Several high-profile NBA players are returning to the court on Friday, which is a great thing. It can also be a bad thing because it could hurt the hunt for value plays in this eight-game slate.
As always, there is plenty of injury news to pour through before settling on your lineup.
Notable Injuries
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers will get both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love back after their absences on Wednesday against the Chicago Bulls. However, their game is against the Brooklyn Nets, which could easily get out of hand in a hurry, which is something else to consider.
Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers have a pretty stacked injury report, but more guys are probable than questionable. Joel Embiid, Gerald Henderson and Robert Covington are all probable, so the only big question mark is Sergio Rodriguez. If he sits, T.J. McConnell will be a popular source of value.
Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers
It is looking more and more like Chris Paul will make his return tonight. After recently ramping up his activity, head coach Doc Rivers said he expects Paul to play. Double-check for confirmation prior to tip-off, but Paul could be a great fantasy play against the Sacramento Kings
Hassan Whiteside, Miami Heat
The last update we received on Hassan Whiteside was that he is making progress and could be ready to rejoin the Miami Heat in Los Angeles. Well, the team is in Los Angeles, but no word on Whiteside or whether he has made the flight. He should be considered questionable until further notice.
Kristaps Porzingis, New York Knicks
Kristaps Porzingis is set to make his return following a three-game absence. He should return to his normal role, which will lessen the usage of Carmelo Anthony.
Rudy Gay, Sacramento Kings
Rudy Gay also looks ready to play, but he has missed 10 of the Sacramento Kings' last 11 games, so it would surprise me to see him play a full allotment of minutes.
Luol Deng, Los Angeles Lakers
Luol Deng missed his first game of the season Thursday, allowing Brandon Ingram and Nick Young to play 37 and 35 minutes, respectively. Deng is officially questionable, so double-check his status before locking in either Ingram or Young again.
JaMychal Green, Memphis Grizzlies
JaMychal Green is listed as out in the Memphis Grizzlies game notes. The Grizzlies went small a lot in their last game without Green, so look for James Ennis and Vince Carter to get the biggest boost.
Lesser Injuries
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Brooklyn Nets
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is questionable again on Friday night, so if he doesn't play, look for Joe Harris and Sean Kilpatrick to get the biggest bump.
Matthew Dellavedova, Milwaukee Bucks
At this point, it looks like even when Matthew Dellavedova comes back, Malcolm Brogdon could and probably should retain a spot in the starting lineup. Dellavedova is doubtful on Friday, though, so we shouldn't have to debate that just yet.