James Ham of ESPN 1320 Sacramento reports that Sacramento Kings forwardJake LaRavia (thumb) was diagnosed with a bone contusion in his left thumb Friday and will be re-evaluated in seven to 10 days. The 23-year-old will now likely miss the next four Kings contests. He could potentially return on April 6 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. While LaRavia is out of action, veteran forward Doug McDermott and Trey Lyles will likely be in line for expanded roles and extra minutes on the floor.

Brooklyn Nets forward Trendon Watford (illness) is available on Friday versus the Clippers. He was listed as questionable heading into this one. But the 24-year-old is good to go. Watford had a slow start to the 2023-24 campaign. However, he's carved out a nice role for himself of late, averaging 11.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 11 games in March. With that said, D'Angelo Russell and Cameron Johnson are available, so Watford's fantasy outlook isn't as favorable, although he still warrants some streaming consideration from managers in need of an injury replacement.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (ankle, wrist) will require surgery to address a right ankle impingement and will miss the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign. He will also undergo "a minor procedure on his right wrist." The 2020 No. 3 overall pick played well this season, averaging a career-high 25.2 points with 4.9 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.1 steals. However. Ball will finish the year having logged only 47 games after appearing in 22 contests in 2023-24. Without question, he is an MVP-caliber player when healthy. But, based on Ball's inability to stay healthy, fantasy managers should consider other options heading into next season. In the meantime, KJ Simpson will likely work his way into the starting lineup, with the 22-year-old averaging 12.4 points, 4.8 assists, and 1.4 steals in five starts this season.

Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura(knee) isn't listed on the injury report for Saturday's matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies. Hachimura sat out the second leg of the Lakers back-to-back on Thursday against the Bulls, but it appears he will be good to go against the Grizzlies. The 27-year-old averaged 8.0 points and 3.0 rebounds in 23.3 minutes during his last three games. He was out of action for 12 consecutive contests due to a left knee injury and is building up his conditioning for heavier workloads down the stretch.

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (ankle) appears ready to return to action on Saturday against the San Antonio Spurs, as the team has not listed him on the injury report. Tatum missed Wednesday's meeting with the Phoenix Suns due to an ankle injury. However, he is expected to be back on the floor against San Antonio. Al Horford, who bagged a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double on Wednesday, will return to the bench with Tatum back. Tatum went off for 34 points in this season's first clash against the Spurs, adding 14 rebounds and seven assists to his tally.