Golden State Warriors

Philadelphia 76ers guard De'Anthony Melton (back) won't play in Wednesday's contest versus the Golden State Warriors. After expressing optimism last Friday that he could return in Monday's loss to the Dallas Mavericks, Melton's return from a lumbar spine stress response will have to wait until Friday's matchup with the Atlanta Hawks at the earliest. In Melton's 13th straight absence on Wednesday, expect Kelly Oubre Jr. to maintain his spot in Philly's starting lineup in an unimposing matchup against a Warriors team giving up 118.8 points per game (22nd in the NBA) this season. Hitting the 15-point mark in each of his latest six games, Oubre is also averaging 5.2 rebounds, 1.0 treys, and 1.6 combined steals and blocks while shooting 82.8% from the charity stripe since Jan. 27.

Golden State Warriors guards Chris Paul (hand) and Gary Payton II (hamstring) both remain out for Wednesday's tilt against the Philadelphia 76ers, but they are progressing from their respective injuries. While Payton returned to practice on Tuesday and is viewed as day-to-day with a strained left hamstring, Paul did some shooting and running following the session and is a bit further away from returning from a fractured left hand. CP3 is due to be re-evaluated in about a week, so he will remain off the floor until after the All-Star break in all likelihood. GPII, on the other hand, could return as soon as Saturday when Golden State hosts the Phoenix Suns. Rookie first-rounder Brandin Podziemski is locked into significant minutes in the Dubs backcourt, averaging 12.3 points on 51.1% shooting from the field, 6.9 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in 32.4 minutes through his last nine games.

Golden State Warriors forward/center Draymond Green (knee) is questionable for Wednesday's matchup against Philadelphia. The veteran has been battling through a right knee contusion but might now sit out a game as Golden State starts a back-to-back set on Wednesday. Kevon Looney is expected to shift back into the starting unit in Green's absence, although he's played very little in recent games, and the move likely won't improve his productivity. Luckily for the Warriors, Andrew Wiggins (ankle) is set to return on Wednesday, and he should pick up most of the available minutes if Green is out.

According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo.com, the 76ers have shown interest in Indiana Pacers guard Buddy Hield. The 31-year-old makes $18.5 million and is in the final year of his contract. At the same time, Philadelphia has several expiring contracts, making a deal between both teams possible heading toward the trade deadline. Hield has averaged 12.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 25.7 minutes per game, some of the lowest marks of his career. Although he'll likely have more than a few productive fantasy showings if he remains in Indiana, his ceiling will increase significantly from a move to Philly, a team that could be without Joel Embiid for the rest of the 2023-24 campaign.

According to Yahoo senior NBA reporter Jake Fischer, Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (foot) has drawn interest from several clubs heading toward the trade deadline. Fischer, citing league sources, named the Bucks and Mavericks as the two teams eyeing Wiggins. However, Milwaukee would need to include Bobby Portis to make a deal work, something the Bucks might not be willing to do. As far as the Mavs are concerned, the club could look to move Tim Hardaway Jr. or Grant Williams. But the Warriors would likely need more than either of those two players to complete a transaction. Nonetheless, Wiggins could benefit significantly from a move, considering he's averaged a career-low 12.2 points this season and has lost minutes to others, specifically Jonathan Kuminga. For now, he's considered probable ahead of Wednesday's matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers.