Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) will remain out for Friday's battle with the Sacramento Kings. Embiid continues to deal with inflammation in his left knee, and it's unclear if he has returned to practice. Head coach Nick Nurse had originally expressed optimism that Embiid would be available on Friday against the Kings, but he will have to wait until at least Monday's Martin Luther King Jr. Day game versus the Houston Rockets before potentially getting the NBA's leading scorer and reigning MVP back in his lineup. Paul Reed may not be the 30-point, 10-rebound threat that Embiid is, but he is chipping in 10.6 points on 58.0% shooting from the floor, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.4 combined steals and blocks in 24.3 minutes per game over nine contests without Embiid this year for fantasy managers who could use a streamer.

Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (finger) has sustained a severe right ring finger injury and will be sidelined for approximately six weeks. It's another significant blow to Memphis' backcourt, which also learned on Monday that they will be without superstar Ja Morant (shoulder) for the remainder of the 2023-24 campaign. Smart was on a heater before suffering the setback on Tuesday against the Dallas Mavericks, scoring at least 23 points with four three-pointers in each of his last three games. With the 29-year-old lockdown defender now sidelined likely until after the All-Star break, the Grizzlies should turn to Desmond Bane for primary ball-handling and facilitating responsibilities. Luke Kennard is also in line for more minutes at the point while Derrick Rose (hamstring) remains on the shelf.

Portland Trail Blazers forward Jabari Walker (knee) could be out for another game on Thursday against the Thunder. The team has listed him as questionable for the contest due to left knee tendinitis. The issue has kept Walker out from three games already. Walker's absence has given an opportunity for Toumani Camara, Ibou Badji, and Duop Reath to log more minutes. Reath has been the best fantasy piece from the trio, although his performances also tend to fluctuate.

Milwaukee Bucks point guard Cameron Payne (concussion) appears ready to return to action, with the team listing him as probable for Thursday's marquee matchup against Boston. The veteran guard missed Monday's clash with Utah, after landing in concussion protocol. However, Payne practiced on Wednesday and should resume his normal duties as the backup point guard to Damian Lillard. Payne has averaged 6.1 points and 2.4 assists in 15.5 minutes for the year.

Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (ankle) looks set to miss a fourth game in a row against the Knicks on Thursday, as the team has listed him as doubtful for the contest. The rookie from Duke is recovering from a left ankle sprain. Lively II has notched 8.7 points and 7.6 rebounds with 1.4 steals as Dallas' starting center this season. Dwight Powell has taken over his role in recent games, putting up 6.3 points with 6.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists.