Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (personal) won't play in Friday's meeting with the New Orleans Pelicans. The multi-time MVP hasn't missed a game all season. But he welcomed the birth of his new child, so he'll get the night off. His next chance to suit up will be on Sunday in Memphis. However, as far as Friday's contest is concerned, Zeke Nnaji and DeAndre Jordan will presumably split time in the middle. Fantasy managers could also see Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Christian Braun pick up a lot of the slack on the scoring end with Jokic off the floor.

According to Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse, center Joel Embiid will play more in Friday's meeting with the Orlando Magic. The multi-time All-Star made his 2024-25 debut in Tuesday's game against the Knicks, finishing with 13 points off a rough 2-for-11 shooting from the field. He also logged 26 minutes, so fantasy managers may see him on the floor for at least 30 minutes on Friday night. While Embiid isn't back to MVP-caliber form, he's still a starting option in all fantasy formats, which is also true for those participating in DFS contests.

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (personal) is officially listed as questionable due to personal reasons on Friday. The three-time MVP missed three games throughout last season and hasn't missed one yet this year, so his absences are very few and far between. If he's unable to make it onto the court against the New Orleans Pelicans, the rotation will likely receive a huge shakeup. De'Andre Jordan will get some minutes while Zeke Nnaji could see a lot more opportunities as well. The biggest increases in usage would go in favor of Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., Christian Braun, and Peyton Watson.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (illness) received a questionable tag for the Friday night matchup against the Chicago Bulls. The young big man is dealing with an illness that almost kept him out of their game against the Philadelphia 76ers as well. He'll likely be a game-time decision so the team can see how he feels leading up to tip-off. If he's unable to play, the Cavs could opt to go smaller with Caris LeVert moving into the starting lineup. Georges Niang and Dean Wade could also see more minutes in that scenario.

Brooklyn Nets center Nicolas Claxton (back) was originally listed as questionable on Friday, but has since been downgraded to out and will remain sidelined for a week. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Claxton suffered a lower back strain and the team will update his status in one week. The 25-year-old has been physically limited most of the time this season, so he'll take a little more time to get this back issue under control. In the meantime, Noah Clowney will see plenty of minutes at center while Dorian Finney-Smith and Ben Simmons could see some more opportunities as well.

Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (back) is suffering from lower back tightness and is considered doubtful to suit up against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. The 35-year-old could only play 17 minutes in their last game against the Phoenix Suns, and it looks like the issue has been lingering since then. Since Malik Monk (ankle) is also ruled out of this game, Keegan Murray will likely see an uptick in usage while Keon Ellis and Trey Lyles see some more minutes off of the bench.

Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (leg) is dealing with a lower leg strain but is still considered probable to face off against the Chicago Bulls on Friday. Allen has appeared on the injury report for the last few games with the same strain, but it hasn't caused him to miss any time yet. In 13 starts, Allen has posted eight double-doubles and averaged 13.3 points, 10.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game. He and Evan Mobley have been a big part of the Cavs' top-seven defense.

New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) has received a questionable tag for their Friday night matchup against the Brooklyn Nets. The former Minnesota Timberwolf has put up some fantastic offensive performances since joining the Knicks, and if he plays in this New York rivalry, he'll be primed for another big night against a weaker Nets frontcourt. On the other hand, if he doesn't suit up, the Knicks frontcourt is already thin, so Jericho Sims would see big minutes and join the starting five.

Los Angeles Lakers center Anthony Davis (foot) continues to deal with plantar fasciitis but is listed as probable for Friday night. The superstar big man is a mainstay on the injury report but tends to be listed as probable more often than not. This is always great news for both the Lakers and fantasy managers as he's in the mix for the scoring crown so far. Davis currently boasts his second-best field goal percentage and a career-best in three-point percentage and points per game. On the off chance that he doesn't play, fantasy managers can look toward Rui Hachimura or Christian Koloko as streaming options in a pinch.

Detroit Pistons guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (head) is expected to miss his second game in a row after suffering a head laceration against the Miami Heat. There's a slight chance he could play, but doubtful tags are rarely upgraded to available. Jaden Ivey (toe) could also be out since he's listed as questionable, so that leaves the Pistons with a thinner backcourt. Ron Holland II would join the starting five again, if that's the case, and Marcus Sasser would see some extra minutes off of the bench.

Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey (toe) is questionable for Friday's meeting in Toronto. He wasn't available for the Pistons' loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday because of a right great toe sprain. As a result, Malik Beasley entered the starting lineup for the first time this season, ending the night by amassing 26 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists while shooting 8-for-16 from behind the arc. With Tim Hardaway Jr. (head) doubtful, Beasley could find himself back with the first five against Toronto if Ivey is ruled out, so he'd be worth considering for fantasy lineups versus one of the worst defensive squads in the National Basketball Association.

Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (foot) remains out on Friday against the Philadelphia 76ers. This will be his seventh-straight absence because of plantar fasciitis, and there's no word on when he'll be back on the floor. With Carter on the shelf, Goga Bitadze will likely continue to fill the void in the rotation. Bitadze has played well in his six starts during the 2024-25 campaign, averaging 10.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks, which has been good enough to earn him a spot in fantasy lineups.

Brooklyn Nets center Nicolas Claxton (back) is questionable for Friday's game against the New York Knicks. Claxton's workload has been limited because of a hamstring injury suffered during the preseason. But now he's experiencing lower back tightness, so the team may not take any chances. With Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) probable, he may find himself in the starting lineup if Claxton doesn't suit up. There's also a chance Ben Simmons takes over at the five, although the former Sixer hasn't been a consistent fantasy option.

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (ankle) is probable for Friday's matchup with the Brooklyn Nets. He tweaked his ankle in Tuesday's meeting with the Philadelphia 76ers. However, it didn't keep Brunson off the floor for Wednesday's loss to the Bulls, with the 28-year-old finishing with 24 points, eight assists, and three boards. Barring a setback, Brunson should be out there and will remain a must-start in all fantasy formats.

Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (knee) has been officially ruled out ahead of Thursday's game against the Utah Jazz. Washington was tagged as doubtful coming into this game due to a right-knee sprain. He will now miss his fifth game in a row due to the injury. Naji Marshall has been starting, and that will likely remain the case on Thursday. He posted a dud during their last game, but Marshall has finished with double-digit scoring in three of his last five games. He's a low-end streaming option while Washington is out.

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (shoulder) has been ruled out ahead of Thursday's game against the Utah Jazz. Irving is dealing with a right shoulder strain that he likely suffered during Tuesday's game against the Golden State Warriors. Luka Doncic will be asked to do the heavy lifting on offense with Irving unable to play. Also, Spencer Dinwiddie and Jaden Hardy should see increased playing time on Thursday. Both guards are solid fantasy options with this game being the only one on for Thursday's slate.

Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond (illness) is listed as questionable ahead of Friday's game against the Orlando Magic. Drummond sat out of Wednesday's game due to an illness and is in danger of missing his second straight game. The good news is that Joel Embiid is back in the mix, but he's not at full speed yet. That means, Guerschon Yabusele could see significant minutes if Drummond is unable to play on Friday. Yabusele finished with 10 points and nine rebounds in 30 minutes of action on Wednesday. He's worth a look as a streaming option if Drummond misses another game.

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (knee) has been cleared to suit up ahead of Thursday's game against the Utah Jazz. As expected, Doncic will play after being listed as probable coming into this game due to a right knee contusion. Doncic has been banged up at times throughout the season, but that hasn't stopped him from playing big minutes for the Mavs. He's coming off a 31-point performance on Tuesday and should be in all starting lineups ahead of tip-off on Thursday.

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Indiana Pacers. Butler is set to miss his third straight game due to a sprained right ankle. It's uncertain how long Butler is going to be sidelined, but his next chance to play is a rematch against the Pacers on Sunday. The absence of Butler will mean Tyler Herro will be asked to do more of the heavy lifting on offense. Also, Haywood Highsmith is expected to remain in the starting five. Highsmith has been quiet over the last two games, but has some low-end streaming appeal with Butler sidelined.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James had a historic outing against Memphis on Wednesday, becoming the oldest player in NBA history to log three consecutive triple-doubles. He capped off a 128-123 win with a game-high 35 points, 12 rebounds, and 14 assists. The three-game triple-double streak is tied for the longest of James' 22-year NBA career. James will turn 40 next month but continues to perform at an incredibly high level. He has already bagged four triple-doubles overall this season and averages 24.3 points with 8.1 rebounds and 9.4 assists.