New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson (knee) will return to action in Friday's matchup against Orlando. The first-year All-Star ended up sitting out only one game with a left knee contusion. Brunson's return pushes Miles McBride back to the bench. The 23-year-old has struggled to get meaningful minutes as a member of the second unit and won't have much fantasy value. The Knicks star makes his return in a juicy spot, as the Magic will be without their best backcourt defender Jalen Suggs (thigh), which puts Brunson in a good position to go off for a big night.

Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (thigh) won't play on Friday against the Knicks. He's dropping out of the lineup for the first time in nine games due to a right thigh contusion. Suggs' absence could mean another start for Anthony Black, although the 20-year-old has impacted things very little during his rookie season and won't be a recommended fantasy target. Markelle Fultz and Cole Anthony are looking at a chance to grab extra work off the bench, but they have also been hit-and-miss throughout the fantasy season.

Charlotte Hornets guard Tre Mann (groin) won't play on Friday versus Washington. Heading into Friday, Mann was initially regarded as questionable for the game. Vasilije Micic will be the biggest beneficiary of Mann's absence. He's already broken into the starting unit due to a number of other injuries, and Micic's all-around involvement in Charlotte's play is set for a further boost on Friday. The former EuroLeague star has averaged 15.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists across the last three games.

Philadelphia 76ers forward Nicolas Batum (foot) has been ruled out for Friday's meeting with New Orleans. He has been downgraded from a questionable status. Batum comes out of the lineup right after getting a new look in the starting unit against Memphis on Wednesday. His absence could give a starter's role back to Kelly Oubre Jr., while Kenyon Martin Jr. might also have a larger role. Oubre Jr. is enjoying a good season in Philadelphia and could be ready for a massive night offensively on Friday, with Joel Embiid (knee) and Tyrese Maxey (concussion) out of the lineup.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (ankle) will sit out Friday's contest against Milwaukee. The veteran superstar exited the last game against Sacramento early due to a lingering left ankle problem, and he will get some rest on Friday. James has played through the ailment for quite a while, so he should make a quick return to the lineup. Taurean Prince has started the two most recent games James has missed. His absence should provide a big boost to the usage of Anthony Davis and D'Angelo Russell. In seven games without James this season, Davis has taken his scoring average to 29.0 points, while Russell has posted 18.9 points and 6.5 assists without James.