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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Kam Jones will start Friday's game against the Washington Wizards, as reported by Scott Agness of FieldhouseFiles.com. This marks his third start of the season for the Indiana Pacers. In his previous starts, Jones has averaged 11.5 points, 7.0 assists, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.5 triples per contest. He will be joined in the first unit by TJ McConnell, Ben Sheppard, Jarace Walker, and Jay Huff.
Justin Champagnie is set to return to the Washington Wizards' starting lineup for Friday's game against the Pacers. This comes after he surprisingly went unused off the bench in Thursday's game, despite playing at least 15 minutes in his previous five games, averaging 12.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.4 three-pointers, 1.2 assists, and 0.8 steals/blocks. His role may remain volatile as the 15-39 Wizards focus on draft lottery odds.
Daniel Gafford (ankle) has been cleared and is available to play in Friday's game against Minnesota. He will push through the pain to make himself active for the Dallas Mavericks. In five February outings, Gafford has averaged 8.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 2.0 blocks per game.
Lindy Waters (knee) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against Sacramento. This marks the first time Waters has received a questionable tag since sustaining his knee injury, indicating positive progress in his recovery. An official update on his status is expected closer to Saturday's tip-off for the San Antonio Spurs.
Joel Embiid (knee/shin) has been ruled out for Saturday's game in New Orleans, marking his fourth consecutive missed game. He is currently considered highly questionable for Sunday's game in Minnesota. In his absence, Adem Bona and Andre Drummond are expected to continue splitting minutes at the center position for the Philadelphia 76ers.
Andrew Nembhard (back) has been officially ruled out for Friday's game against the Washington Wizards. He was initially listed as doubtful due to a back issue, with the team reportedly looking to rest him during the second leg of a back-to-back set. His absence will lead to elevated roles for T.J. McConnell, who has been cleared to return, and Kam Jones. Nembhard's next opportunity to play is Sunday against Dallas.
Lauri Markkanen (illness) has been officially ruled out for Friday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies, a downgrade from his earlier questionable and doubtful statuses. This late scratch is a concern, as he was not on the initial injury report. The Utah Jazz forward, who averages a career-high 26.7 points per game this season, will have his next opportunity to play Monday against the Rockets. In his absence, the Jazz are expected to rely on Brice Sensabaugh, Kyle Filipowski, John Konchar, and Kevin Love for increased roles.
Micah Potter (ankle) is listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Wizards. While he played through the ankle issue on Thursday, there's a possibility he could be given a maintenance day for the second leg of the back-to-back set. If Potter is unable to play, the Indiana Pacers will have more minutes available for Ethan Thompson and Ben Sheppard.
Jalen Suggs is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Suns due to back spasms. He may have tweaked his back during the Orlando Magic's 131-94 win over the Kings on Thursday, where he recorded nine points, three rebounds, three assists, and one block in 20 minutes. If Suggs is unable to play, Jevon Carter, Jett Howard, Jase Richardson, and Tristan da Silva are considered the top candidates to enter the Magic's starting five.
SportsLine's Mike McClure, a daily Fantasy pro with over $2 million in winnings, has identified Cam Spencer as a top optimal NBA DFS lineup pick for Friday, February 20. McClure provides his expert advice for DraftKings and FanDuel daily fantasy basketball contests, making Spencer a key recommendation for players building their rosters.
Grant Williams will be rested Friday against the Cavaliers, as he has not been medically cleared for back-to-back sets. This follows his performance Thursday where he recorded 20 points (7-10 FG, 4-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT), nine rebounds, and one assist in 29 minutes during the 105-101 loss to the Rockets. His absence, which took advantage of Miles Bridges' suspension, could lead to increased involvement for Tidjane Salaun against the Cavaliers.
Evan Mobley will be rested Friday against Charlotte as the Cavaliers exercise caution for the second leg of a back-to-back set. This decision comes after Mobley returned to action Thursday, recording 10 points (5-9 FG), nine rebounds, two assists, and one block in 19 minutes during a 112-84 victory over Brooklyn. It was his first game back after missing seven consecutive contests with a calf issue, potentially opening up more minutes for Dean Wade and Larry Nance.
Kyshawn George will not play Friday against the Pacers due to a left big toe sprain. The Washington Wizards are holding him out for the second leg of this back-to-back set, following his performance Thursday where he tallied six points (3-10 FG), three rebounds, one assist, and two blocks across 19 minutes in a 112-105 win over the Pacers. His absence could lead to increased involvement for Justin Champagnie and Will Riley.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy (shoulder) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Bucks. This decision comes as no surprise, as he was previously listed as doubtful. His status for Saturday's game against the 76ers remains unclear. In his absence, Bryce McGowens and Jeremiah Fears may see increased roles for the Pelicans, filling the void in the rotation.
Jarace Walker of the Indiana Pacers is noted as a player who is making the most of his increased playing time, positioning him as a 'riser' in recent discussions. His performance has garnered attention from fantasy basketball managers, who are now evaluating whether to keep or trade him, indicating his growing relevance and potential impact within the league and for fantasy purposes.
Pascal Siakam, a key player for the Indiana Pacers, is currently a subject of discussion among fantasy basketball managers regarding whether he should be kept or traded. This indicates his significant impact and perceived value in fantasy leagues, prompting managers to evaluate his long-term potential and immediate contributions as a 'riser' or 'faller' in the current landscape.
Norman Powell (back) is available to play Friday against the Hawks, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reports. Powell missed Miami's final two games before the All-Star break due to lower-back tightness and was previously listed as questionable. He stated he's ready for Friday's contest, though his status for Saturday's game against the Grizzlies will be interesting to monitor.
Paolo Banchero delivered a game-high 30 points (10-21 FG, 5-7 3Pt, 5-5 FT), five rebounds, six assists, one block, and one steal in 32 minutes during the Magic's 131-94 victory over Sacramento on Thursday. This marks his first 30-point game since Jan. 28, with his five made three-pointers setting a new season high. After a sluggish start to February, averaging 18.2 points and 40.0% shooting, this performance suggests the fourth-year forward is regaining his form.
Victor Wembanyama has dramatically turned around the San Antonio Spurs' fortunes, leading them to the playoffs. This achievement comes exactly one year after a blood clot prematurely ended his previous season, highlighting a significant recovery and impact on the team's success. His return to form has been pivotal in the Spurs' unexpected playoff push, showcasing his leadership and talent after a challenging health setback.
Celtics forward Jaylen Brown is reportedly considering legal action against the city of Beverly Hills. This comes after police shut down a private event he was hosting during the recent NBA All-Star Weekend, as he informed ESPN's Andscape. The potential lawsuit stems from the incident during the event, where authorities intervened, leading to the early closure of the gathering. Brown's decision to explore legal avenues highlights his dissatisfaction with how the situation was handled by city officials.
