Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (illness) was able to participate in practice on Thursday. The veteran guard missed Tuesday's game due to an illness but appears ready to get back on the court. Thompson is expected to return after a one-game absence for Friday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. The return of Thompson should shift Brandin Podziemski back to the bench. Podziemski still has some streaming appeal off the bench but is more of a deep league option.

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) should be considered out indefinitely after being diagnosed with a torn meniscus. This is a huge blow to both the Sixers and fantasy managers. The organization has not given a timetable for Embiid's return, but the expectation is that the reigning MVP will be sidelined for the foreseeable future. Paul Reed and Mo Bamba are expected to split up the playing time at the center spot. Reed is a must-have player while Embiid is out. Fantasy managers should immediately jump on the waiver wire in search of Reed. The assumption is that the Sixers will be actively seeking a big man at the trade deadline. Fantasy managers will have to check back for an update on Embiid's timetable.

The Rockets traded guard Victor Oladipo (and three second-round picks) to Memphis on Thursday night. In exchange, Houston will receive center Steven Adams. The Rockets needed a veteran center to mentor Alperen Sengun, one of the league's top centers. But the Grizzlies needed to shave some cash off the books, so the move makes sense for both teams. Without question, Oladipo has been a top producer over the years on both ends of the floor and has two All-Star appearances to show for it. He's averaged 16.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.6 steals. Unfortunately, Oladipo can't stay healthy. He's currently sidelined by a knee injury sustained in the 2023 NBA playoffs and doesn't have a return date. But if the 31-year-old can get healthy and stay that way, he'll be a welcome addition to any fantasy roster.

Memphis traded center Steven Adams (knee) to Houston on Thursday evening. In exchange, the Grizzlies received guard Victor Oladipo and three second-round draft picks. The 30-year-old has averaged 9.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks since entering the league in 2013. However, he's battled various injuries over the years, most recently getting sidelined by a knee issue that's kept him off the floor since January 2023. That said, Adams is expected to be healthy to begin the 2024-25 campaign and is anticipated to support Alperen Sengun, one of the NBA's most promising young centers. From a fantasy standpoint, the veteran likely has more than a few productive outings left in the tank.

Los Angeles Clippers guard Paul George (groin) isn't listed on the league's injury report ahead of Friday's game versus Detroit. The veteran has been battling a groin injury, although it finally kept him out of the lineup for Wednesday's meeting with the Washington Wizards. As expected, Kawhi Leonard and James Harden were more involved offensively. Although George's presence should mean fewer scoring chances for Leonard and Harden on Friday night, both should remain starting in all fantasy lineups. On the other hand, Amir Coffey and Brandon Boston Jr., combining for 29 points against Washington, shouldn't be as impactful with George back in the lineup.