Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (ankle) is listed as probable for Friday's game against Cleveland after managing a right ankle sprain. With Denver shorthanded, Murray is set to carry a heavy offensive burden. Over his last five games, he has averaged 37.7 minutes, 26.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 8.8 assists, and 3.6 three-pointers, functioning as the clear focal point of the offense. Nikola Jokic (knee), Aaron Gordon (hamstring), Cam Johnson (knee), and Christian Braun (ankle) remain sidelined, cementing Murray's elite usage. Peyton Watson and Spencer Jones should continue to see modest bumps, while Murray remains a high-floor fantasy anchor with his ceiling intact.

Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (calf) has been ruled out for Friday's game against Memphis and will also miss Sunday, with a target return early next week, per coach JJ Redick. His continued absence keeps the Lakers' forward rotation thin and elevates Jake LaRavia's short-term fantasy profile. Across his 10 starts this season, LaRavia has averaged 10.5 points on 43.7 percent shooting, 1.0 three-pointer, 5.7 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 0.5 blocks in 32.5 minutes, offering multi-category deep-league value. Jarred Vanderbilt and Nick Smith Jr. remain secondary options, while usage stays concentrated with Luka Doncic and LeBron James.

Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (quadriceps) is questionable for Friday against the Knicks after missing the last two games, keeping Atlanta's backcourt situation fluid. Nickeil Alexander-Walker has started both games in Young's absence and remains a hold even off the bench, with his role and usage expanding noticeably when elevated. He erupted for 30 points, four rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block in 40 minutes before posting 11 points and three assists in 31 minutes. Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu continue to offer steady multi-category value regardless of Young's availability.

Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) will miss Friday's game against the Warriors after the team ruled him out in advance, extending his absence to three games. His next opportunity to return comes Sunday versus Phoenix. Hartenstein's absence has pushed more frontcourt responsibility onto Chet Holmgren, who delivered 12 points, 10 rebounds, and six blocks Wednesday, while Jalen Williams has picked up added rebounding and playmaking. Branden Carlson recently logged an extended run, finishing with 12 points, seven rebounds, and one block in 20 minutes, though he remains a fringe deep-league streamer. Cason Wallace offers steals-only appeal.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (ankle) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Trail Blazers, marking his sixth straight absence with a right ankle sprain. His next chance to return comes Sunday against Miami. Jones' continued absence has not produced reliable fantasy value from the supporting cast. Jordan Hawkins has averaged just 10.4 minutes and 3.4 points over his last five, while rookie Micah Peavy has logged 9.9 minutes and 2.8 points. Saddiq Bey (hip), who posted 16 points Wednesday, carries the most stable role if cleared, while the rest remain fringe deep-league options.

Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (Achilles) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Pelicans, extending his absence to eight straight contests with left Achilles tendonitis. Grant is traveling with the team, keeping a Saturday return against the Spurs in play, but his status remains fluid. His continued absence leaves Portland thin at forward, though fantasy returns have been limited. Kris Murray has averaged 27.9 minutes with 7.6 points and 4.3 rebounds over his last seven, while Sidy Cissoko has logged 21.9 minutes with 6.9 points and 2.0 assists. Both remain inconsistent deep-league streamers, with Deni Avdija carrying the most stable usage.

Clippers' F Kawhi Leonard scored 45 points on 16-of-29 shooting in a 118-101 win over the Jazz on Thursday, Jan. 1.

Boston Celtics forward/center Chris Boucher (personal) is available for Thursday's game against Sacramento after missing three straight contests while away from the team. His return carries limited fantasy impact, as Boucher has not held a consistent role in Boston's rotation. Neemias Queta has started at center and remains the primary frontcourt option, averaging 10.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.0 block over his last five games. Luka Garza continues to back him up, posting 10.6 points and 6.4 rebounds in 21.3 minutes.

Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (ankle) will not return to Thursday's game against Miami after suffering a right ankle sprain. Duren logged 18 minutes before exiting, finishing with 12 points, five rebounds, and one steal after briefly attempting to play in the second half. With Tobias Harris (hip) still out, Detroit is thin up front. Paul Reed becomes a deep-league streaming option if Duren misses time, averaging 19.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 3.0 steals, and 2.0 blocks in two starts. Isaiah Stewart and Ron Holland II could also see expanded roles.

Charlotte Hornets center Ryan Kalkbrenner (elbow) has been ruled out for Friday's game against Milwaukee, extending his absence to six straight contests with a left elbow sprain. His ongoing absence leaves the Hornets short-handed at center and keeps fill-in options on the fantasy radar. Moussa Diabate (wrist) has started in Kalkbrenner's place and has averaged 8.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 1.8 steals over his last five while logging 31.9 minutes, making him a strong short-term streamer if cleared. PJ Hall could also see rotational minutes if Diabate is limited.

