Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (oblique) was seen shooting during Saturday's practice. While he's still not running , it's at least a positive step in the right direction. Banchero was having a terrific season before suffering a torn oblique in October, averaging career-highs in points (29.0), boards (8.8), and assists (5.6). He was also shooting 34.4% from deep. Without question, the 22-year-old was on the cusp of a breakout. But fantasy managers will need to wait at least a few more weeks until he's back on the floor. But even when Banchero returns, he will likely need to progressively increase his workload until he is back to full strength. With Franz Wagner (oblique) also on the shelf, Jalen Suggs should remain Orlando's top offensive contributor. Goga Bitadze and Anthony Black could also continue to see an uptick in production while Banchero is out of commission.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Pistons are waiving forward Paul Reed. The 2020 No. 58 overall pick began his career by spending his first four years in Philadelphia, where he had some productive showings. But after the Sixers waived him, he was claimed by the Pistons. Unfortunately, things didn't work out in Detroit, with Reed averaging only 4.8 points in 12 games. He'll likely draw plenty of interest from clubs around the National Basketball Association, especially from teams looking to bolster depth. But regardless of where Reed lands next, he'll need minutes before earning a place on fantasy rosters.

Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (knee) is available ahead of Friday's game against the San Antonio Spurs. The rookie big man has missed the last seven games due to a right knee injury. As a result, Clingan will have a minutes limit during Friday's game. He wasn't doing great before going down, but Clingan did have a 19-rebound game in his most recent contest. Clingan won't be a strong streaming option while under a minutes limit. However, he's someone worth monitoring if the Blazers do decide to give him more run later in the season.

Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (knee) has been downgraded to out ahead of Friday's game against the Utah Jazz. Beal is dealing with swelling in his right knee and as a result the team will have him sit out at least Friday's game. His next chance to play will be on Sunday against the Portland Trail Blazers. The late addition to the injury report is a surprise to fantasy managers, so they should quickly edit their lineups. Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale should see increased value with Beal sidelined. O'Neale has been solid lately and is worth a look as a streaming option with increased playing time.

Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun (quad) is available ahead of Friday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Braun hasn't missed a game this season and that streak will continue to live on. He has been playing big minutes for the Nuggets this season as he's averaging over 35 minutes per game. He's not an elite contributor in any category, but does a little of everything. Fantasy managers who have Braun rostered can get him in their lineups ahead of tip-off.

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (hamstring) has been upgraded to available ahead of Friday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Murray was a game-time decision coming into this contest, but he apparently felt good during his pre-game routine. He'll make his return after missing each of the last two games due to a hamstring issue. This means that Russell Westbrook will head back to the bench and will lose fantasy value. There is no word of Murray being limited, so fantasy managers should expect him to be a full-go on Friday.

Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (calf) is available ahead of Friday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers. As expected, Gordon is good to go after being listed as probable on the injury report. Gordon missed a game last week, but has been mostly healthy since his absence in mid-November. Gordon has been hit-or-miss this season, but should be plugged back into lineups in season-long formats. He's averaging 14.3 points, 6.0 rebounds,and 3.5 assists across 29 minutes per game this season. Gordon is a solid contributor, but keeping him off the injury report has been the biggest challenge.

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (eye) won't return to Friday's game against the Indiana Pacers. The big man exited to the locker room after getting hit in the face while going for a rebound in the second quarter. The organization has decided to hold out Embiid for the rest of the night while he undergoes further testing. There is a concern that he injured his already repaired orbital fracture. Fantasy managers should get more information in the next day or two. Andre Drummond figures to start in the second half and will see an increased workload until Embiid is able to get back on the court. Drummond was a strong fantasy option when Embiid was out earlier in the season, so he could be worth snagging again.

Phoenix Suns guard/forward Bradley Beal (knee) is now questionable heading into Friday's meeting with the Jazz. The veteran wasn't listed on the injury report throughout the day. However, he began experiencing right knee swelling, so there's a chance he won't be out there. Beal has already missed eight games this season, although fantasy managers are now left wondering if this injury will open the door for another extended stint on the shelf. Fortunately, the Suns are expected to get Kevin Durant (ankle) back, which will help. Royce O'Neale, who was expected to head back to the bench, may find himself remaining in the starting lineup.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (foot) won't play on Friday against the Timberwolves, with the multi-time MVP expected to miss more time moving forward. Head coach JJ Redick was asked if he knows when James will return. However, the first-year coach answered with a simple "no." Of course, the Lakers will be without arguably their top performer, meaning guys like Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and D'Angelo Russell will need to pick up the slack on the scoring end.

Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward Austin Reaves (pelvis) has been upgraded and will play in Friday's game versus the Minnesota Timberwolves. Reaves has missed the last five games because of a pelvic contusion. But after going from questionable to probable, he'll be back on the floor for this one. With LeBron James (foot) out indefinitely, Reaves should pick up some of the slack on the scoring end, making him a must-start in any fantasy setup. That won't change until James returns to the lineup.

Los Angeles Lakers center Anthony Davis (foot) will play on Friday against the Timberwolves. AD has been a constant mention on the league's injury report because of an ailing foot injury. However, as is usually the case, he's good to go. With LeBron James (foot) out indefinitely, Davis should be the No. 1 scoring option for the Lakers, so a rise in statistical contributions could be on the horizon.

Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (illness) will miss his first game of the 2024-25 campaign on Friday against the Hornets. The 34-year-old has played at an All-Star-caliber level this season, averaging 21.0 points, 9.8 boards, and shooting 47.4% from behind the arc. Without him, Jalen Smith will presumably enter the starting lineup, immediately giving him credibility as a streaming option and DFS value play. Josh Giddey, Zach LaVine, and Coby White could also see a bump on the scoring end with Vucevic sidelined.

Chicago Bulls forward Zach LaVine (back) will play in Friday's game against the Hornets. The veteran has played well throughout the 2024-25 campaign, averaging 22.1 points and shooting 43.2% from behind the arc. But he was dealing with back spasms. Fortunately, it won't keep him off the floor for the favorable matchup versus Charlotte.

Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (back) is cleared to suit up in Friday's matchup versus the Charlotte Hornets. Like his teammate, Zach LaVine (back), he was battling back spasms. However, it won't cost Giddey his first game of the 2024-25 campaign. The 22-year-old has played well in his first season in Chicago, averaging 11.7 points, 6.9 assists, and 6.2 rebounds, although he may be even more productive in the favorable matchup against the Hornets.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (ankle) won't play on Friday against the Wizards. The 23-year-old has played well this season, averaging 18.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and 1.1 steals. But he'll miss his second game of the 2024-25 campaign, so his next chance to play will be on Monday in Brooklyn. Without Mobley, Jarrett Allen, Darius Garland, and Donovan Mitchell should get a few extra scoring opportunities. Georges Niang could also work his way into the starting lineup, giving him DFS value potential.

Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams (foot) said he will play in Friday's game against the Hornets. The 23-year-old has been out of commission since November because of issues with his left foot, the same one he had surgery on back in March. With that in mind, he has averaged only 9.9 points and 5.0 rebounds this season, so he isn't the most dependable fantasy option. But Williams' return could at least mean less work for Ayo Dosunmu and Matas Buzelis.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Heat have agreed to trade center Thomas Bryant to the Pacers. In exchange, Indiana will swap a future second-round pick with Miami. The 27-year-old has averaged only 4.1 points and 3.2 rebounds this season. But with James Wiseman (Achilles) and Isaiah Jackson (Achilles) both sidelined, the team needed another big. While Bryant won't start unless Myles Turner isn't available, he should see more playing time in Indiana. Still, unless he finds himself with the first five, his contributions could be sporadic.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (pelvis) is probable for Friday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He has missed the Lakers' previous five contests because of a pelvic contusion and was initially labeled as questionable heading into this one. Luckily, Los Angeles will likely have him back on the court on Friday night. It can't come at a better time, considering LeBron James (foot) isn't available. As such, Reaves could be more involved on the scoring end, which is why he'll surely see more attention from DFS managers.

Charlotte Hornets forward Tidjane Salaun (ankle) has been listed as questionable on Friday while he deals with an ankle sprain. The Hornets are set to take on the Chicago Bulls who have lost their last two games and could be dealing with some injuries of their own. Salaun started to see some added playing time with the Hornets' injury report growing until he sprained his left ankle against the Knicks. If he has to miss another game, Cody Martin and Josh Green should remain in the starting lineup while Martin serves as the better streaming option. In their last game, Martin finished with 14 points, six rebounds, one assist, and two steals across 33 minutes.