Los Angeles Lakers DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) is expected to be sidelined "at least" a few weeks. However, the team will continue to consult with specialists, and it remains possible that he could miss the remainder of the 2023-24 campaign. The 24-year-old is having a down season, currently averaging 5.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals. Unfortunately, he's had trouble staying on the floor and began the season by missing the first 20 games because of a heel injury. Yet, his most recent ailment, a foot injury suffered during Thursday's win over Boston, could mean the end of his season. At any rate, the Lakers may look to make some moves ahead of the trade deadline to fill the void. But if the team doesn't make a deal, Rui Hachimura and Christian Wood could fight for minutes moving ahead.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (ankle) and center Anthony Davis (Achilles) are both active ahead of Saturday's game against the New York Knicks. Both players are back in the mix after sitting out of Thursday's contest. The return of these players means that Jaxson Hayes will head back to the bench. Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) was starting for James, but he suffered an injury during Thursday's game. As a result, Vanderbilt will miss time, which should mean more minutes for Rui Hachimura and Hayes in the rotation. Fantasy managers can get James and Davis back in their lineups for Saturday.

Brooklyn Nets forward/center Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) won't play Saturday against Philadelphia. The 30-year-old sprained his left ankle a week ago in a clash with the Rockets and has sat out two games already. Lonnie Walker IV has seen a big boost in playing time off the bench over the last couple of games, while the rest of the Nets starters are also counted on more without Finney-Smith. The veteran appears to be progressing well, as Finney-Smith started running again on Friday.

Dallas Mavericks center Maxi Kleber (nose) is expected to suit up for Saturday's meeting with the Milwaukee Bucks. The Mavs likely won't have Dereck Lively II (nose) for at least a few games, with the rookie scheduled to undergo surgery on Monday. Fortunately, Kleber should be available. However, with Richaun Holmes coming off a double-double, Kleber could see fewer minutes than usual, meaning he's not worth starting in any fantasy format.

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (ankle) is off the injury report ahead of Saturday's showdown with the Milwaukee Bucks. Doncic wasn't available on Wednesday in Minnesota, marking his eighth absence of the 2023-24 campaign. But it appears he's good to go, which is good news, considering Kyrie Irving (thumb) isn't expected to play. The 24-year-old is averaging a career-high 34.7 points with 9.6 assists, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.4 steals this season. He's also shot 37.5% from deep. That said, Doncic's presence should mean fewer minutes and scoring chances for Jaden Hardy. Still, Hardy remains a viable streaming option if Irving doesn't return.