DFS Alerts
Donatas Motiejunas not expected to play tonight
Motiejunas is not expected to play in tonight’s game against the Atlanta Hawks after previous speculation that he may be active and make his season debut for the Pelicans this evening. According to Pelicans’ head coach Alvin Gentry, it’s unlikely Motiejunas sees the floor until their upcoming road trip. Even once activated, Motiejunas will likely be a minutes restriction of some kind as he works his way back into game shape.
As reported by: Justin Verrier
Joe Harris starting ahead of Sean Kilpatrick tonight
Harris will draw the start at shooting guard for tonight’s game against the Indiana Pacers over Sean Kilpatrick. This move is slightly surprising, though the Nets may prefer to bring Kilpatrick off the bench with Rondae Hollis-Jefferson inactive. There have been reports of the Nets coaching staff wanting to limit minutes of certain players with an upcoming stretch of three games in four nights. It remains unclear whether Kilpatrick is one of these aforementioned players or not, but it seems unlikely he sees his minutes substantially limited, as the Nets are still shorthanded in the back court and wing position sans Hollis-Jefferson and Jeremy Lin.
As reported by: Mike Gallagher Other tagged players: Sean Kilpatrick Patrick Patterson (knee) ruled out for tonight
Patterson will not play in tonight’s game against the Utah Jazz after previously being listed as questionable on the Raptors injury report with a strained left knee that has now forced him to miss three consecutive games. In Patterson’s absence from the Raptors’ previous two games, Jonas Valanciunas and Pascal Siakam soaked up a majority of the front court minutes, as each player has averaged north of 25 minutes per game apiece. Theoretically, Valanciunas should see similar run against a Jazz squad that prefers to play big, but his minutes and production are still too volatile to be confidently recommended as anything other than a long-shot tournament play.
As reported by: Eric Smith Justise Winslow (shoulder) expected to miss the remaineder of the season after undergoing surgery
Winslow underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder today and is likely out for the rest of the season. This news should cement Josh Richardson’s role in the Heat’s starting lineup, even once their roster is fully healthy minus Winslow, of course.
As reported by: David Aldrdige Monta Ellis no longer under a minutes restriction
Ellis reportedly won’t be limited by a minutes restriction for tonight’s game against the Brooklyn Nets after previously being limited to 20 minutes or less in each of the last four games. However, Pacers’ head coach Nate McMillan told reporters that Ellis wasn’t on a minutes restriction in Tuesday’s win over the Detroit Pistons, in which he only saw 20 minutes off the bench. Ellis may see a few more minutes off the bench this evening, but he shouldn’t be expected to approach anywhere near the 30-minute plateau sans his “minute restriction”.
As reported by: Nate Taylor Chris Paul (hamstring) officially listed as doubtful for tomorrow
Chris Paul is listed as doubtful for tomorrow’s game against the Kings. Austin Rivers and Raymond Felton were the biggest beneficiaries against the Kings. Rivers salary has already spiked for Friday’s rematch and will continue to see heavy minutes. Felton is cheaper than Rivers on DraftKings and has scored 32 fantasy points in consecutive games.
As reported by: Brad Turner Other tagged players: Austin Rivers, Raymond Felton Correction: Damian Lillard (ankle) upgraded to probable for tonight
Damian Lillard is expected to play tonight against the Lakers. ESPN sources mentioned that he is going to play but we have not received anything else from the team. With Lillard expected to return, C.J. McCollum’s value will take a considerable hit. There has been no official announcement on his minutes but Lillard is the type of player that always plays heavy minutes. Allen Crabbe will likely return to the bench with Lillard expected to be in the starting lineup.
As reported by: Chris Haynes Other tagged players: CJ McCollum, Allen Crabbe Luol Deng's status uncertain for Lakers tonight against Portland
Deng is dealing with a biceps injury and did not take part in the team shootaround this morning. While he did state he is feeling better, his availability for tonight’s game against the Trail Blazers is uncertain. Averaging over 30 minutes a game, he’d open up a lot of minutes for Brandon Ingram and Thomas Robinson if he were to sit.
As reported by: Mark Medina on Twitter Other tagged players: Brandon Ingram, Thomas Robinson
Tyreke Evans questionable for Pelicans today
New Orleans is being very cautious with Evans and he’ll be a game-time decision tonight with his knee injury. If he can’t play, it’ll be a slight boost in minutes for E’Twaun Moore and Langston Galloway.
