Phoenix Suns DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

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.

Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic (thigh) will miss a third straight game on Thursday against New Orleans. The Bosnian big man is nursing a thigh contusion and is expected to be re-evaluated on Monday, meaning he will also sit out the weekend's back-to-back against Miami and Orlando. Oso Ighodaro and Mason Plumlee have shared starts during Nurkic's absence. Both players have had quiet outings, although Plumlee averaged double-double numbers as a starter earlier in the campaign. Centers have typically feasted against the Pelicans this season, with only six teams allowing more fantasy points to opposing fives.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Phoenix Suns forwardKevin Durant(ankle) has been diagnosed with a left ankle sprain and will miss at least three games. Durant will be re-evaluated in a week after suffering the injury while landing on a Spurs player's foot during Phoenix's win on Tuesday night. The Suns have struggled when the 36-year-old has been unavailable, posting a record of 1-6.Bradley BealandDevin Booker will be relied upon to step up offensively in Durant's absence, while Grayson Allen will see an uptick in playing time, too.