DFS Alerts
Tony Parker (ankle) downgraded to questionable for tonight
Parker has been downgraded to questionable for tonight’s game against the Denver Nuggets after previously not appearing on the Spurs’ injury report. Parker reportedly tweaked his ankle and his status remains uncertain for tonight’s contest. Patty Mills will likely draw the start if Dejounte Murray is unable to play once again due to an ankle injury. If Parker is ruled out, Mills could approach 30 minutes of playing time this evening and would be one of the top value options on the late slates in a pristine matchup with the Nuggets’ back court.
As reported by: Jason Kosmicki
Knicks will use same starting lineup as Wednesday; Kristaps Porzingis (Achilles) will play off the bench
The Knicks will stick with the same starting lineup of Derrick Rose, Ron Baker, Carmelo Anthony, Mindaugas Kuzminskas, and Kyle O’Quinn for tonight’s game against the Washington Wizards. It was previously speculated that Kristaps Porzingis would start at center, but he will come off the bench as the Knicks’ will likely (should) monitor his minutes. O’Quinn proved on Wednesday night that he is nothing more than a tournament play even when he starts, while Kuzminskas is also probably better reserved for tournaments, as his minute floor is lowered with Porzingis available off the bench.
As reported by: Marc Berman Other tagged players: Mindaugas Kuzminskas, Ron Baker Jodie Meeks (thumb) out 4-6 weeks
Meeks is expected to miss four to six weeks after spraining two ligaments in his right thumb in Wednesday’s loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. Fortunately for him, the injury will not require surgery. Meeks had been starting in place of Evan Fournier for the last three games, and if Fournier is unable to suit up on Friday, Jeff Green or Mario Hezonja could draw the start at shooting guard. According to our CourtIQ tool, Green leads the Magic with a positive 4.5% usage rate differential (24.5%) with Meeks and Fournier off the court this season. Green could be an intriguing value option on Friday’s slate against a Milwaukee squad that has consistently struggled with wing players all year long.
As reported by: Joshua Robbins
Kristaps Porzingis (Achillies) available to play tonight; Joakim Noah (ankle) ruled out
Porzingis is available to play in tonight’s game against the Washington Wizards after previously being listed as doubtful on the Knicks’ injury report with a sore left Achilles that had forced him to miss four consecutive games. The Knicks will obviously be cautious with Porzingis, so it would be shocking for him to see his full allotment of minutes right away despite no official minutes restriction, but he is expected to start at center with Joakim Noah officially ruled out and unavailable. Mindaugas Kuzminskas will likely remain in the starting lineup and play alongside Carmelo Anthony at one of the forward spots. The return of Porzingis hurts the viability of Kyle O’Quinn and Willy Hernangomez the most, as their minutes should be substantially reduced, and are now nothing more than tournament punts on an abbreviated five-game slate.
As reported by: @NY Knicks PR Other tagged players: Joakim Noah MRI reveals a full rupture Rudy Gay's Achilles tendon; surgery date TBD
Gay will undergo surgery on his ruptured Achilles in the near future and will officially be sidelined for the rest of the season. For the mean time, Matt Barnes will likely assume the starting small forward role, while Garrett Temple should also see his role in the rotation solidified. It’s also possible that one of Sacramento’s young wings could find their way into the rotation, like Malachi Richardson for example.
As reported by: Sean Cunningham Kevin Love (back) ruled out for tonight; James Jones starting in his place
Love will not play in tonight’s game against the Phoenix Suns after previously being listed as questionable on the Cavaliers’ injury with a sore lower back. James Jones will draw the start at power forward in Love’s absence and will likely split power forward minutes with Channing Frye and LeBron James. With Love off the court this season, Kyrie Irving actually leads the Cavaliers with a 7.0% usage rate differential (38.0%), immediately vaulting him into consideration as the top point guard option on the slate in a pristine, pace-up matchup against the Suns’ back court defense.
As reported by: Chris Fedor Other tagged players: James Jones Mike Muscala (ankle) ruled out for Friday
Mike Muscala will miss his third consecutive game due to an ankle injury. Kris Humphries saw most of the backup big man minutes but the Hawks were blown out by the Pistons, making their rotation not run as their normal one. Also, Howard missed their previous game, so it’s hard to judge who will really benefit with Muscala out. Paul Millsap should be a lock at the position and should be able to make value against the Bulls on Friday.
