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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Trendon Watford is set to start Thursday's game against the Detroit Pistons. With Kelly Oubre sidelined for multiple weeks due to an elbow sprain, Watford has an opportunity to secure a consistent role in the first unit. Over six previous starts this season, Watford has averaged 9.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists across 24.0 minutes per game while shooting 52.2 percent from the field.
The Brooklyn Nets announced that Egor Dëmin will sit out the team's final 16 games of the season. Dëmin has been dealing with plantar fasciitis in his left heel since his pre-draft workouts a year ago. His absence, combined with the season-ending injury to Day'Ron Sharpe, leaves the Nets significantly shorthanded in the frontcourt for the remainder of the campaign.
Kevin Porter (knee) is available to play in Thursday's matchup against the Miami Heat after missing the previous four games. Analysts are highlighting his rebounding prop of 4.5, as Miami allows the third-most rebounds per game in the league. Porter has cleared this threshold in four of his last five appearances. On the season, he is averaging 17.5 points, 7.4 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game.
Alperen Sengun is listed as questionable for Friday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans due to low back pain. Given that this marks the Rockets' fourth game in six days, the medical staff may opt to rest him against the 19-44 Pelicans. If Sengun is sidelined, Clint Capela is expected to draw the start, while Kevin Durant may see an increase in playmaking responsibilities for the Houston offense.
Grayson Allen will sit out Thursday's game against the Indiana Pacers due to right knee injury management. The Suns are managing his workload during this back-to-back set, and he is expected to have a good chance of returning for Friday's game in Toronto against the Raptors. Royce O'Neale is projected to see an increase in playing time in Allen's absence.
Melton is listed as questionable for Friday's game against Minnesota due to left adductor injury management. He is in danger of missing his second consecutive contest. If Melton is unable to suit up, the Warriors are expected to increase the involvement of Gary Payton, Will Richard, and Pat Spencer in the backcourt to help compensate for his absence and the ongoing unavailability of Stephen Curry.
Allen will remain sidelined for Friday's matchup in Dallas due to a knee injury. This marks his fourth consecutive absence, and the team's decision to rule him out 24 hours before tipoff suggests he is not yet nearing a return. In his continued absence, Thomas Bryant and Jaylon Tyson are expected to handle the increased workload in the frontcourt for the Cavaliers.
Following a recent loss to the Orlando Magic, Mitchell expressed frustration regarding the league's challenge rules. Mitchell argued that teams should not be restricted to two challenges if they are successful, noting that the inability to review a critical out-of-bounds call in the final seconds impacted the game's outcome. While acknowledging that officiating is an inherent part of sports, he believes the current system warrants further discussion.
Brooks has successfully removed the cast from his surgically repaired left hand, though he has not yet been cleared for contact work. He is nearing the three-week mark of his initial 4-6 week recovery timeline. In a best-case scenario, Brooks could return to the court by March 24. His progress remains steady, and he will be considered for a return once he is cleared for full-contact practice.
Toppin has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Suns due to a foot injury. He will miss the first leg of the Pacers' back-to-back set, though there is potential for him to return for Friday's matchup against the Knicks. In his absence, Kobe Brown and Micah Potter are expected to see an increase in playing time to help fill the rotation gaps.
McConnell will miss his second consecutive game Thursday against the Suns due to a hamstring injury sustained during Sunday's game against Portland. With Aaron Nesmith (ankle) and Quenton Jackson (calf) also sidelined, the Pacers will rely on Kam Jones and Ben Sheppard to absorb extended minutes in the backcourt.
Nembhard is cleared to play in Thursday's game against Phoenix after missing one contest due to a back injury. His return likely shifts Kam Jones back to the second unit. Nembhard has been a key contributor for the Pacers this season, entering the game with averages of 17.1 points, 7.4 assists, and 1.9 three-pointers per contest.
Scottie Barnes is listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Suns due to an illness. Barnes has been a cornerstone for the Raptors this season, showing significant improvement in scoring efficiency despite the team's recent struggles. If he is unable to play, Brandon Ingram is expected to see an increase in usage, with additional minutes likely available for Jamison Battle and Sandro Mamukelashvili.
Tobias Harris is the focus of betting interest for Thursday's matchup between the Detroit Pistons and Philadelphia 76ers. Analysts suggest value in the 'Over 5.5 rebounds' prop for Harris, who has averaged 6.5 rebounds over his last 12 games. The 76ers are significantly shorthanded for the contest, missing key players like Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid, which may impact the game's overall flow and rebounding dynamics.
Moses Moody will miss his fifth consecutive game Friday against Minnesota due to a wrist injury. Despite the continued absence, head coach Steve Kerr confirmed that Moody is on track to join the Warriors for their upcoming six-game road trip starting Sunday in New York. In his absence, the team is expected to distribute more playing time to Will Richard, Pat Spencer, and Gary Payton on the wing.
Tre Johnson is among the players highlighted by experts as a priority add for the final stretch of the NBA regular season. With the league entering the 'silly season,' where rotation patterns often shift and younger players receive expanded roles, Johnson is viewed as a high-upside option for teams looking to capitalize on emerging talent during the closing weeks of the schedule.
GG Jackson has been identified by analysts as a player to target for fantasy rosters during the final stretch of the NBA regular season. As teams navigate the closing weeks, lesser-known players like Jackson are expected to see increased opportunities and production, making them valuable additions for managers looking to bolster their lineups for the remainder of the campaign.
Karl-Anthony Towns is questionable for Friday's matchup against the Pacers due to bilateral knee soreness. The All-Star big man did not suffer an apparent injury during Wednesday's win over Utah, suggesting the team may be exercising caution. If Towns is unable to play, Mitchell Robinson is expected to step into the starting lineup.
Josh Hart is listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Pacers as he continues to manage a knee injury. Hart missed Wednesday's victory over the Utah Jazz and remains day-to-day. Should he be unavailable for Friday's contest, the Knicks are expected to rely on Landry Shamet and Jordan Clarkson to fill the void in the rotation.
Jayson Tatum will miss Thursday's game against the Thunder due to right Achilles injury management. This marks his first absence since returning to the lineup last week, though the team reports no setback. With Tatum sidelined, Baylor Scheierman is expected to rejoin the starting lineup. The Celtics continue to rely on Jaylen Brown's playmaking while managing Tatum's health during this injury-plagued season.
