Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (hip) isn't spotted on Friday's injury report ahead of the contest against the Chicago Bulls as the team ends a six-game road trip. Miller ended up being a late scratch for Tuesday's game versus the Sacramento Kings due to a left hip contusion, but the setback will only cost him one night. Miller still needs to develop into a multi-stat contributor to become a more complete fantasy commodity, but 2023's No. 2 overall pick has netted double scoring figures for the Hornets in all 13 of his healthy games since Nov. 28, excluding an injury-shortened Dec. 23 outing. Miller's return on Friday should send Cody Martin back to Charlotte's bench, and he should be rostered in the majority of leagues while LaMelo Ball (ankle) is off the floor.

Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (back) will remain a spectator for Friday's matchup with the Chicago Bulls due to his lingering lower back contusion. With no end to his absence in sight, Williams appears to be out indefinitely rather than day-to-day at this point. Despite a streak of 12 consecutive games missed after Friday's action, the 22-year-old interior presence needs to be stashed in all nine-category fantasy leagues. Williams is posting fifth-round value in those 12-team formats. Nick Richards is the direct fantasy beneficiary of Williams' absence, averaging 9.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in 13 starts this season.

Philadelphia 76ers guard De'Anthony Melton (back) won't play in Friday's Atlantic Division showdown versus the New York Knicks. After logging no activity in practice on Thursday, Melton will miss his second night in a row due to lumbar spine soreness. Philadelphia takes on the visiting Utah Jazz on Saturday, marking the 23-year-old glue guy and lockdown defender's next possible return date. Kelly Oubre Jr. is the most likely candidate to draw the start for the Sixers on Friday, and he's averaging 13.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.1 three-pointers, and 1.3 steals in 12 games with the first unit during his first year in Philly.

Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (knee) remains out for Friday's contest versus the Dallas Mavericks. Head coach Chauncey Billups revealed on Monday that Ayton stayed back in Portland to get "rigorous treatment" for the tendinitis in his right knee, and it remains unclear if there are plans for the big man to join the team at any stage of their current seven-game road trip that ends on Jan. 12. The 25-year-old former No. 1 overall pick has registered 12 double-doubles in 24 games, but he hasn't exactly taken the leap some may have envisioned on a rebuilding squad during his first year in Rip City. With Moses Brown (wrist) out and Jabari Walker (knee) doubtful, the Blazers' last traditional big men left standing are Ibou Badji and Duop Reath. We would advise staying away for fantasy purposes.

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (foot) remains out on Friday against the Phoenix Suns, while teammate Caleb Martin (ankle) is doubtful to play in the game. Butler continues to experience irritation in his right foot, with his next opportunity to take the court and end a three-game absence arriving when the Heat commence a five-game homestand on Monday versus the Houston Rockets. Miami's offense should center around Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo for however long Butler sits out. Over his last nine games without Butler, 2023 first-rounder Jaime Jaquez Jr. is averaging 17.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.1 three-pointers. With Martin unlikely to suit up due to a sprained right ankle on Friday, more minutes should fall into the hands of Duncan Robinson and Josh Richardson on the wings.