

Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams (ankle) won't play on Friday versus the Hornets. The 22-year-old was listed as questionable. However, his absence won't be as significant of a blow for Chicago, considering the team will get Nikola Vucevic (hip) and Zach LaVine (foot) back on Friday night. But with Alex Caruso (neck), Torrey Craig (foot) out, and Vucevic on minutes restriction, the Bulls may need to give DeMar DeRozan and Coby White more work. At the same time, Ayo Dosunmu and Dalen Terry could be featured more than usual.


According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Raptors are "ramping up" trade discussions involving forward Pascal Siakam. Additionally, Charania reported that the Sacramento Kings have emerged as a legitimate suitor. But with the 29-year-old on an expiring contract, his long-term commitment to Sacramento (or any other franchise) is a significant component of a potential deal. Siakam has been an All-Star caliber performer over the years, averaging 17.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in 505 appearances. Without a doubt, the 2016 No. 27 overall pick would make Sacramento an even bigger threat in the West. However, Siakam's pairing with Domantas Sabonis and De'Aaron Fox may negatively impact his production on the scoring end.


Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (back) won't play on Friday night versus the Atlanta Hawks. The 23-year-old injured his back during Monday's meeting with the Milwaukee Bucks and didn't suit up for the rematch on Wednesday. Although Tyrese Haliburton will see more than enough minutes at the one, others like T.J. McConnell and Bennedict Mathurin should continue to receive more work. However, while McConnell and Mathurin both have a higher ceiling without Nembhard on the floor, neither can be trusted from a fantasy standpoint.


Dallas Mavericks forward Grant Williams (ankle) is listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Both Williams and Dereck Lively II (ankle) were injured during Wednesday's game. Between the two, Lively has been much more impactful on the court this season. Dwight Powell is expected to see more run if one or both of them sit out. Williams has seen his role become limited due to the presence of Derrick Jones Jr. in the rotation. Jones would likely see more run if Williams is unable to play.


Brooklyn Nets guard Lonnie Walker IV (hamstring) and Dennis Smith Jr. (back) are listed as probable ahead of Friday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Nets have been without Walker since late November. It's a shame because he was playing well before the injury, so hopefully he can provide that spark again once he's healthy. Smith sat out their last game, but it was the second game of a back-to-back set. He'd have a bigger role if Walker remains out. Otherwise, Smith won't be an ideal streaming option with Walker back in the mix on Friday.
