Philadelphia 76ers point guard Tyrese Maxey (hip) isn't on the injury report for Friday's matchup against Orlando. He missed Tuesday's clash against Detroit with left hip tightness. Cameron Payne started in his place and will likely drop back to the second unit on Friday, where he will have very limited fantasy value. Facing a Magic squad that can through elite defender Jalen Suggs at opposing guards is a tough challenge for Maxey, but he's performed well in the matchup. Across two prior meetings this season, Maxey has averaged 27.5 points on 50 percent shooting against Orlando with 4.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists.

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) carries a questionable tag ahead of Friday's clash with Orlando. The reigning MVP has sat out one game since his return to the lineup, but that was in a back-to-back situation, so it appears likely that Embiid will take the court against the Magic. The big guy has been limited to 30.0 minutes a night since his return, but Embiid has still crushed it by averaging 30.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.8 blocks. The Magic boast some of the strongest defensive numbers in the league versus centers, but Embiid still went for 36 points the last time he was let loose against them.

Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (calf) will be in the lineup on Thursday against New Orleans. He has been upgraded from questionable to available as Murray continues to battle through a calf issue. This will be his 16th straight appearance. Murray, who set a new rookie record for most made threes a season ago, has previously found it tough against the Pelicans, averaging 9.3 points in three prior meetings in 2023-24. New Orleans has limited opponents to a league-low 34.8 percent three-point shooting, which is a major reason why Murray hasn't looked quite like himself in the matchup.

Golden State Warriors guard/forward Gary Payton II (calf) has been added to the injury report with a questionable tag a few hours before tipoff against Portland on Thursday. He's experiencing tightness in his left calf and might have to sit out Thursday's action after playing in 16 consecutive games. Draymond Green (knee) and Klay Thompson (knee) have already been ruled out, so we should see plenty of Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga on Thursday. Moses Moody will also have a chance to step up from the second unit if Payton II can't go.

Boston Celtics forward Oshae Brissett (illness) won't be available for Thursday's clash with the Knicks. The 25-year-old lands on the shelf with a non-COVID illness, as the team has downgraded Brissett from questionable to out. Brissett's absence means very little, as he has averaged only 7.8 minutes per game for the month. He will have his first opportunity to return on Friday versus Charlotte. Brissett might play a bigger role against the Hornets if Boston decides to rest some of its starters for the second leg of a back-to-back.