Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (calf) won't play on Friday night versus Cleveland. Detroit currently sits comfortably in the playoff picture, so allowing Cunningham to fully recover from a calf contusion makes the most sense. Dennis Schroder has been starting in his place, most recently scoring seven points in Tuesday's win over the San Antonio Spurs. Yet, it has been Marcus Sasser who has benefited the most from his increased playing time, with the 24-year-old combining for 47 points while Cunningham has been on the shelf (two games).

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (pelvis) is questionable for Friday's game in New Orleans. The veteran has missed the last two games after suffering a pelvic contusion in a recent win over the Toronto Raptors. Brandin Podziemski has been handling most of the duties at the one, with the 22-year-old most recently amassing 14 points and two steals in Tuesday's loss to the Miami Heat. If Curry remains sidelined, Podziemski, Jimmy Butler III, Jonathan Kuminga, and Draymond Green should benefit the most offensively, although there's room for added production from Moses Moody and Buddy Hield.

Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett (rest) won't play on Friday against Charlotte. The former Knick has played well this season, averaging 21.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. However, he's appeared in only 54 games, missing time for various reasons. The Raptors are still in the hunt for a Play-In spot, although time is running out for the team to make a late-season surge. At any rate, his absence should mean Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poeltl, and Immanuel Quickley will see a few more scoring tries. Jamison Battle, averaging 10.4 points in five starts during the 2024-25 campaign, should continue to fill the void in the rotation.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (ankle) won't play on Friday versus the Raptors. Statistically, Ball has had a fantastic season, averaging a career-high 25.2 points with 7.4 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.1 steals. However, as has been the case over the years, he has been limited by injuries, appearing in only 47 games. The Hornets can't make the playoffs, and with only 10 games remaining on the schedule, Ball may not be on the floor for most (if not all) of them. As such, Damion Baugh, assuming he gets called up from the G League, may find his way back into the starting lineup, with the 24-year-old averaging 12.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in two starts this season. KJ Simpson also has a chance to roll with the first five, with Miles Bridges and Mark Williams the favorites to lead the way offensively no matter who takes over at the one.

On Friday, Cleveland Cavaliers guardTy Jerome(knee) will be out of action against the Detroit Pistons. Jerome will miss his second game in a row due to a knee issue. The 27-year-old finished with 25 points, two rebounds and two assists across 21 minutes in a 122-111 win over the Blazers on Tuesday. WithMax Strus(ankle) also unavailable this evening, Sam MerrillandIsaac Okorowill likely receive a heavier workload during the contest.