As reported by: Kl Chouinard Other tagged players: Kris Humphries, Paul Millsap Larry Nance (knee) ruled out for Friday
Larry Nance was able to participate in a full practice today but the medical staff ruled him out for Friday’s game against the Pacers. He was originally listed as questionable but the team changed their mind. Nance should be back soon and his new opportunity to play will be on Sunday against the Mavericks. Look for another update regarding Nance this weekend.
As reported by: Mark Medina George Hill (ankle) will play on Friday; Rodney Hood (knee) confirmed as out
George Hill suffered a minor ankle sprain but will play on Friday against the Mavericks. Rodney Hood is expected to miss multiple games due to a bone bruise in his knee, but the Jazz are taking it day-to-day. Hood will not on Friday and Joe Ingles will likely garner another start. Ingles has played well when Hood has been out this season and should be a strong value play.
As reported by: Jody Genessy Other tagged players: Rodney Hood, Joe Ingles Taj Gibson (ankle) listed as a game-time decision for Friday
Taj Gibson is listed as a game-time decision and was able to participate in practice tonight. Gibson is never a high-ceiling type of player and will have to deal with Paul Millsap, who is an elite defender at the position. With Gibson expected back and Nikola Mirotic working his way back into the rotation after missing four games, both players are too risky for cash games. Since the Bulls have already listed him as a game-time decision, there is a chance we don’t get an update regarding his status before lineups lock on Friday. Proceed as if he’s playing because he sat out due to ankle soreness and not an ankle sprain.
As reported by: KC Johnson Other tagged players: Nikola Mirotic Andrew Bogut will not suit up tonight or tomorrow
Salah Mejri could end up picking up another spot start this evening against the Heat, who would have a massive advantage on the glass if the Mavs were to run Dirk at the 5. Mejri still isn’t a good bet to see more than 20 minutes of court time, so he’s not viable in DFS. Dirk Nowitzki is still too cheap industry wide and now that he’s back to seeing relatively normal minute loads, he’s squarely in play tonight.
As reported by: Earl Sneed
Danilo Gallinari (ankle) downgraded to questionable; Darrell Arthur (knee) ruled out
Gallinari was listed as probable last night but has since been downgraded to questionable. Darrell Arthur was listed as doubtful and has also been downgraded to out. With Wilson Chandler and Gary Harris already ruled out, Will Barton will play all the minutes he can handle. Barton is coming off a strong performance against the Lakers and should garner a healthy amount of ownership. He might be too risky for cash since the Nuggets are playing in San Antonio tonight. Juan Hernangomez would jump back into the rotation if Gallinari gets ruled out.
As reported by: T.J. McBride Other tagged players: Darrell Arthur, Will Barton, Juancho Hernangomez Kevin Love participated in portions of shoot around, still questionable for Thursday
If Love isn’t able to suit up, the main beneficiaries will be LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. Both take on such a huge portion of the offense that they become viable in any format anytime Love sits. The Cavs will face off with a Suns team that ranks near the top of the league in pace and towards the bottom in defensive efficiency, so if this tilt stays competitive there is plenty of upside with James and Irving. Channing Frye or Richard Jefferson could draw a start if Love sits, but neither would be recommended DFS plays.
As reported by: Joe Vardon Ty Lawson (ankle) ruled out tonight
Lawson will not play in tonight’s game against the Indiana Pacers after previously being listed as questionable on the Kings’ injury report with a sprained right ankle. The injury isn’t believed to be serious and he is expected to available for the Kings’ next game. With Lawson ruled out, Darren Collison now becomes a near must play in every format on the late slates across the industry, as he is the only true point guard remaining on the Kings’ active roster and should see all the minutes he can handle.
As reported by: James Ham Klay Thompson (personal) will play tonight
Thompson will play in tonight’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder after previously being listed as questionable on the Warriors’ injury report as he dealt with a personal matter. Thompson will assume his normal role in the starting unit and will be assigned with the daunting task of trying to defend Russell Westbrook.
As reported by: Anthony Slater