DFS Alerts
Willie Reed OUT tonight for Miami
Reed only has value when one of the Heat big men misses time (especially Hassan Whiteside) so his absence tonight because of a bruised sternum has minimal impact in the Heat rotation. He’s only averaged 12 or so minutes a game this season when not starting – it could mean a slight bump to Udonis Haslem but not enough of one to merit utilizing him.
As reported by: Miami Heat official Twitter feed
Zach Lavine's status uncertain for tonight; seems doubtful
The Timberwolves guard missed the last game and said he did not know if he would play this morning. “Want to make sure I’m ok, make sure I’m 100 percent,” he told local media. That language would make it seem that he’s not quite to that point yet and lends credence to him not playing tonight. We’ll continue to keep an eye on the situation but if he does sit it’s a boost to Brandon Rush (who started last game for LaVine) and Nemanja Bjelica (who disappointed many in DFS last game after Rush took all the minutes).
As reported by: Darren Wolfson on Twitter Other tagged players: Brandon Rush, Nemanja Bjelica Eric Gordon will play for Houston tonight after missing last two games
The Rockets guard has missed the last two games with a toe injury but is expected to play tonight. He’s a strong option assuming he’ll avoid Tony Allen coming off the bench (and Allen likely focusing on James Harden).
As reported by: Calvin Watkins on Twitter Brandon Ingram (wrist) will play tonight
Ingram will play in tonight’s game against the San Antonio Spurs after his status was previously uncertain due to a sprained left wrist that required X-rays to determine the exact severity. Ingram will resume his normal role off the bench with the second unit and is secondary punt option at small forward in tournaments on the turbo slates across the industry.
As reported by: Mike Trudell
Terrence Jones and Omer Asik starting in place of Anthony Davis and Dante Cunningham
Davis will not play in tonight’s game against the Brooklyn Nets after previously being listed as questionable on the Pelicans’ injury report with a bruised right hip. Omer Asik will draw the start at center in Davis’ place, while Terrence Jones will replace Dante Cunningham at the power forward spot. Jones is the preferred Pelicans big man to target, as he should see the largest increase in playing time with Donatas Motiejunas’ minutes being capped while he works his way back into game shape. According to our CourtIQ tool, Jrue Holiday sees a 6.8% usage rate differential (31.9%) with Davis off the court this season, firmly cementing him as one of the top point per dollar plays on the slate at point guard.
As reported by: Daniel Sallerson Other tagged players: Omer Asik, Dante Cunningham, Anthony Davis
LaMarcus Aldridge confirmed in the starting lineup for tonight
LaMarcus Aldridge will start against the Lakers tonight. He is coming back from an illness and should only be considered a tournament option with the Spurs sitting as large favorite over the Lakers. Aldridge has been consistent lately but randomly disappears and is prone to letting down in great spots. David Lee will return to the bench and Pau Gasol will look to shine against his former team.
As reported by: Paul Garcia Other tagged players: David Lee, Pau Gasol Anthony Davis (hip) ruled out for tonight
Davis will not play in tonight’s game against the Brooklyn Nets after previously being listed as questionable on the Pelicans’ injury report with a bruised right hip. Terrence Jones will likely draw the start in Davis’ place, though Donatas Motiejunas is certainly in the mix as well considering Alexis Ajinca and Omer Asik were basically out of the rotation prior to Davis’ injury. Jones is the preferred Pelicans big man to target, as he should see the largest increase in playing time with Motiejunas’ minutes being capped while he works his way back into game shape. According to our CourtIQ tool, Jrue Holiday sees a 6.8% usage rate differential (31.9%) with Davis off the court this season, firmly cementing him as one of the top point per dollar plays on the slate at point guard.
As reported by: @Pelicans Denzel Valentine (illness) ruled out for tonight; Paul Zipser and Dwyane Wade starting; Doug McDermott to play off the bench
Valentine will not play in tonight’s game against the New York Knicks due to an illness. Valentine had seen a substantial bump in minutes in the Bulls’ previous game but would have likely seen his minutes limited with Dwyane Wade available to play and starting. Speaking of Wade, he will shoulder a majority of the offensive load with Valentine, Jimmy Butler, and Nikola Mirotic all already ruled out. In fact, Wade owns a massive 10.1% usage rate differential (41.6%) with Butler off the court this season, making him close to a must play in an exploitable matchup with the Knicks’ back court defense.
