Brooklyn Nets guard Lonnie Walker IV (illness) will play on Thursday versus the Pistons. He hasn't felt well and carried a questionable tag since Wednesday night. However, the 25-year-old is at least feeling well enough to suit up for the meeting with the worst team in the National Basketball Association. Walker logged 30 minutes in Tuesday's win over the Philadelphia 76ers, finishing with 19 points. With Cam Thomas (foot, ankle) and Cameron Johnson (ankle) out, Walker should continue to receive extra work, making him a worthwhile fantasy option in any format.

Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (concussion) won't play in Friday's tilt versus the New Orleans Pelicans, but guard Kyle Lowry (rest) will be available. After taking a hit to the head in Sunday's win over the Dallas Mavericks, Maxey remains in concussion protocol and will miss a third consecutive game. The All-Star guard's next chance to suit up arrives in Sunday's contest against the New York Knicks. Lowry is off the injury report after resting Wednesday, however, and his fantasy value is closely associated to Maxey's availability. Cameron Payne gave Philly some decent run in Wednesday's spot start in the loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, scoring 16 points with four assists, two threes, and one steal in 28 minutes, but he'll presumably head back to the second unit with Lowry back against the Pels. Lowry is averaging 12.7 points, 7.3 dimes, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.7 treys over his past three starts for the Sixers.

New York Knicks forward Julius Randle (shoulder) is still working with pads but has progressed to "light contact." Randle is not close to returning to the floor for the Knicks as he continues to recover from a dislocated right shoulder, so fantasy managers should not be relying on the All-Star forward for the fantasy playoffs. Josh Hart is on the path to being a league-winning fantasy asset, piling up 12.9 points, 10.8 boards, 5.9 assists, 1.6 treys, and 1.1 steals in 40.6 minutes per game through his last 16 showings. Especially in points leagues due to his dodgy free-throw shooting, Hart should be treated as a top-50 option for however long Randle stays off the court.

New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (elbow) is going through contact drills and is playing five-on-five now, according to head coach Tom Thibodeau. While it sounds like Anunoby is getting closer to a return, and Thibodeau said he's now day-to-day, the forward hasn't been cleared to fully play yet. The 26-year-old three-and-D specialist should be deemed doubtful ahead of Friday's tilt versus the Orlando Magic, but it appears that he could suit up as soon as Sunday's meeting with the Philadelphia 76ers. Precious Achiuwa has handled a monstrous workload with Anunoby on the shelf since late January, logging 36.4 minutes per game over his last 16 contests and averaging 12.6 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.6 combined steals and blocks over this span. Keep him rostered in fantasy leagues.

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (knee) participated in most of practice on Thursday, per head coach Tom Thibodeau. Thibodeau said he doesn't know what the Knicks will list Brunson as on the upcoming injury report for Friday's matchup versus the Orlando Magic. New York will officially provide the All-Star guard's designation later on Thursday, but he should be considered questionable at this juncture. In five appearances without Brunson this year, Miles McBride is offering 16.2 points, 5.6 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.0 triples per game and would likely remain in the starting backcourt if Brunson remains out for a second straight game on Friday.