Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (groin) will play on Friday versus the Heat after missing the last 10 games due to a strained groin. The 2022 No. 1 overall pick hasn't played since suffering the injury during the win over the New York Knicks on November 12, so there's a chance he'll see fewer than the 32.8 minutes he averaged in his 12 appearances. However, despite the potential for a reduced workload as well as a challenging matchup on the horizon, Banchero must be added back into all fantasy lineups. With the former Duke Blue Devil back in the mix, Tristan da Silva will presumably head back to the bench, significantly reducing his fantasy expectations.

Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (ankle) is questionable for Friday's matchup in Oklahoma City after aggravating his right ankle Wednesday, putting his availability in doubt. If he sits, Anthony Davis likely continues starting at center, where he has averaged 20.3 points, 11.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 0.7 steals, and 2.7 blocks across his last three on 52.0 percent shooting. Dwight Powell would handle backup minutes and remains a deep-league streamer due to low usage, while Moussa Cisse offers only situational depth.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (toe) will miss Friday's matchup with San Antonio, putting second-year wing Jaylon Tyson in position for expanded usage after producing 14 points, seven rebounds, and two assists in 33 minutes Wednesday. Tyson has been playing well lately and profiles as the primary beneficiary of Garland's absence. Lonzo Ball gains appeal as an assists-and-steals specialist, while Craig Porter Jr. should see a mild bump in minutes as a deep-league playmaker.

Atlanta Hawks forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (reconditioning) is listed as questionable for Friday's matchup with Denver and appears to be trending in the right direction after missing the past four games. His return would be a welcome boost, as he averaged 20.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.0 blocks across his last five outings on .547 shooting. Managers in weekly formats should still treat him cautiously until he's confirmed active. If he remains out, Onyeka Okongwu stays locked into a heavy-minute role, while Zaccharie Risacher and Dyson Daniels maintain stable usage either way.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (wrist) is probable for Friday's game in Toronto after posting 34 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists in 36 minutes Wednesday. He has averaged 17.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 8.0 assists over his last five, though efficiency sits at 36.5 percent from the field. He remains a must-start if active. Brandon Miller (shoulder) is questionable, which could funnel extra touches to Ball and Miles Bridges while keeping KJ Simpson and Sion James in secondary roles.

Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (calf) is questionable for Friday's matchup with Denver after missing Wednesday's loss, which pushed Mouhamed Gueye into a 23-minute spot start that produced six rebounds and one steal. Johnson's potential absence again funnels minutes to Gueye, Vit Krejci, and rookie Asa Newell, while Zaccharie Risacher holds a stable role after logging 11 points, three rebounds, and three assists. Managers should treat Gueye as a deep-league streaming option only, as his low usage and inconsistent production cap his upside.

Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (toe) is questionable for Friday in Orlando on the first night of a back-to-back. He logged 20 points and four rebounds in 33 minutes Wednesday and is averaging 23.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.6 blocks across his last five on 52.4 percent shooting. Managers should keep contingency plans ready. Pelle Larsson and Jaime Jaquez Jr. become viable streamers if Herro sits, especially with Norman Powell (ankle) also questionable.

Lakers' G Austin Reaves recorded a double-double, scoring 44 points with 10 assists in a 123-120 win over Toronto on Thursday, Dec. 4.

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (foot) won't return to Thursday's meeting with the 76ers. On a night when the Dubs were without Stephen Curry (quadriceps) and Jimmy Butler III (knee), the team would lose Green before the end of the first half. The 35-year-old finished this one with three points, three rebounds, and one block. It's logical to assume he'll undergo further testing to determine the extent of the injury. For now, fantasy managers should be prepared to see Green's name on the injury report heading into Saturday's game in Cleveland. If he can't suit up, head coach Steve Kerr has plenty of options regarding the rotation, although Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield, and Pat Spencer could see the biggest bump in minutes.

Golden State Warriors centerQuinten Post(ankle) will be active against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday. He has shaken off a questionable tag on the initial injury report for a left ankle sprain. Post will go up against a Sixers frontcourt that will have Joel Embiid (knee) back in action, which puts him in an unfavorable position to perform well fantasy-wise. The 22-year-old big man is averaging 6.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists across 16.1 minutes per game during 22 outings this campaign.