As reported by: Nick Friedell Other tagged players: Doug McDermott, Paul Zipser Nets recall Chris McCullough from their D-League affiliate
The Brooklyn Nets have officially announced that the team has recalled Chris McCullough from the Long Island Nets of the NBA Development League. McCullough has only appeared in ten games thus far this season for the Nets, so his promotion to the active roster will not have any affect on the rotation.
As reported by: Mike Gallagher Pelicans recall Cheick Diallo from their D-League affiliate
The New Orleans Pelicans officially announced that the team has recalled rookie forward Cheick Diallo from the Long Island Nets of the NBA Development League. Diallo has only appeared in seven games thus far for the Pelicans, so his promotion to the active roster will not have any affect on the rotation. However, this could be a hint to the availability of Anthony Davis tonight, who remains questionable.
As reported by: @Pelicans Kristaps Porzingis (Achillies) ruled out for tonight
Porzingis will not play in tonight’s game against the Chicago Bulls despite not appearing on the Knicks’ injury report with a sore left Achilles that had recently forced him to miss three games. Carmelo Anthony will likely slide over to power forward in place of Porzingis once again, while Lance Thomas should start at small forward. According to our CourtIQ tool, Anthony unsurprisingly leads the Knicks with a substantial 5.2% usage rate differential (36.5%) with Porzingis off the court this season. Clearly, Anthony deserves consideration as one of the top small forward plays on the entire slate.
As reported by: @NY Knicks PR Serge Ibaka (shoulder) could play on Friday; Nikola Vucevic to remain in the starting lineup
Ibaka is listed as questionable to play in tomorrow night’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers after missing the Wednesday’s game with a sore right shoulder. Jeff Green drew the start in his place, sliding Aaron Gordon down to the four spot, while Nikola Vucevic replaced Bismack Biyombo in the starting lineup. Ibaka has only missed one game this season, so it’s difficult to predict whether or not Orlando will stick with this starting lineup should Ibaka be ruled out, but Nikola Vucevic will be a surefire beneficiary regardless of Ibaka’s availability given his promotion to the starting unit. Additionally, Vucevic sees a notable 2.4% usage rate differential (27.7%) with Ibaka off the court this season.
As reported by: John Denton Other tagged players: Nikola Vucevic Nicolas Batum (knee) probable; Jeremy Lamb (foot) ruled out for Friday
Batum has missed two games for the Hornets due to a knee injury. He’s being listed as probable for Friday’s game against the 76ers. With Lamb already out of the lineup, Batum should be considered an elite option against Philadelphia. Marco Belinelli will likely see a slight bump with Lamb out of the lineup.
As reported by: @Hornets Other tagged players: Jeremy Lamb, Marco Belinelli Willie Reed (sternum) questionable for Friday; Josh Richardson (foot) ruled out
Willie Reed is being listed as questionable for Friday’s game against the Bucks. If Reed is out, expect Hassan Whiteside to get all the minutes he can handle and James Johnson to be used as the backup C. Udonis Haslem could also log a few minutes if Whiteside or Johnson get into foul trouble. Whiteside is an elite option even if Reed plays against the Bucks. Josh Richardson will remain out and Dion Waiters returned to the starting lineup in the Heat’s previous game. He played 37 minutes and should be considered an elite option against the Bucks on Friday if his salary does not spike.
As reported by: Shandel Richardson Other tagged players: Josh Richardson, Hassan Whiteside, James Johnson, Dion Waiters Zach Lavine (hip) questionable for Friday
Zach LaVine missed Wednesday’s game against the Rockets with a hip issue. He was able to practice today but is still being listed as questionable. Brandon Rush and Shabazz Muhammad played really well in the absence of LaVine while Nemanja Bjelica also provided a boost. Look for another update regarding LaVine before plugging in Rush or Muhammad into your lineups for Friday.
As reported by: Kent Youngblood Other tagged players: Brandon Rush, Shabazz Muhammad, Nemanja Bjelica