As reported by: New Orleans Pelicans official Twitter feed Other tagged players: Langston Galloway, E'Twaun Moore 76ers injury report for Friday; Embiid and Covington questionable, Rodriguez probable
The 76ers have released their injury report for their game Friday against Boston and Gerald Henderson (hip) and Sergio Rodriguez (ankle) are both probable while Joel Embiid (illness) and Robert Covington (back) are questionable. Henderson was listed as probable on Tuesday but still missed the game but he should be able to play tomorrow, especially if Covington is unable to go and with Hollis Thompson cut. Rodriguez missed the last two games but should return which puts a damper on the value of T.J. McConnell who has played exceptionally well in Rodriguez’s absence. It’s hard to know how the team will move forward so both are risky plays tomorrow. If Covington can’t play, Dario Saric could see additional run while Embiid’s absence would be a boost to the value of Nerlens Noel, Jahlil Okafor, and Ersan Ilyasova. We’ll update you tomorrow when more news comes in on this group of players.
As reported by: Jessica Camerato on Twitter Other tagged players: Robert Covington, Gerald Henderson, Sergio Rodriguez Patrick Beverley a game-time decision tonight for Houston
The Rockets starting PG is a game-time decision after being listed yesterday as likely to play with his ailing wrist. Houston Head Coach Mike D’Antoni stated he is still experiencing pain and the team would evaluate him further today before deciding whether he’d play or not. Beverley not playing would be a plus for Russell Westbrook as Beverley is an elite defender. James Harden and Eric Gordon benefit the most on Houston if Beverley sits.
As reported by: Calvin Watkins on espn.com Aron Baynes doubtful to play for Pistons tonight
The Pistons reserve center is dealing with an ankle injury and after missing the teams last game and not practicing since is unlikely to play again tonight. Andre Drummond saw 35 minutes of action last time out and should approach similar numbers if he can stay our of foul trouble. He’s a viable option going against a Hornets team that is 20th in center DvP.
As reported by: Jake Chapman on Twitter Other tagged players: Andre Drummond Marc Gasol (ankle) will play tonight; Jarell Martin and James Ennis starting in place of JaMychal Green and Chandler Parsons
Gasol will play in tonight’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers after previously being listed as probable on the Grizzlies injury report with a sprained left ankle. With Chandler Parsons ruled out for rest, James Ennis will draw the start at small forward, as expected. Ennis can be considered as a punt option at a shallow small forward position on the late slates, though he still remains a volatile play. JaMychal Green has also been ruled out and Jarell Martin will draw the start at power forward. Grizzlies’ head coach David Fizdale clearly prefers to limit Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol’s playing time together, as they rarely see the court at the same time. Randolph still remains the preferred value forward to target on Memphis and is a fine option on the late slates and could push towards the 30-minute mark this evening.
As reported by: Official Twitter Account of the Memphis Grizzlies Other tagged players: Jarell Martin, James Ennis III
Ty Lawson (eye) probable tonight
Lawson has been upgraded to probable for tonight’s game against the Miami Heat after previously being listed as questionable on the Kings’ injury report due to blurred vision that stemmed from a sinus fracture. He missed Tuesday’s contest with the same aforementioned injury but seems to be on track to play. Assuming he is able to suit up, his presence in the rotation is a major knock to the projected fantasy value of Darren Collison, though he is still viable on the late slate regardless of Lawson’s status.
As reported by: Official Twitter Account of the Sacramento Kings Dion Waiters (hip) cleared to play tonight
Waiters reportedly will be available to play in tonight’s game against the Sacramento Kings after being sidelined for the Heat’s previous 20 games with a torn pectineus. There has yet to be any confirmation on just how many minutes Waiters will actually see after a lengthy injury absence, but Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra has already stated that he is committed to bringing him along slowly off the bench. James Johnson and Tyler Johnson have also been cleared to play in tonight’s contest. Both Johnson and Johnson should be expected to log heavy minutes given Miami’s lack of depth, especially in the front court without Hassan Whiteside and Josh McRoberts. James Johnson will likely see extended minutes at three different positions this evening, if healthy, making him the preferred Heat player to target outside of Goran Dragic.
As reported by: Ira Winderman