Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (thumb) has been ruled out ahead of Saturday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. The rookie guard has been diagnosed with an avulsion on his right thumb. The team hasn't given a timetable on his return, but Sheppard is likely to miss multiple games. His absence from the rotation doesn't mean too much considering he was only averaging 11 minutes per game. However, Fred VanVleet (ankle) is also sidelined, so losing Sheppard does make the Rockets a bit more shorthanded at the guard spot. Amen Thompson has been playing big minutes lately and that is likely to mean the case while these two are sidelined.

Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Saturday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. The veteran guard is set to miss his fourth game in a row due to a right ankle sprain. VanVleet returned from an 11-game absence on last Saturday, but he hasn't played since then. His next chance to get on the court will be on Monday against the Orlando Magic. When he returns, VanVleet is expected to be under a minutes limit. His continued absence will mean that Amen Thompson will play nearly 40 minutes per game, which gives him solid fantasy appeal.

Denver Nuggets center Zeke Nnaji (ankle) is available ahead of Friday's game against the Phoenix Suns. As expected, Nnaji will suit up for this game after being listed as probable coming into it. Nnaji was dealing with a minor ankle issue, but it doesn't appear to be something that is going to stop him from playing. However, Nnaji is unlikely to have a big role in that role with Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon both healthy and active on Friday. Nnaji will probably play minutes in the teens, which normally doesn't offer much fantasy value.

Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (ankle) is available ahead of Friday's game against the Phoenix Suns. Gordon was uncertain coming into this game due to an ankle issue, but has been cleared to play now. He'll make his return to the court after missing each of the last three games. There is no word on Gordon being limited, so fantasy managers should expect him to have a full workload on Friday. Gordon has been an inconsistent fantasy option this season, but he has been playing better as of late. Fantasy managers can get Gordon active in their lineups ahead of Friday's game.

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (ankle) is available to play ahead of Friday's game against the Phoenix Suns. The superstar big man has been dealing with an ankle issue, but it doesn't sound serious enough to hold him out of action. He played through the issue on Wednesday and recorded his fourth double-double in a row. Fantasy managers should feel safe about getting Jokic back into their lineups on Friday. Jokic is having an MVP-type season and won't let an ankle issue slow him down.