Phoenix Suns DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Phoenix Suns guard/forward Bradley Beal (knee) is now questionable heading into Friday's meeting with the Jazz. The veteran wasn't listed on the injury report throughout the day. However, he began experiencing right knee swelling, so there's a chance he won't be out there. Beal has already missed eight games this season, although fantasy managers are now left wondering if this injury will open the door for another extended stint on the shelf. Fortunately, the Suns are expected to get Kevin Durant (ankle) back, which will help. Royce O'Neale, who was expected to head back to the bench, may find himself remaining in the starting lineup.

Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic (thigh) is off the injury report ahead of Friday's game against Utah. The 30-year-old missed the last six games because of a thigh contusion. As a result, Mason Plumlee took his spot in the lineup. However, with Nurkic back in the mix for the favorable matchup with the Jazz, Plumlee isn't worth starting in any fantasy lineup.

Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (ankle) is probable for the meeting with the Jazz on Friday night. The 36-year-old has been banged up a few times during the 2024-25 campaign, most recently missing the last three games because of a sprained ankle. But outside of that, he continues to play well, averaging 25.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks while shooting 44.9% from downtown. With Durant's anticipated return, Royce O'Neale, coming off a 16-point, seven-rebound effort versus Orlando on December 8, likely won't be as productive.

Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards (ankle) is currently listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Indiana Pacers. Richards sat out on Saturday due to a right ankle sprain, so it wouldn't be shocking to see him miss both games of the back-to-back set. The absence of Richards should mean that Taj Gibson gets the start, but Mark Williams will split up the minutes with him. Richards made his season debut last week and has been playing well in three games. He's worth rostering in most fantasy formats because he's a solid contributor when healthy. Neither Gibson or Williams are worth streaming if Richards is forced to sit out.

Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers due to an ankle injury. Richards rolled his ankle during Thursday's game against the Knicks but was able to finish the contest. The injury may have flared up since then, leaving his availability for Saturday in doubt. If Richards is unable to play, Mark Williams is expected to take on a larger role, with Moussa Diabate potentially seeing increased minutes as the backup center. Despite only appearing in eight games this season, Richards has been productive, averaging 11.9 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game. Fantasy managers will be hoping for his return to the court soon.