Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (illness) will be a game-time decision for Thursday's game versus the Utah Jazz. Luckily for DFS players, Thursday's tip-off comes in the early window at 7:00 p.m. EST, so we'll know Banchero's status ahead of when fantasy lineups lock. The 21-year-old All-Star has a mouthwatering matchup against the Jazz, who are giving up the most fantasy points to opposing power forwards on FanDuel this year, so he'll be a great pivot off Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) if available for those paying up at the position on Thursday. It's not a great sign that the Magic have already ruled out Jonathan Isaac (illness), so if Banchero cannot give it a go for a third game in a row, Franz Wagner would continue to orchestrate Orlando's offense in a plum spot versus Utah.

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) said Thursday he still hopes to come back this season. Embiid says he's feeling good but there's no timeline for his return, and that it doesn't matter where the team is at, if he can play, he's going to play. The Sixers are 7-17 without the reigning MVP this season and are beginning to border on Eastern Conference play-in status, with fantasy managers looking to get the two-time scoring champion back for their playoffs. Embiid underwent surgery to address an injury to the lateral meniscus in his left knee on Feb. 6 and is slated to be re-evaluated in early March, and ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Tuesday that there's hope Embiid can return in late March. Although Paul Reed has started Philly's last 12 games, he's only averaging 7.9 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 26.0 minutes during February and is only a low-end streamer right now.

Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (illness) is in danger of missing his first game of the season after the team added him to the injury report with a questionable tag ahead of Thursday's matchup against Phoenix. Green has gone through a few really rough weeks, and it would be another blow for him if he's sidelined on Thursday. Veteran Aaron Holiday is in line to benefit from Green's absence, while youngsters Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore could also get more opportunities to impress. The latter two are definitely the better fantasy options for Thursday's slate.

Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (illness) will miss a second straight game on Thursday versus Utah. He has overcome a knee strain but is now battling an illness, which will keep Isaac off the court on Thursday. There appears to be some sort of a bug going around in the Magic locker room, as Paolo Banchero is also sick and considered questionable for the game. Caleb Houstan has benefited the most from Orlando's recent lineup issues, while the frontcourt absentees also open up extra minutes for Moritz Wagner and Joe Ingles.

Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (knee) has been ruled out for a third consecutive contest. He was initially considered questionable for Thursday's matchup against the Nuggets, but the team has now officially ruled him out. Terry Rozier and Duncan Robinson are the main beneficiaries of Herro's absence, while Delon Wright will also get extra opportunities. However, with Denver playing at a snail's pace, managers shouldn't expect big fantasy lines from the game.