Fri Jan 17 6:47pm ET
Field Level Media
Jimmy Butler has finished a seven-game suspension and will suit up for the Miami Heat's game against the visiting Denver Nuggets on Friday night.
Less than two hours before tip-off, Butler said "I'm back" in a statement his agent Bernie O. Lee released on social media. The statement indicated it was a response to questions about Butler's career plans.
Butler, 35, has been unhappy this season and requested a trade. He also has sharply criticized the organization on multiple occasions.
The Heat suspended Butler on Jan. 3 for conduct detrimental to the team. During the suspension, Butler reiterated that he wanted to be traded.
Miami coach Erik Spoelstra never mentioned Butler's name during a long opening remark to start his pregame availability.
"We work in a league of complexity," Spoelstra said. "We're in an unusual place right now but all it is is complex. So it's my job to prepare this team and get them ready to play at a high level, and that's what I'm doing.
"My methods for doing it are really none of your business. You're looking for drama, I'm looking to getting this team ready to play at a high level."
A six-time All-Star, Butler is averaging 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 22 games. This is his sixth season with Miami.
Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (illness) is listed as questionable ahead of Friday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. LaVine popped up on the injury report with an illness and is in serious danger of missing this contest. If that happens, Coby White (neck), Ayo Dosunmu, and Julian Phillips should all see increased roles in the rotation. Dosunmu recently returned to the court, but could be an interesting streaming option if LaVine is unable to go. Fantasy managers will have to check back closer to tip-off.
Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu (calf) is available to play ahead of Friday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. He made his return to the court on Wednesday after missing 10 games due to a calf injury. He finished with nine points, three rebounds, and two assists in 25 minutes of action during that game. The assumption is that he'll get a slightly longer leash on Friday. He could be asked to have a bigger role if Zach LaVine (illness) is unable to play. Fantasy managers in season-long formats can feel comfortable getting Dosunmu back into their lineups on Friday.
Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (knee) is available ahead of Friday's game against the Chicago Bulls. As expected, Williams is ready to go after being listed as probable on the injury report. Williams has been playing some excellent basketball recently with two straight double doubles coming into Friday's contest. He finished with 31 points and 13 rebounds during his last game and really has no competition at the center spot. Fantasy managers should make sure to get Williams back into their lineups for Friday's slate.
Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (neck) is officially available ahead of Friday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. As expected, White will continue to play through his neck issue. The 24-year-old has looked fine in each of the last two games, so fantasy managers shouldn't be worried about this issue slowing him down. White could be asked to play a bigger role with Zach LaVine (illness) uncertain for this game. Regardless, fantasy managers should make sure to get White in their lineups ahead of tip-off.
Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (wrist) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Chicago Bulls. Miller appears to have suffered a wrist sprain during Wednesday's game. As a result, Miller won't play on Friday, so his next chance to get on the court will be on Monday. The loss of Miller is going to be tough to fill given Miller is playing over 30 minutes per game. The expectation is that the Hornets are going to use a committee approach to help fill the void. Cody Martin, Nick Smith, and Josh Okogie should all see more minutes on Friday. Out of the three, Martin is the best streaming choice and could be worth a look while Miller is out.
According to NBA reporter Chris Haynes, Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler will return tonight against the Denver Nuggets after serving a seven-game suspension. Butler is expected to be in the starting lineup after serving a suspension Miami imposed. The 35-year-old has made it clear that he wants to be traded making it a challenging situation. DFS managers may want to stay clear of Butler, as there is no telling how many minutes the disgruntled forward will play this evening.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley will move into the starting five ahead of Friday's game against the New York Knicks. Fellow guard Donte DiVincenzo (toe) is out on Friday, which is why Conley is getting the starting nod. The veteran guard has been mainly playing off the bench since the beginning of January. Conley is averaging 7.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists across 24 minutes per game this season. The 37-year-old has finished with nine points or less in each of his last five games. He might offer low-end streaming appeal as a starter, but he's unlikely to be a viable fantasy option going forward.
Eric Nehm of The Athletic reports that Milwaukee Bucks guard/forwardGary Trent Jr.(hip) has been cleared to play Friday against the Toronto Raptors. Trent Jr. had previously missed three consecutive contests due to a left hip flexor strain. Before the 25-year-old was sidelined, he averaged 11.3 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals in 22.5 minutes across his last 10 outings. With Trent Jr. returning, AJ Green will likely see his playing time reduced.
The Milwaukee Bucks announced that Milwaukee Bucks guard/forward Khris Middleton (ankles) has been cleared to play against the Toronto Raptors on Friday. The 33-year-old veteran forward has played 16 games so far this season since making his debut on Dec. 6 after having offseason surgery on both ankles. In his last outing, he collected 14 points, two rebounds, six assists, and two steals coming off the bench against the Magic on Wednesday.
Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (shoulder) is questionable for Saturday's matchup with the Celtics. The 23-year-old is having a fantastic season, averaging 19.8 points, 10.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.1 blocks. He missed the last five games because of shoulder inflammation. But even if Johnson doesn't suit up on Saturday night, the questionable tag at least suggests he's moving in the right direction toward a return. De'Andre Hunter (foot), who is probable after missing the last two games, will be in line to start if Johnson doesn't play versus Boston. Yet, if Hunter is out as well, David Roddy, averaging 10.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.5 steals in two starts this season, would likely take over at the four spot.
According to Paul Garcia of ProjectSpurs.com, San Antonio Spurs forwardJeremy Sochan(back) will not suit up against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday. Sochan will be sidelined for the fourth consecutive game due to back spasms. Stephon Castle will likely continue to step in for the 21-year-old as he posted 26 points (9-21 FG, 2-9 3Pt, 6-7 FT), three rebounds and four assists across 32 minutes during Wednesday's 129-115 loss to the Grizzlies.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith (personal) has been downgraded from doubtful to out on Friday and will not suit up against his former team, the Brooklyn Nets. Finney-Smith and his wife welcomed their newborn son on Wednesday and it looks like he'll get a bit of time off so he can be with his family. In the meantime, Rui Hachimura should see an increase in usage again after he posted 23 points, eight rebounds, one assist, and one steal. Max Christie will likely see added minutes with the starters too.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James Jr. is no longer on the injury report heading into the Friday night matchup with the Brooklyn Nets. With a bit of the frontcourt ruled out due to various reasons, James may have the opportunity to get some minutes against a Nets team that failed to score 70 points against the Clippers just a couple of nights ago. He's not a recommended fantasy option right now, but he could take some minutes away from some of the bench guys like Gabe Vincent.
Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (foot) will not take the court on Friday against the New Orleans Pelicans while he deals with some plantar fasciitis in his left foot. The veteran combo guard hasn't played in their last six games after only being able to register three minutes of playing time against the Miami Heat on January 4. Collin Sexton is back in the lineup on Friday, but Keyonte George and Isaiah Collier could be good streaming options in deeper leagues. The former posted 26 points, six assists, four rebounds, and two steals in their last game against the Hornets.
Utah Jazz forward/center Micah Potter (illness) has been ruled out on Friday for the matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans. John Collins (hip), Lauri Markkanen (back), and Walker Kessler (rest) are all sidelined as well, so they'll roll with an extremely thin frontcourt. Kyle Filipowski could move into the starting center role while Brice Sensabaugh is also a good streaming option. The former registered eight points, two rebounds, and two assists while the latter had 19 points, four rebounds, and four assists in their last game.
Chicago Bulls guardJosh Giddey(hip) has been upgraded from questionable to probable for Friday's matchup with the Hornets. Giddey has been dealing with soreness in his right hip, but he will likely suit up this evening. He played around 30 minutes in their last game on Wednesday and collected seven points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks. If he can't play,Lonzo Ball,Coby White(probable - neck), andAyo Dosunmu(probable - calf) would all see a bump in fantasy value across all formats.
Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (finger) will play on Friday after being listed as available for the team's matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans. With Jordan Clarkson (foot) and Lauri Markkanen (back) both out, Sexton will likely be called upon for some extra scoring and playmaking. The 26-year-old averages 18.2 points, 3.9 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.9 threes per game while clocking 28.8 minutes per contest. His defensive value hasn't been as high this season, but he's been scoring at a very efficient clip (.477/.420/.902) which has been welcomed in category leagues.
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (oblique) is not ready to return just yet as he's listed as out while he continues to ramp up his conditioning. While he's sidelined against the Boston Celtics on Friday, Tristan Da Silva will likely remain in the starting five. Anthony Black, however, has been the better streaming option as he posted 10 points, four assists, and two steals in their last game while clocking 30 minutes off of the bench. Over the last three games, he's averaged 14.0 points, 4.0 assists, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game.
Orlando Magic guard Gary Harris (hamstring) remains sidelined on Friday and will not face the Boston Celtics. This is his eighth consecutive missed game and 22nd missed contest overall. Harris has been plagued with injury after injury which echoes the type of luck that the Magic have had as a team. Since Jalen Suggs (back) is also out, Cole Anthony and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope have been the starting backcourt. Both options are solid in deeper fantasy leagues looking for guard help.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (foot) keeps receiving more and more bad news each week as he'll miss the team's upcoming road trip. According to the team, the former MVP will be re-evaluated in the next 7-to-10 days. While rehabbing his sprained foot, he experienced swelling in the same knee that needed surgery last season, so the Sixers didn't want to risk him coming back and hurting it again. Andre Drummond (toe) is finally listed as probable, so he should return to the starting lineup while Guerschon Yabusele (knee) is listed as questionable. They would both be the best streaming options until Embiid returns.
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