New York Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein (Achilles) is out for Thursday's game against the Denver Nuggets. Hartenstein will miss a second straight game due to left Achilles tendinopathy, and he'll try to return for the red-hot Knicks on Saturday against the Miami Heat. Jericho Sims is set up for another start in Hartenstein's stead on Thursday, blocking four shots in 27 minutes during Tuesday's win over the Brooklyn Nets. Precious Achiuwa is also in line for an uptick in playing time from New York's second unit against Denver.

The Brooklyn Nets have upgraded forward Cameron Johnson (shoulder) to available for Thursday's tilt versus the Minnesota Timberwolves. A left shoulder contusion threatened Johnson's status, but he'll suit up for the struggling Nets as they continue a five-game homestand on Thursday. The two-way wing has taken a step back during his first full year in Brooklyn, putting up a modest 14.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 2.5 threes per game. Expect no minutes restrictions for Johnson, but it's a tough matchup against Minnesota.

Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. (groin) remains listed as out for Thursday's clash with the Boston Celtics. A strained left groin will keep the outstanding rookie sidelined for at least one more contest, and Jaquez will target a return from a six-game absence in Saturday's matchup against the New York Knicks. Caleb Martin has witnessed a decent boost in fantasy value with Jaquez out of Miami's lineup, averaging 11.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.5 three-pointers over his last four appearances for the Heat.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons dominated on Wednesday against the Rockets, posting 33 points, six rebounds, and five assists in the team's 137-131 overtime win on the road. This marked the sixth time this season Simons has scored at least 30 points in a game and his first since January 7th. The 24-year-old shot 13-of-20 from the field, including four-of-nine from three. Portland's next game is on Friday at San Antonio, a contest that should remain close and allow Simons to play significant minutes again. He is averaging 23 points in 33 minutes per game this season.

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker was fantastic on Wednesday, scoring 46 points with seven rebounds and three assists in the team's 132-109 win over the Dallas Mavericks. After scoring 52 points five days prior against the Pelicans, the 27-year-old had his second 40-point outburst in a week, shooting 17-for-23 against Dallas. Booker's next opportunity for another significant performance comes on Friday against the Pacers, one of the highest-paced teams in the NBA this year. He is averaging 27.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 7.5 assists in 36 minutes per game this season.