Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (ankle) has been downgraded from questionable to doubtful ahead of their Friday night matchup with the Miami Heat. The star point guard has had a history of ankle issues and will now likely miss a third consecutive game due to another ankle injury. His backcourt mate, Collin Sexton (neck), was also downgraded to doubtful, so that means more opportunities for Tre Mann, Sion James, and Kon Knueppel. So far this season, the rookie Knueppel has been the most consistent, especially from three. If available, he'd be the highest priority streamer since he averages 14.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 3.1 threes per game.

Charlotte Hornets guard Collin Sexton (neck) went from more likely to play to more likely to watch from the sidelines on Friday. Earlier Friday morning, Sexton was considered probable to play their NBA Cup game against the Miami Heat, but the team's PR department has since announced that he's been downgraded to doubtful. Unfortunately, LaMelo Ball (ankle) was also downgraded from questionable to doubtful. That means Tre Mann is likely moving into the starting five while Kon Knueppel and Sion James will have an even bigger role in the offense. For fantasy managers in deeper leagues, KJ Simpson might even be worth a look for relief minutes in the backcourt. As of right now, Knueppel is the most consistent with averages of 14.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 3.1 threes per game.

Golden State Warriors center Al Horford (foot) is dealing with soreness in his left foot and is considered questionable for the team's NBA Cup matchup with the Denver Nuggets. The veteran big man played in their last game against the Sacramento Kings and put up a subpar effort in the scoring department. He finished with 0 points on 0-for-8 shooting overall and 0-for-7 from deep. He did, however, contribute seven boards, two assists, and two steals. If Horford can't give it a go on Friday, Quinten Post would likely see a boost in opportunities off the bench since Draymond Green (rib) is considered probable. Post can be a solid streamer in deeper category leagues for managers that need some threes and rebounds.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (hamstring) has been upgraded from questionable to available on the team's official injury report. The superstar wing returned to the court from a hamstring strain on Wednesday night and didn't turn in one of his best performances. He finished with 15 points (5-13 FG), five assists, two rebounds, two steals, and three turnovers in a 114-137 blowout loss. The good thing is that it seems as though there weren't any health setbacks in that game, so he'll be ready to suit up for the team's pursuit of the NBA Cup.

Atlanta Hawks guard Luke Kennard (illness) is officially listed as questionable for Friday's NBA Cup game against the Toronto Raptors. If Kennard can suit up, he should get around 20-25 minutes again since Trae Young (knee) remains sidelined and the team continues a committee approach in the backcourt. On the other hand, if Kennard has to sit out, Keaton Wallace would likely see a big bump in minutes off of the bench. The last time he played more than 15 minutes, he registered 11 points, seven assists, three rebounds, and one steal against the Indiana Pacers. He's most likely be the best streaming option that's also widely available across all fantasy formats.

Washington Wizards forward Kyshawn George (illness) popped up on the injury report later Friday morning with some sort of illness. He's officially listed as questionable, which is a bit worrisome since he appeared on the official report so late. The second-year wing has seen a huge step in production so far this season as he averages 16.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game with shooting splits of .532/.500/.619. If George is unable to play, Bub Carrington and Tre Johnson may both be able to start since Bilal Coulibaly (leg) has been ruled out. Johnson has been the better option as Carrington has struggled mightily to start his sophomore season.

New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Poole (quadriceps) has been ruled out with a left quadriceps strain, according to the team. Poole will be re-evaluated in the next 7-10 days. The 26-year-old has appeared in seven games for the Pelicans, starting four. Poole is averaging 17.3 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game as the team's second option behind also injured Zion Williamson (hamstring). With Poole sidelined, expect to see an increased role for rookie Jeremiah Fears as he continues to carve out a role with the team.

Miami Heat forward Nikola Jovic (right hip contusion) has been cleared to play Friday against the Charlotte Hornets. The 22-year-old hasn't secured a consistent role in Miami's rotation, averaging 8.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 21.4 minutes per game this season. His playing time has fluctuated as he continues to compete with second-year big man Kel'el Ware for minutes, while Jaime Jaquez Jr. has been outplaying him on the wing. Jovic's shooting has dipped to 37.7 percent from the field, and he's struggled to find rhythm offensively. Fantasy managers should view him as a deep-league streamer for now. He'll need to regain his shooting touch before becoming relevant in standard fantasy formats, but his versatility still makes him worth monitoring if his efficiency improves.

Miami Heat guard Norman Powell (right groin strain) has been cleared to play Friday against the Charlotte Hornets. Powell has been a steady contributor for Miami early in the season, averaging 23.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists over his last five games while shooting 46.4 percent from the field and an excellent 51.7 percent from beyond the arc. With Tyler Herro (foot, ankle) sidelined, Powell remains one of Miami's most reliable offensive options. His efficiency and high free-throw volume (27-for-29 over his past five) make him a strong play in both points and category formats. Expect him to continue leading the Heat's scoring load alongside Andrew Wiggins, with top-75 fantasy upside for as long as the roster remains shorthanded. Fantasy managers should feel confident keeping Powell active in all formats this weekend.

