Golden State Warriors guard De'Anthony Melton (knee) will miss at least two additional games and is targeting his season debut on the team's upcoming road trip. Melton averaged 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.2 steals in 20.2 minutes last year, but he will need to win minutes from Brandin Podziemski once active. Podziemski logged 14 points, four rebounds, and two assists in his last outing, and rookie Will Richard added 18 points with six rebounds. Melton profiles as a deeper-league stash until his role becomes clearer.

Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (quadriceps) won't play on Friday versus the Washington Wizards. He has a quad contusion, so fantasy managers will need to wait and see if he'll be back on Saturday against the Chicago Bulls. Without him, T.J. McConnell, who had 16 points, seven rebounds, and six assists in Wednesday's two-point loss to the Toronto Raptors, could be in line to start. However, even if McConnell isn't with the first-five, he is certainly worth considering for all fantasy lineups.

Atlanta Hawks center Kristaps Porzingis (illness) won't play on Friday versus the Cavaliers. The veteran has been productive this season, averaging 18.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. However, he'll now miss his ninth game of the 2025 campaign. His next chance to suit up will be on Sunday in Philadelphia, but as far as Friday's contest is concerned, Onyeka Okongwu is in line to enter the starting lineup. The 24-year-old has played well in his seven starts this season, averaging 20.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.9 blocks, and 1.4 steals, giving him plenty of upside for fantasy managers, even with a challenging matchup on the horizon.

Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (knee) is questionable for Saturday's game against New Orleans after missing seven straight contests, though he has resumed full 5-on-5 activity and appears close to returning. Kuminga logged several strong lines before the injury, including 25 points with 10 rebounds and 24 points with eight rebounds, and he could take on extra usage with Stephen Curry (quadriceps) sidelined. His return would likely trim Moses Moody's workload.

Miami Heat guard/forward Andrew Wiggins (hip) is probable for Saturday's matchup with Detroit after logging 11 points, two rebounds, three assists, and two blocks in 31 minutes during his return from a three-game absence. The workload suggests he is back in a stable role, though Miami's improving health makes his night-to-night ceiling dependent on efficiency more than volume. Wiggins remains a viable category-league play for scoring and defensive stats, while Jaime Jaquez Jr. (groin) may lose minutes if he is cleared.

Miami Heat guard/forward Norman Powell (groin) is probable for Saturday's game against Detroit after briefly cooling off once Tyler Herro returned. Powell had been tearing it up before Herro rejoined the lineup, but his most recent outing with 11 points and four rebounds reflected reduced usage in a healthier rotation. He still sits in the viable streaming range for points and threes, though the ceiling is lower with Herro reclaiming 32 minutes and 29 points. Bam Adebayo and Kel'el Ware maintain steady fantasy value.

Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (ankle) won't suit up for Friday's NBA Cup meeting with the Phoenix Suns. The 27-year-old has averaged 12.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 1.3 steals this season, so he's been reliable for the defending champs. He's dealing with ankle soreness, and while it doesn't seem like an injury that will keep him off the floor beyond Friday's contest, fantasy managers should monitor his status heading into Sunday's meeting with the Portland Trail Blazers. OKC will welcome Jalen Williams (wrist) back to the lineup after missing 19 games to begin the 2025 campaign, which will certainly help lessen the blow. However, Williams will presumably be limited, meaning Jaylin Williams may remain more involved than usual, although the former Razorback has averaged only 5.6 points and 4.5 boards this season.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Dallas Mavericks forward/center Anthony Davis (calf) will play on Friday versus the Los Angeles Lakers. AD suffered a left calf strain in the win over the Indiana Pacers on October 29. Although he was reportedly nearing a return in the last week or so, it appears he'll finally be back on the court after a month on the shelf. Davis averaged 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, and 1.6 steals in his five appearances during the 2025 campaign. While he was more productive in previous seasons, there's no reason why he shouldn't be featured in all fantasy lineups in his first game back from a lengthy layoff, even with the chance of a reduced workload. On the other hand, DFS participants should consider alternative options, especially since Davis still has a higher rostering cost than most.

Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (quadriceps) is questionable for Friday's game with Washington, positioning veteran T.J. McConnell for added minutes if he sits. McConnell has ramped up effectively, delivering 16 points, seven rebounds, and six assists in his most recent outing and adding another 16-point, five-assist line earlier in the week. His strong per-minute production makes him a viable hold in most formats if he continues seeing mid-20s minutes, with even more upside if Nembhard misses time.

Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (finger) is probable for Friday's matchup with the Hawks and is expected to return after missing three games. His presence stabilizes the frontcourt and likely trims the recent minutes surge for Nae'Qwan Tomlin and Larry Nance Jr., who stepped in with mixed production. Tomlin logged 14 points and four rebounds in his most recent outing, while Nance added six points and two assists. Allen's return pushes both back into deep-league territory and limits any short-term streaming appeal.

Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey (reconditioning) is questionable for Friday's matchup with Orlando after logging limited minutes in his first three appearances of the season. If he doesn't suit up Friday, second-year guard Daniss Jenkins stands to gain the most. In his four starts this season, Jenkins has averaged 19.3 points, 1.8 threes, 3.0 rebounds, 8.8 assists, and 1.5 steals on 49.2 percent shooting, giving him strong short-term streaming value. Fantasy managers should monitor Ivey's status for potential backcourt value shifts.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (adductor) is questionable for Friday's game against the Knicks after missing the last four contests. His extended absence has pushed Ryan Rollins, Kyle Kuzma, and Bobby Portis into heavier workloads, with Rollins posting 26 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in Wednesday's loss to Miami. Kuzma added 12 rebounds and six assists, and Portis continues to see steady frontcourt minutes. If Antetokounmpo remains out, Rollins remains in a featured role, while Kuzma and Portis maintain their short-term bumps in workload.

Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (calf) is questionable for Friday's game in Charlotte as the team manages his workload on the front end of a back-to-back. Kevin Huerter (pelvis) is also questionable, leaving Chicago's backcourt depth in flux. A potential absence from White would elevate Tre Jones and Ayo Dosunmu, as Dosunmu logged 28 points in one of his recent starts and Jones showed his playmaking ceiling with an 11-assist performance during the same stretch. Both profile as viable short-term streamers if the Bulls remain shorthanded.

Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (knee) is questionable for Friday's game in Charlotte, and the frontcourt uncertainty grows with Patrick Williams (wrist) also listed as questionable. Chicago leaned on Jalen Smith for 13 points, six rebounds, and 26 minutes in Vucevic's absence Monday, and he remains the cleanest streaming option if either starter sits. Third-year wing Julian Phillips could also pick up extra run after delivering seven points in 14 minutes against New Orleans. A thinner rotation would make both viable short-term depth pieces for managers in competitive formats.

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (quadriceps) is expected to miss roughly a week after suffering a contusion Wednesday, creating extra backcourt opportunities in the rotation. Veteran guard Jimmy Butler III has averaged 22.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 6.2 assists across his last five games, including a 21-point, five-rebound, five-assist performance Wednesday, and he should hold firm rest-of-season value. Third-year guard Brandin Podziemski also stands to see a usage bump, bringing 13.0 points on 40.0 percent shooting over his last five contests. Podziemski lines up as the short-term streamer while Curry recovers.

Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. (back) has been ruled out for Friday's matchup with the 76ers, ending his appearance streak dating back to Nov. 3. His absence shifts more offensive weight onto Noah Clowney, who erupted for 31 points and has scored at least 22 points in two of his last three games. Tyrese Martin, Ziaire Williams, and Jalen Wilson also gain streaming appeal, though Clowney remains the clearest beneficiary with added usage and shot volume. Porter's next chance to return comes Saturday against Milwaukee.

Philadelphia 76ers guard/forward Paul George (ankle) is questionable for Friday's matchup against the Nets after participating in Thursday's practice. A potential absence would again open rotation room for Dominick Barlow and Justin Edwards. Barlow has averaged 7.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists across his last eight appearances, while Edwards has produced 9.0 points on 47.5 percent shooting over his last nine games. Both profile as deep-league streamers, with Edwards offering the cleaner scoring path if George remains out.

Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe (calf) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Nets, extending his multi-game absence. His downtime keeps Quentin Grimes in a meaningful role, and the shooting guard has averaged 15.4 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists across his last five games while shooting 40.0 percent from the field. Grimes remains a solid streaming option for points and threes, while Jared McCain, who posted 15 points in his last outing, offers deep-league appeal as he ramps up.

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Nets, marking his ninth straight absence. His continued downtime keeps veteran center Andre Drummond locked into starter minutes, and he has averaged 8.8 points, 14.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks across his last five outings while shooting 46.2 percent from the field. Drummond remains a strong short-term fantasy play for rebounds and defensive stats, especially with Adem Bona (ankle) still limited and Trendon Watford (adductor) remaining sidelined.

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (groin) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Pistons, marking his eighth straight absence. His continued downtime keeps second-year forward Tristan da Silva in a stable role, and he has averaged 11.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists over his last five games while shooting 45.1 percent from the field. Da Silva should remain a viable short-term streamer, while Anthony Black and Goga Bitadze also see modest bumps. Banchero should stay rostered in all formats until he returns.