Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (ankle) missed the team's first game back from the break due to an ankle issue that he talked about during All-Star interviews. Head coach Darvin Ham said that "in all likelihood" James will return to the starting lineup on Friday night against the San Antonio Spurs. Giving everyone the matchup they want to see with James and Anthony Davis against Victor Wembanyama. The Lakers are currently hanging on to the ninth seed in the West and James' health will likely decide how far they can climb in the standings. Fantasy managers should look for James and Davis to play as much as they can heading down the stretch.

Oklahoma City Thunder center Aleksej Pokusevski is reportedly getting waived on Friday, according to Shams Charania. After being drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the 17th overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft, he was promptly traded to the Thunder, where he spent his first three seasons. During his time in Oklahoma City, Pokusevski averaged 7.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.6 turnovers per game while shooting just 38.7% from the floor. The 22-year-old only appeared in 10 games for the Thunder this season and fell out of the lineup once Chet Holmgren stepped into the starting lineup. Pokusevski could latch on with a rebuilding team and get some more opportunities to develop.

Miami Heat forward Duncan Robinson (shoulder) has been listed on the injury report as available despite his shoulder sprain. The 29-year-old has been a mainstay on the injury report lately, but he has played through any pain as he appeared in the team's last five games which included starting in both games of a back-to-back. Since he's more of a specialist, his fantasy value is truly utilized in deeper leagues. He currently sits inside the top 145 and has been one of the healthier players on the team after missing only five games so far this year. Robinson may get a bit more time in this matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans since Terry Rozier (knee) and Josh Richardson (shoulder) are both out and Tyler Herro (foot) remains questionable.

Memphis Grizzlies center Jaren Jackson Jr. (quad) again popped up on the injury report with tendon soreness in his right quad but was tagged as probable on Friday. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year did not play in the team's last game right before the All-Star break, so the injury status for the first game back after almost 10 days off is a bit concerning. The good thing is that he's expected to play and for a team that has been through the injury gauntlet, at least they'll have one starter available. Jackson has been a top 60 fantasy asset in nine-category leagues and should remain in that are for the rest of the season as long as the Grizzlies don't decide to tank.

Washington Wizards forward Bilal Coulibaly (pelvis) won't play on Thursday night versus the Lakers. The rookie took a hard fall during Sunday's meeting with the Cavs, ending his day after just five minutes. With Deni Avdija (heel) questionable, Corey Kispert, who had 20 points and two blocks against the Warriors on Tuesday night, could find himself staying in the starting lineup.