New York Knicks guard/forward Josh Hart (ankle) will miss Friday's game against Atlanta, extending his absence to a fourth straight contest while he recovers from a right ankle sprain. His continued absence has opened consistent backcourt and wing minutes for several rotation players. Miles McBride delivered 21 points in 26 minutes in the last game and remains a viable streamer for scoring and threes. Jordan Clarkson continues to supply bench offense, while Tyler Kolek has taken on added playmaking duties. Mohamed Diawara has started but remains inconsistent, limiting his fantasy appeal.

Washington Wizards guard/forward Kyshawn George (hip) will miss Friday's game against Brooklyn with a left hip flexor strain, marking a fourth straight absence. His continued absence has kept Washington's wing rotation steady for fantasy streaming. Bub Carrington has averaged 14.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 3.3 three-pointers over his last three while playing 25.8 minutes, making him a viable deep-league add. Rookie Tre Johnson has supplied 17.3 points and 3.7 three-pointers in 26.3 minutes, while Justin Champagnie continues to contribute rebounds and secondary scoring.

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (ankle/knee) has been upgraded to available for Thursday's game against Dallas, a welcome sign after a stretch of heavy management and spotty availability. When he does play, the production has followed. Embiid has appeared in just 14 games but is coming off a 38-minute overtime effort Tuesday with 34 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, one steal, and two blocks. His return squeezes minutes for Andre Drummond and Adem Bona. Embiid remains a must-start when active, though rest risk lingers in weekly formats.

Denver Nuggets center Jonas Valanciunas (calf) will be re-evaluated in four weeks after a right calf strain, leaving Denver thin up front with Nikola Jokic (knee) also sidelined. DaRon Holmes II and Zeke Nnaji are positioned for increased roles. Holmes has averaged just 8.6 minutes over four games, but an expanded workload would give him deep-league streaming appeal through rebounds and defensive stats. Nnaji could see situational run, while Peyton Watson may log minutes at the five if Denver goes small.

Dallas Mavericks guard D'Angelo Russell (illness) is out for Thursday's game, continuing a stretch of inconsistent availability. His role has also varied when active, keeping Dallas' point guard rotation unsettled. Brandon Williams again benefited last game, logging 30 minutes with 22 points, three rebounds, four assists, and one steal, positioning him as a short-term streaming option. Rookie Ryan Nembhard drew the start but played 17 minutes, while Max Christie and Naji Marshall should continue to see steady run.

Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (soleus) is available for Thursday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. Sengun drops the questionable tag for tonight's tilt after missing the last two contests because of a left soleus strain. The Rockets are hurting heading into this one, with Clint Capela (illness) and Steven Adams (ankle) out, so having the 23-year-old active will bring a much-needed boost to a depleted frontcourt. Before missing two previous contests, Sengun registered 14 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, and one steal across 31 minutes in a 119-96 win over the Lakers on Christmas Day.

Sharif Phillips-Keaton of USA Today reports that Houston Rockets centers Steven Adams (ankle) and Clint Capela (illness) are unavailable for Thursday's matchup with the Brooklyn Nets. Adams sprained his right ankle during Monday's 126-119 win over the Pacers, while Capela is feeling under the weather. With both veteran big men out of action, Dorian Finney-Smith may see an expanded role, but he should not be viewed as a streaming option for fantasy managers.

Utah Jazz guard Ace Bailey (hip) remains out for Thursday's meeting with the Clippers, marking his third-straight absence. With Keyonte George (illness), Lauri Markkanen (knee), and Jusuf Nurkic (toe) also ruled out, Bailey would have been in line for a significant bump on the offensive end. However, since he's sidelined as well, Walter Clayton Jr. and Isaiah Collier should see all the minutes they can handle, with Svi Mykhailiuk also likely being more involved on both ends of the floor.

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (Knee) play on Thursday against the Clippers. He had 22 points, nine boards, two steals, and one block in Tuesday's loss to the Boston Celtics. However, the veteran won't suit up for this one because of knee soreness. Keyonte George (illness), Ace Bailey (hip), and Jusuf Nurkic (toe) are also sidelined on Thursday evening, meaning players like Brice Sensabaugh, Kyle Filipowski, Isaiah Collier, and Walter Clayton Jr. should all surpass their usual statistical projections despite a challenging matchup on the horizon.

According to Sharif Phillips-Keaton of USA Today, Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (illness) is set to suit up against the Brooklyn Nets. Eason was listed as questionable due to an illness, but he has since been cleared to play. This evening's clash will be the sixth game in a row the 24-year-old has played after missing over a month due to an oblique injury. With Steven Adams (ankle) and Clint Capela (illness) out of action, fantasy managers could look to Eason as an option, as he will likely see extended minutes during tonight's contest.