Dallas Mavericks guard Dante Exum (right knee, injury management) will remain out for Friday's matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies. The veteran has yet to make his season debut, as the team continues to manage his recovery. There's still no clear timetable for his return. Exum averaged 8.7 points, 2.8 assists, and 1.7 rebounds in 18.6 minutes per game last season while shooting an efficient 47.8 percent from the field and 43.4 percent from three. His shooting efficiency made him a valuable complementary piece when healthy, but his current role and durability concerns limit his fantasy appeal. With D'Angelo Russell, Max Christie, Brandon Williams, and sometimes Cooper Flagg handling the backcourt duties, Exum can safely be left on the waiver wire in all fantasy formats until he proves he's part of the regular rotation.

According to Clemente Almanza of USA Today, Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forwardAaron Wiggins(thigh) will miss Friday's game against the Sacramento Kings. Despite posting 27 points, two rebounds, two assists, and three steals on Wednesday versus the Trail Blazers, Wiggins sustained a left adductor strain during the contest. With Wiggins out and Luguentz Dort (shoulder) possibly sidelined, Isaiah Joe and Cason Wallace will likely see extended minutes on the floor Friday evening.

According to Clemente Almanza of USA Today, Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forwardLuguentz Dort(shoulder) is questionable for Friday's matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The 26-year-old sustained a shoulder injury during Tuesday's 126-107 win over the Clippers and could miss his second straight game. Dort has struggled to find his rhythm so far this season, shooting just 31.5 percent from the field while averaging 7.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.0 steals across seven outings. Fantasy managers should be aware that he will likely be a game-time decision for Friday evening.

According to Clemente Almanza of USA Today, Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center Chet Holmgren (back) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Friday's matchup with the Sacramento Kings. Holmgren sat out the second half of Wednesday's back-to-back set for rest purposes, as he recently returned from a lower back strain. When available, the 23-year-old has been a fantasy force, averaging 20.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 1.2 steals across five outings.

Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis (ribs) has been listed as questionable for Friday's Western Conference showdown against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Sabonis has sustained a ribcage contusion and may have to sit out a second consecutive game due to the injury. Following Sabonis' exit from the lineup, Drew Eubanks started on Wednesday night against the Golden State Warriors. He had a solid outing with 12 points, six rebounds, two blocks, and one steal in 32 minutes. A repeat of that performance isn't out of the question on Friday if Sabonis can't rejoin the lineup.

Sacramento Kings guard/forward Zach LaVine (back) isn't on the injury report for a clash against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night. He's been dealing with a back issue lately and had to sit out his first game of the season, when the Kings hosted the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday. LaVine has been productive to start the year, notching 27.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists with 51.6 percent shooting. His return to the lineup will bump Nique Clifford back to the bench.

Brooklyn Nets guard/forward Terance Mann (shoulder) is regarded as probable for Friday's NBA Cup tilt against the Detroit Pistons. Mann is nursing left shoulder soreness, but he is expected to play on Friday. With Cam Thomas (hamstring) out, Mann could be a lot more involved in the offense. He's capable of providing all-around fantasy value, having averaged 11.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.4 steals so far this season. Recently, Mann has struggled with his shooting, but overall, he has netted 52.9 percent of his attempts from the field.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Taurean Prince (neck) is considered questionable for Friday's clash against the Chicago Bulls. The veteran could be sidelined for the first time this season due to a neck strain. Prince averages over 20 minutes a night off the Bucks bench, but he doesn't do enough to be considered a good fantasy option, recording 6.1 points with 1.6 rebounds and 1.0 assists. Prince's absence from the rotation on Friday night could increase the playing time of Kyle Kuzma and Amir Coffey. Kuzma has gained momentum lately, scoring at least 15 points in four consecutive outings.

Chicago Bulls guard/forward Ayo Dosunmu (quadriceps) is listed as questionable on the injury report for Friday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. He has missed the past two games due to a right quadriceps contusion. It's possible Dosunmu can return to the lineup against the Bucks because he practiced on Thursday. Dosunmu has reaped benefits from a hot shooting hand early in the season, averaging 16.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. He's hit nearly 58 percent of his shots from the field, including 47.6 percent of his three-point attempts. Dosunmu's return could impact the playing time of Tre Jones, Isaac Okoro, and Kevin Huerter.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (eye) won't suit up for Friday's NBA Cup matchup against the Washington Wizards. Wade sustained an eye injury just 38 seconds after entering the game in Wednesday's win over the Philadelphia 76ers. While Wade is ruled out for Friday's game, he won't have to wait long for his first opportunity to return, as Cleveland also has a matchup against the Chicago Bulls scheduled for Saturday. In Friday's game, Larry Nance Jr. could play a more prominent role in the frontcourt with Wade missing.

San Antonio Spurs forward/center Kelly Olynyk (heel) is questionable on the injury report for Friday night's action against the Houston Rockets. The veteran big man just made his season debut this week, posting four points, four rebounds, and three assists in nine minutes against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday. Jeremy Sochan (wrist) made his first appearance of the season as well in Wednesday's game but is also questionable for Friday. The meeting with Houston marks the start of a back-to-back for San Antonio, so the team may use Olynyk in one game and Sochan in the other to manage their workload.