The frontcourt should still run through Christian Wood and Kelly Olynyk, with Jae’Sean Tate helping out as well. It shouldn’t be a surprise if the starters push 40 minutes; they have done so recently, and it’s possible with how shorthanded they are.
As reported by: Cayleigh Griffin via Twitter Lineup update: Lakers will start Schroder, Caldwell-Pope, James, Davis, and Drummond on Friday
As expected, Lebron gets the start in his first game back, while Kuzma moves to the bench. Schroder will lose some value with Lebron back in the starting lineup as well.
As reported by: Harrison Faigen via Twitter Dario Saric (ankle) available to play Friday
Saric was upgraded from probable to available, and will be available to play against the Utah Jazz. He should play as the backup center, competing with Frank Kaminsky for minutes.
As reported by: Kellan Olson via Twitter Lineup update: Torrey Craig will remain in starting lineup Friday
Craig will stay in the starting lineup; he’ll likely play minutes in the mid 20s, but Cam Johnson should play more off the bench.
As reported by: Kellan Olson via Twitter Lineup update: Kings will start Haliburton, Hield, Harkless, Metu, and Holmes on Friday
Metu will stay in the starting lineup, as Bagley comes off the bench in his first game back. Harkless and Haliburton remain in the starting lineup as well.
As reported by: Jason Anderson via Twitter Alex Caruso (back) ruled out Friday
Caruso will miss his second straight game with back spasms against the Sacramento Kings. With Lebron back, Caruso likely wasn’t going to play big minutes anyways; Ben McLemore should play in his place, with Talen Horton-Tucker perhaps getting an extra few minutes as well.
As reported by: James Ham via Twitter Marvin Bagley (hand) will play off the bench Friday; will have a minutes restriction
After missing 23 games due to surgery on his hand, Bagley will make his return and play against the Los Angeles Lakers. Coach Walton mentioned that Bagley would be on a minutes restriction, but no specified number was given. Bagley will also come off the bench in his first game back, as they elect to ease him into action. Chimezie Metu should continue to start as a result, but will certainly not have the same ceiling for his minutes. Bagley also will soak up more usage, taking a few shots away from Buddy Hield and Tyrese Haliburton, but Haliburton should still be a good value.
As reported by: James Ham via Twitter LeBron James (ankle) available to play Friday; won't have a hard minutes restriction Friday
The King is back; coach Vogel said that Lebron would be cleared to play as the Lakers prepare to play the Sacramento Kings. Vogel also said that Lebron won’t have “a hard minutes restriction”, but that they will be “responsible with his minutes”. It’s still difficult to envision Lebron playing his usual workload after a 21 game absence, so it’s probably best to wait a game to see how many minutes he’ll play before slotting him in. Lebron should be starting, likely taking the spot of Kyle Kuzma, who is the biggest loser with Lebron back. Schroder will also lose the bulk of his value, as well as the majority of the team around Lebron; even in limited minutes, he should soak up production and take it away from the fringe Lakers.
As reported by: Ryan Ward via Twitter