New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) is questionable for Saturday's matchup against the Pistons. KAT has had an amazing first season with the Knicks, averaging 25.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, and shooting 45.0% from deep. He's battling a knee issue, so if doesn't play versus Detroit, Precious Achiuwa, who made his 2024-25 campaign debut in Thursday's win over the Hornets, could enter the starting lineup. However, Achiuwa likely won't see much more than the 12 minutes he logged on Thursday night, meaning Jericho Sims may get more action, although not enough to justify his presence in fantasy lineups.

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (hamstring) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Washington Wizards. The veteran most recently logged 42 minutes in Thursday's loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, logging 42 minutes and finishing with 19 points. Murray wasn't at shootaround on Saturday, and with the Nuggets also playing the Hawks on Sunday, the team may give him a night off to rest his inflamed hamstring. If that happens, Russell Westbrook, who averaged 18 points, six assists, five boards, and two steals in three games without Murray this season, is a lock for any fantasy lineup. Michael Porter Jr., Christian Braun, and Nikola Jokic could also see an uptick in production if Murray isn't out there.

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (back) is questionable heading into Saturday's meeting with the Detroit Pistons. The former Maverick is coming off one of his best showings of the 2024-25 campaign, amassing 24 points and shooting 5-for-6 from behind the arc. But if the back contusion keeps him off the floor on Saturday night, Miles McBride will likely slide into the starting lineup and would be in line for a significant uptick in fantasy production, even more so if Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) doesn't suit up.

According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green will continue to come off the bench. The 34-year-old missed two games before returning for Friday's loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, finishing with 10 points, nine boards, six assists, and two steals in 26 minutes in a reserve role. Head coach Steve Kerr indicated the move was made to keep Green healthy. At the same time, the team hopes to see more signs of life from Jonathan Kuminga, who has averaged 15.4 points in seven starts during the 2024-25 campaign. With that in mind, Green should continue to get minutes, so the move may actually work out in his favor, considering he has had issues staying healthy over the years.

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (oblique) has missed the last 20 games. However, the 22-year-old is moving in a positive direction, recently beginning "light movement workouts" while "getting shots up." He was having a stellar year before tearing his oblique back in October, averaging 29.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 34.4% shooting from behind the arc, all the highest of his career. Banchero wants to return before the end of 2024. But it appears he has some hurdles to clear, so fantasy managers shouldn't be as optimistic. In the meantime, Franz Wagner should continue to benefit from a production standpoint while Banchero is sidelined. Goga Bitadze may also remain in the starting lineup, with Wendell Carter Jr. sliding over to the four spot.

San Antonio's F Julian Champagnie scored 30 points on 8-of-16 shooting in a 113-140 loss to the Kings on Friday, Dec. 6. Champagnie is owned in only 45.5% leagues.

Lakers' F LeBron James recorded a triple-double, finishing with 39 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds in a 132-134 loss to Atlanta on Friday, Dec. 6.

Golden State Warriors guard/forward Gary Payton II (knee) has received the green light to play on Friday against Minnesota. He has been upgraded from probable to available ahead of tip-off. The defensive specialist will play despite dealing with knee inflammation. The 32-year-old has been limited to 12.5 minutes per game this season, averaging 4.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.1 assists. Fantasy managers should have far better options available to them.

Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga will make a third consecutive start on Friday versus Minnesota. With Draymond Green (calf) back in the fold, it looked likely that the 22-year-old would have to relinquish his starting role, but Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has decided to integrate Green back into the team as a member of the second unit. Kuminga is fresh off a career night after racking up 33 points on 13-for-22 shooting in Thursday's 99-93 win against Houston. He has averaged 15.8 points with 4.3 rebounds in six total starts this season.

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (back) will not suit up for Friday's meeting with Portland. He has been ruled out for low back injury management purposes. Svi Mykhailiuk will fill in for Markkanen in the starting lineup. This is an interesting move, as the Jazz have so far used the Ukrainian in only four games this season. He's averaged 4.3 points in 12.3 minutes. With Markkanen unavailable, Brice Sensabaugh and Johnny Juzang should also have more opportunities to play. The latter has built up momentum ahead of Friday's action by scoring 10-plus points in back-to-back games.

Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (ankle) will play on Friday against Minnesota. This is the second leg of a back-to-back for the Warriors, and Wiggins was initially listed as questionable for the game. However, he's good to go for the meeting with his former team. Wiggins is coming off one of his best offensive outings of the season, as he shot 9-for-15 from the field en route to 23 points in Thursday's 99-93 win over Houston.

Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (knee) will be in the lineup on Friday against Minnesota. The former MVP returns to action after sitting out Thursday's game against Houston because of a knee issue. Curry went close to a triple-double in his last outing against Denver, but he faces a difficult matchup on Friday. The Timberwolves have limited opposing point guards to 43.5 percent shooting from the field, allowing the fifth-fewest points per 48 minutes to the position.

Golden State Warriors forward/center Draymond Green (calf) will return to work on Friday versus Minnesota. The veteran has missed the first two games of the week with a calf issue. Green continues to do a little bit of everything for the Warriors, averaging 8.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 6.6 assists across his last five appearances. His return on Friday is bad news for Jonathan Kuminga's fantasy value. He's set to land back on the bench despite going off for a career-high 33 points in Thursday's 99-93 victory over Houston.

Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (ribs) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Denver Nuggets, marking his fourth straight absence due to a sprained left rib. With Kuzma struggling to match his strong numbers from last season, this injury adds to his challenges. He's averaging 27.4 minutes, 15.8 points, and 5.6 rebounds per game this year, and his next opportunity to play will come Sunday against Memphis. In the meantime, Bilal Coulibaly, Carlton Carrington, and Johnny Davis are expected to step up and fill the void.

Washington Wizards forward Corey Kispert (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Denver Nuggets due to a left ankle sprain. This will mark his second consecutive game missed. With multiple players on the injury list, younger players like Carlton Carrington, Johnny Davis, and Jared Butler are expected to see increased playing time. Kispert has been averaging 27.8 minutes per game, so there will be plenty of minutes available for others to step up. His next chance to return is set for Sunday's matchup against Memphis.

Washington Wizards guard Malcolm Brogdon (hamstring) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Denver Nuggets. The veteran guard had been playing well, recording two double-doubles in his last seven games, so his absence is a setback. He is dealing with inflammation in his left hamstring, and fantasy owners are hoping it's not a long-term issue. With Brogdon sidelined, Carlton Carrington is expected to see an increased role. Brogdon's next opportunity to play will be Sunday against Memphis.

Dallas Mavericks guard Jaden Hardy (ankle) has been listed as doubtful on the injury report ahead of Saturday's encounter with Toronto. Hardy is battling a right ankle sprain and has logged only 10 total minutes across the previous two games. His role has been minuscule lately, so the Mavericks' rotation won't change much without Hardy on Saturday. Spencer Dinwiddie and Quentin Grimes will continue to play big roles off the bench, especially with Naji Marshall (illness) still sidelined at the weekend.

Washington Wizards forward Kyshawn George (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Denver Nuggets due to a sprained left ankle. This will be George's second consecutive game missed. In his absence, Carlton Carrington, Johnny Davis, and Jared Butler are expected to see more playing time. George has been a bit inconsistent this season but has averaged 26.2 minutes per game as part of the young Wizards squad. His next opportunity to return will be Sunday's game against Memphis.

Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall (illness) will not be ready to return to the lineup on Saturday against Toronto. An illness will keep him out of action for a fourth straight game. Quentin Grimes and Spencer Dinwiddie have larger roles in the rotation with Marshall out. Both players have enjoyed strong stretches lately. Grimes has averaged 16.7 points for the month with 4.0 rebounds and 2.3 steals, while Dinwiddie has produced 16.0 points with 3.7 assists in December.

Toronto Raptors guard Davion Mitchell (hip) is listed as questionable for Saturday's matchup against the Dallas Mavericks due to right hip stiffness. This injury could cause him to miss his first game of the season. While his scoring has been modest at 6.8 points per game, his value lies in his playmaking and defense. Averaging 5.2 assists per game, Mitchell is an important part of Toronto's rotation, distributing the ball and setting up plays. If he's unable to play on Saturday, Jamal Shead could see more playing time and step up in Mitchell's absence.