NBA News

Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (hip) exited Saturday's NBA Cup loss to the Knicks. He did not return. Suggs was having himself a fantastic contest before suffering a left hip injury in the third quarter, and he would go on to finish this one with 26 points and seven assists in 29 minutes. With the Magic now eliminated, the team will head back to Orlando, where Suggs will presumably undergo extensive testing to determine the severity of the issue. Considering the 24-year-old was observed leaving T-Mobile Arena in a wheelchair, his long term prognosis isn't looking the best at the moment. This has been a common situation for Suggs throughout his career, with the 2021 No. 5 overall pick appearing in 53 games or fewer in three of his four seasons entering the 2025 campaign. He also missed time to begin the year while working his way back from knee surgery. Orlando won't play again until Thursday in Denver. Although it's far too early to speculate, fantasy managers should immediately begin planning for the worst. If Suggs misses time moving forward, Tyus Jones is currently the favorite to take over at the one. However, there are many scenarios that could play out in terms of the starting lineup, so fantasy managers may get a better idea of what's to come in the days ahead.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Cason Wallace (undisclosed) is off the injury report and will be available Saturday against San Antonio after exiting Wednesday's win early. Wallace has averaged 6.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.6 steals in 23.3 minutes over his last five games, keeping his fantasy value tied to defensive production. Isaiah Hartenstein's return clouds Wallace's short-term minutes, pushing him toward a second-unit role. Aaron Wiggins and Ajay Mitchell remain in the rotation mix, while Wallace profiles as a category-league hold rather than a points-league play.

Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George had a career night and poured in 39 points on 12 of 20 shooting with five triples, eight assists, six rebounds, and two steals in 34 minutes during Friday's 130-126 win over Memphis. He went a perfect 10-for-10 at the line and continues to operate as Utah's primary creator, averaging 24.4 points, 6.6 assists, and 31.6 minutes over his last five. The role is stable, usage is heavy, and the free-throw volume elevates his floor. George and Lauri Markkanen continue to function as Utah's clear co-primary options, with George handling the bulk of creation and Markkanen anchoring scoring efficiency.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Bones Hyland (knee) exited Friday against Golden State in the first quarter and is questionable for Sunday's matchup with Sacramento after logging three points and two assists in five minutes. Hyland has been a low-minute specialist, averaging 4.2 points in 7.9 minutes over his last five, but his absence can still loosen the bench-guard rotation. Terrence Shannon Jr. has the best path to extra volume, Jaylen Clark can supply steals, and Rob Dillingham is a deep-league assists swing if his run climbs.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Isaiah Joe (knee) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against San Antonio, marking his fourth straight absence with a left knee contusion. With Joe sidelined, wing minutes are spread across Cason Wallace, Ajay Mitchell, and Aaron Wiggins, limiting appeal to deeper formats. Wallace has the cleanest fantasy profile thanks to defensive production, while Mitchell's assist juice plays best in deeper leagues. Joe averaged 9.8 points in 18.5 minutes over his last five, hitting 50.0 percent from the field.

Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) is off the injury report and will be available Saturday against San Antonio after missing six games with a right soleus strain. Hartenstein is expected to reclaim his starting role immediately, bringing steady production in rebounds, assists, and efficiency. Over his last five games, he averaged 10.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.4 blocks in 25.5 minutes while shooting 61.1 percent from the field. Jaylin Williams loses short-term value, while Oklahoma City's frontcourt rotation tightens with Hartenstein reclaiming the primary center minutes.

Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward Austin Reaves (calf) has been diagnosed with a mild left calf strain and will be re-evaluated in approximately one week. Reaves had been trending up with 24.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 3.0 three-pointers in 37.3 minutes over his last five games, shooting 44.6 percent from the field. Marcus Smart profiles as the top short-term add after producing 26 points in 28 minutes, while Gabe Vincent and Jake LaRavia gain only deeper-league relevance as low-ceiling depth plays

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) will play on Friday night against Indiana. The 31-year-old has appeared in only nine games throughout the 2025 campaign. Outside of his routine absences, fantasy managers have also been frustrated by his career-low averages of 18.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 21.4% shooting from behind the arc. With that said, Embiid has an excellent opportunity to get something going for fantasy participants, especially since Tyrese Maxey (illness) won't suit up, versus a Pacers team that has had issues slowing down opposing bigs this season.

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (calf) will play on Friday versus Utah after missing the last 10 games because of a strained right calf. The 26-year-old hasn't had the best season, averaging 17.9 points and a career-low 16.7% shooting from behind the arc. Fortunately, he's at least amassed 7.6 assists and 1.0 steals to partially make up for it. Morant will presumably see less work in his first game back, although he should be added back into all fantasy lineups. His return likely means fewer minutes for Cam Spencer and Vince Williams Jr.

Chicago Bulls guard Tre Jones (ankle) is available to play ahead of Friday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. Jones will make his return to the court after missing three games due to an ankle injury. The Bulls will remain cautious and keep Jones on a minutes limit during his first game back. Jones will only play 24 minutes on Friday, but should be back to full speed after this one. The fifth-year guard has picked up his play in recent weeks. Over the last six games, Jones is averaging 13.2 points, 3.8 assists, and 1.8 rebounds across 26.2 minutes per game. Once he's back to full speed, Jones is worth a look as a streaming option in 12-team formats.

Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (calf) is available for Friday's meeting with the Hornets. He missed the start of the 2025 campaign and has sat out sporadically since returning for the loss to the Utah Jazz on November 16. However, the extra time off due to the NBA Cup allowed White to get some much-needed rest. Despite the injury, he has averaged a career-high 22.1 points this season, adding 5.4 assists. Fantasy managers could see more production from the 25-year-old versus one of the worst defensive clubs in the National Basketball Association.

Washington Wizards guard Tre Johnson (hip) will return to the court for Friday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Johnson has been cleared to play after missing seven games due to a left hip flexor strain. Head coach Brian Keefe stated that Johnson won't have a full workload during his first game back. He didn't say how much Johnson would play, but his fantasy value will be hindered without a full workload. This season, Johnson is averaging 11.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists across 24.1 minutes in 15 games. The first-round pick won't be a recommended streaming option for Friday's big slate. Johnson could be worth a look as a streaming option once he's back to full speed.

Charlotte Hornets center Moussa Diabate (knee) has been upgraded to available for Friday's game against the Chicago Bulls. He was previously listed as questionable, but is now set to return after a one-game absence. Diabate figures to return to his role as the primary backup center to Ryan Kalkbrenner. This season, Diabate is averaging 8.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists across 22.4 minutes per game. His overall ceiling is limited with Kalkbrenner being the starting big man. He offers low-end streaming appeal ahead of Friday's contest.

Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (illness) won't play on Friday against Indiana. The 25-year-old is in the MVP conversation this season. Unfortunately, he'll miss his first game of the 2025 campaign on Friday due to an illness. His next chance to suit up will be on Sunday in Atlanta. In the meantime, Jared McCain or Quentin Grimes could find themselves in the starting lineup, although both players should see considerably more minutes as well as an increase in scoring opportunities regardless of their roles.

San Anthonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (calf) is expected to play in Saturday's NBA Cup meeting with the Thunder after missing the last 12 games due to a calf strain. The 2023 No. 1 overall pick was performing at an MVP-caliber level before going on the shelf, averaging 26.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, 4.0 assists (all career-highs), 3.6 blocks, and 1.1 steals. Wemby will presumably see fewer than the 34.7 minutes he's averaged during the 2025 campaign, although that shouldn't stop fantasy managers from plugging him back into their starting lineups. On the other hand, DFS participants should proceed with caution, considering his hefty rostering cost as well as a tough matchup on the horizon against arguably the best defensive team in the National Basketball Association. Luke Kornet, who has been starting in place of Wembanyama, will almost certainly head back to the bench, eliminating nearly all of his fantasy value.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (foot) won't play on Friday versus Golden State. The 2020 No. 1 overall pick had 40 points in Monday's loss to the Phoenix Suns. He'll now miss his fifth game of the 2025 campaign, which is almost the number of contests he was sidelined in the previous two seasons combined. With Mike Conley (Achilles) also ruled out, Donte DiVincenzo, Julius Randle, and Jaden McDaniels are nearly locks to surpass their usual fantasy expectations. The same can be said for Naz Reid. Bones Hyland, finishing with 14 points against Phoenix, can be utilized for streaming purposes while gaining attention as a high-upside value option for DFS participants, especially if he enters the starting lineup. Edwards next opportunity to get back on the floor will be on Sunday versus the Sacramento Kings.

Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (ankle) is doubtful for Friday's matchup with Brooklyn and is trending toward a third straight absence. With Dereck Lively II (foot) ruled out for the season and set to undergo foot surgery, Anthony Davis should continue handling heavier minutes at center after producing 29 points, eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block in 30 minutes last time out. Dwight Powell and Moussa Cisse are expected to pick up backup runs behind Davis but remain fringe fantasy options rather than reliable streamers.

Washington Wizards forward Khris Middleton (knee) will miss a second straight game Friday against Cleveland, further stretching an already thin wing rotation. With Bilal Coulibaly (oblique) and Corey Kispert (thumb) also sidelined, Justin Champagnie has stepped into a larger role, posting 16 points, five rebounds, three assists, one steal, and three blocks in 32 minutes last time out. Rookie Will Riley added 15 points in 19 minutes and remains a deep-league option for points and threes. Champagnie profiles as a boards-and-stocks streamer, while Riley is best treated as matchup dependent.

Charlotte Hornets guard Collin Sexton (quadriceps) will miss his third straight game Friday against Chicago due to a left quad strain, with his next chance to return Sunday in Cleveland. His absence keeps Charlotte thin in the backcourt alongside LaMelo Ball (ankle) and Tre Mann (knee), pushing more responsibility to younger options. KJ Simpson logged 16 points, five rebounds, and one assist in 29 minutes in his last start, giving him deep-league streaming appeal. Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller should continue handling added usage, while Sexton remains a clear hold in standard formats.

Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (calf) is probable for Friday's matchup with Charlotte after a late addition to the injury report, though he remains on track to play. The designation appears precautionary as White continues to ramp up after missing a large chunk of the early season. He has averaged 20.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists over his last five games while logging a steady role. With Ayo Dosunmu (thumb) and Kevin Huerter (hamstring) sidelined, White's usage should hold, while Tre Jones (ankle) benefits as a secondary ball-handler.