Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (personal) will return on Friday against the New Orleans Pelicans. Butler was unavailable for Miami's last three games to mourn the loss of a family member but is back for Friday's action. A top-10 Pelicans defense presents a difficult draw for Butler, but the two-way superstar is averaging 22.2 points while 57.5% shooting from the field, 6.2 rebounds, 4.8 dimes, 1.8 steals, and 1.3 treys across his past 13 games.

Philadelphia 76ers guard Kyle Lowry is available to make his team debut on Thursday against the New York Knicks. Off the court since mid-January, Lowry will suit up on Thursday and provide the Sixers with some much-needed depth. Considering the 37-year-old floor general's role is unclear in his Philly debut, Lowry is not a recommended fantasy option in both DFS and season-long settings against a Knicks group giving up the third-fewest points per game (109.9).

Toronto Raptors center Kelly Olynyk (back) is absent from the injury report for Thursday's game versus the Brooklyn Nets. A lower back strain forced Olynyk from Toronto's latest matchup, but the Canadian playmaking big man is available for the Raptors against the Nets. Over his most recent nine showings since Jan. 25, Olynyk is supplying 10.1 points on 57.7% shooting from the floor, 5.2 boards, 4.2 assists, and 0.9 triples in 19.5 minutes per game.

Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka said Wednesday that forward Tari Eason (leg) is slated to be re-evaluated, but the second-year forward won't play on Thursday against the New Orleans Pelicans. Eason hasn't played since New Year's Day, but expect another update on his status ahead of Friday's meeting with the Phoenix Suns. Cam Whitmore (ankle) is available to play the sixth-man role for the Rockets in the meantime and sports some deep-league fantasy appeal.

Philadelphia 76ers guard De'Anthony Melton (back) is out for Thursday's game against the New York Knicks. The Sixers ruled out Melton on Wednesday evening, but the 25-year-old guard put in a full practice and will aim to return on Friday versus the Cleveland Cavaliers. Kelly Oubre Jr. should remain rostered in fantasy basketball, but he'll take on a Knicks squad that's surrendering the third-fewest points per game (109.9) in the NBA during the 2023-24 campaign.