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) will play on Thursday versus Golden State. The 31-year-old hasn't played the best throughout the 2025 campaign. However, he's at least been showing signs of life of late, averaging 22.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, and 1.3 steals in three appearances in November. While Embiid will presumably be limited from a minutes standpoint, he's a must-start in all formats.

Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (ankle) will play on Thursday in Philadelphia. The 23-year-old has played sparingly since returning from a seven-game stint on the shelf. However, with Stephen Curry (quadriceps) and Jimmy Butler III (knee) both sidelined, Kuminga could be a top offensive contributor for the Dubs on Thursday night, especially if he ends up getting the start.

Sam Gordon of the San Francisco Chronicle reports that Golden State Warriors forward/centerAl Horford (back) will play Thursday against the Philadelphia 76ers. Horford has been out of action for four consecutive contests due to sciatica. Through 10 outings this season, the 38-year-old veteran center is averaging 21.8 minutes per game. However, he may be assigned a heavier workload than expected upon his return, with veterans Stephen Curry(quad) andJimmy Butler III(knee)sidelined.

Utah Jazz centerJusuf Nurkic(ribs) is unavailable for Thursday's matchup with the Brooklyn Nets. Due to a rib contusion, Nurkic will miss the first half of a back-to-back set this evening. While the 31-year-old big man is sidelined, 22-year-old Kyle Filipowski will take on extra playing time. Filipowski provided 12 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and one block across 29 minutes in his last appearance on Monday against Houston. He could potentially give fantasy managers a productive option with the extended minutes during Nurkic's absence.

Brooklyn Nets guard Terance Mann (ribs) will play on Thursday versus Utah after missing the last two games. The 29-year-old has averaged 8.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 19 appearances this season. Without question, those statistical contributions aren't the best. However, with Michael Porter Jr. (back) resting, Mann might be in line for a much more productive night against one of the worst defensive teams in the National Basketball Association.

Golden State Warriors guard De'Anthony Melton (knee) is available for Thursday's meeting with the 76ers. He hasn't played in nearly a year after suffering a partially torn ACL during a game versus the Dallas Mavericks last December, resulting in surgery. Melton will likely have some rust to shake off in his first game back from a lengthy layoff, so it's unknown how impactful he will be offensively. However, the 27-year-old could at least make life a little more difficult on the defensive end for Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, and others. With head coach Steve Kerr indicating Melton will be capped at 20 minutes of action, he should be considered a desperation streaming option (at best) for deep-league fantasy participants.

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (groin) is questionable for Friday's meeting with the Miami Heat after missing the last 10 games. There's likely some hurdles he'll need to clear before getting the green light to suit up. However, the questionable designation at least suggests he's moving in the right direction. The 23-year-old out of Duke averaged 21.7 points in his 12 appearances before being sidelined with the groin strain, down from the 2024 campaign. Still, he's certainly missed by fantasy managers in all formats. With that said, if Banchero doesn't play on Friday evening, Tristan da Silva, averaging 11.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 38.3% shooting from deep in 10 starts, will presumably remain in the starting lineup.

Golden State Warriors centerTrayce Jackson-Davis (knee) has been upgraded to available for Thursday's tilt with the Philadelphia 76ers. Jackson-Davis was out of action for two games due to soreness in his right knee. With Al Horford(back) andQuinten Post(ankle)listed as questionable for this evening, it remains to be seen if the 25-year-old big man will have an expanded role in his return.

Michael Wallace of the Grizzlies' official sitereports that Memphis Grizzlies guardJa Morant(calf)is now considered day-to-day after missing nine consecutive contests due to a Grade 1 right calf strain. The star point guard was active during parts of Thursday's practice, and his next chance to play comes Friday against the Clippers. However, Morant will have to get in a few full practices under his belt and realistically, he will likely return to the floor in mid-December.

According to Anthony Slater of ESPN.com, Golden State Warriors forwardJimmy Butler III(knee) is unavailable versus the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday. Butler played only 15 minutes during Tuesday's clash with Oklahoma City, exiting the contest due to a sore left knee.Gary Payton IIstarted the second half in Butler's spot, posting 13 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Buddy Hield was assigned extra time on the floor as well while Butler was out of action, logging 28 minutes. Hield also collected 12 points, four rebounds, and two steals in the 124-112 Warriors loss. Both players provide fantasy value with Butler sidelined this evening.