Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (ankle) is questionable for Friday's game in Toronto while managing a lingering ankle issue. Leonard has continued to produce while managing the issue, averaging 31.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.7 steals, and 5.3 three-pointers in 30.6 minutes over his last three games. Fantasy managers should monitor his status, but he remains a must-start if active. A potential absence would open minor opportunities for Nicolas Batum, rookie Kobe Sanders, and Jordan Miller, though all carry volatility. James Harden would take on more of the offense, leaving the fringe wings as situational streamers.

Philadelphia 76ers guard/forward Paul George (knee) is listed as probable for Friday's game against Cleveland due to left knee injury management, a familiar designation after he carried the same tag Wednesday. After appearing in each of the past two contests, George looks positioned to make another start, logging 17 points, four rebounds, and four assists in 30 minutes in the last meeting with the Cavaliers. With George in the lineup, the rotation tightens and usage drops for VJ Edgecombe, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Quentin Grimes.

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) is listed as probable for Friday's game against the Cavaliers due to left knee injury management, marking another appearance on the injury report this week. Despite the recurring designation, Embiid has delivered when active, averaging 25.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.0 three-pointers, and 1.0 blocks in 31.5 minutes over his last five games. Fantasy managers can continue starting him confidently, with Tyrese Maxey and Paul George maintaining stable roles alongside him.

Indiana Pacers guard/forward Bennedict Mathurin (thumb) will remain out for Friday's game against the Pelicans due to a right thumb sprain, and he does not have a clear timetable to return, leaving his status in doubt for Saturday versus Detroit. Aaron Nesmith should continue to see heavy minutes, though the production dipped to six points, five rebounds, and two assists in 31 minutes last time out. Johnny Furphy has taken on a larger role, averaging 8.0 points and 7.8 rebounds in 23.8 minutes over his last five starts, but his volatility keeps him limited to deep-league use.

Washington Wizards forward Khris Middleton (knee) has been ruled out for Friday's game against Sacramento due to right knee injury management after appearing in three straight contests. The absence opens short-term fantasy value on the wing, especially with Bilal Coulibaly (back) also sidelined. Justin Champagnie profiles as a viable streaming option after playing well off the bench, averaging 10.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.0 three-pointers in 23.4 minutes over his last five games. Rookie Will Riley should also see added run, but remains more of a fringe fantasy option.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (hand) is out for Friday's game against the 76ers due to a right-hand sprain, an injury he aggravated on Wednesday. Merrill logged just three points in 10 minutes in the win, and his absence removes a key spacing piece from the rotation. Craig Porter Jr. becomes a viable short-term assists streamer after stepping into a larger bench role, while Jaylon Tyson could also see extra opportunities on the wing. With Darius Garland (toe) sidelined, Donovan Mitchell is expected to carry a heavier share of the perimeter workload.

Washington Wizards guard/forward Bilal Coulibaly (back) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Kings after exiting Wednesday's loss to the Clippers in the second quarter with lower back tightness. He could return Saturday in Denver, but his absence creates short-term fantasy openings. Justin Champagnie is positioned for a larger role, with a start firmly in play after logging seven points and eight rebounds in 27 minutes Wednesday, making him a viable streaming option. Rookie Will Riley should also see added run after scoring 12 points in 27 minutes, though he remains more of a fringe fantasy play.

Toronto Raptors guard/forward RJ Barrett (ankle) will not play Friday against the Clippers, extending his absence to a fourth straight game, with his next chance to return Sunday versus the Lakers. The fantasy impact continues to center on Jamal Shead, who has started each of the past three games and averaged 10.7 points and 6.0 assists despite shooting 34.5 percent from the field. Shead profiles as a short-term assist streamer rather than a scoring play. Barrett sitting again leaves more creation on Immanuel Quickley's plate and helps Shead maintain his minutes.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (ankle) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Pacers, marking his sixth straight absence with a right ankle sprain. His next chance to return comes Sunday in Houston. From a fantasy angle, Jones' continued absence keeps Saddiq Bey in play as a short-term streamer. Bey, working back from injury, logged 12 points, four rebounds, one assist, and one steal in 26 minutes during a win over Brooklyn. His minutes and usage remain stable while Jones sits.

Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (back) is out for Friday's game against the Clippers, with the team still offering no firm timetable despite clearing him for contact Jan. 5. From a fantasy standpoint, managers should continue to pivot to rookie Collin Murray-Boyles, who has started seven straight and delivered 10.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.7 steals in 31.0 minutes while shooting 57.1 percent from the field and 90.0 percent at the line. Murray-Boyles remains a strong streamer and deep-league hold until Poeltl returns.

Golden State Warriors forward Gui Santos (ankle) was ruled out for the remainder of Thursday's game against the Knicks after suffering a left ankle sprain in the first quarter. Santos finished with three points, one rebound, and one block in five minutes before being shut down. The injury carries little standalone fantasy impact, but it does create minor ripple effects in the rotation. Al Horford and Trayce Jackson-Davis are candidates for added frontcourt minutes. Brandin Podziemski could also see a slight uptick in run and secondary usage, keeping him relevant in deeper formats.

Washington Wizards forward Cam Whitmore (venous condition) will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season after beginning the recovery process, bringing his year to a premature end. Whitmore can be dropped in all formats. The fantasy ripple centers on Kyshawn George, a surprise contributor averaging 14.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 2.2 three-pointers, and 1.0 steals. Those counting stats can hold, but minutes and usage are split across a crowded forward rotation with Bilal Coulibaly, Justin Champagnie, Khris Middleton, and rookie Will Riley, keeping George's ceiling in check.

Celtics' G Anfernee Simons scored 39 points on 13-of-28 shooting in a 119-114 win over Miami on Thursday, Jan. 15. Simons is owned in only 24.8% leagues.

Suns' G Grayson Allen scored 33 points on 11-of-25 shooting in a 105-108 loss to Detroit on Thursday, Jan. 15. Allen is owned in only 31.6% leagues.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma (illness) has been upgraded to available for Thursday's matchup with the San Antonio Spurs. He was previously considered questionable due to an illness. Kuzma has seen a reduced role since Giannis Antetokounmpo returned to the rotation and recorded only two points and two assists in Tuesday's blowout loss to Minnesota. The 30-year-old has played under 25 minutes in three of his last four outings.

Milwaukee Bucks forward/center Giannis Antetokounmpo (ankle) is set to suit up for Thursday's clash versus Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs. The 31-year-old star forward was previously listed on the injury report with a left ankle sprain, but has since been cleared to play. The big man's minutes have been restricted recently, but he has still produced outstanding numbers. During his last six outings, Antetokounmpo has averaged 29.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per contest.

Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Cooper Flagg (ankle) won't suit up against the Utah Jazz on Thursday. Flagg left Wednesday's loss early and will sit out the evening due to a sprained left ankle. Without Flagg, Anthony Davis (finger) and P.J. Washington (ankle), a depleted Mavs rotation will rely on Brandon Williams, Jaden Hardy, Ryan Nembhard, Caleb Martin, and Naji Marshall to carry heavier workloads during tonight's tilt.

Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (hip) will suit up Thursday against the Phoenix Suns. Harris has missed five consecutive contests with a left hip sprain and will make his first appearance in 2026. The 33-year-old has been a regular starter throughout the 2025-26 season. Javonte Green started on Saturday versus the Clippers and will return to the bench during tonight's tilt. However, Green may still see extended playing time as Harris' minutes could be restricted in his return.

Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (ankle) will suit up against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday. He's been cleared after sitting out four games due to a right ankle sprain. Big man Isaiah Stewart (illness) has also been upgraded to available for tonight's tilt. Paul Reed could slide further down the depth chart, while Tolu Smith may end up outside the rotation with Duren and Stewart returning to action. Duren is having a big campaign, averaging 17.9 points and 10.6 rebounds, while Stewart has posted averages of 10.4 points and 5.6 rebounds across 23 outings.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (foot) won't play on Friday in Houston. He also didn't suit up on Tuesday against Milwaukee. As a result, Mike Conley entered the starting lineup, finishing with nine points, five assists, and three rebounds. While Conley might continue to get a statistical boost, Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels should remain the most productive on the scoring end, with the duo combining for 46 points versus the Bucks. The Timberwolves will play again on Saturday in San Antonio, although it appears Edwards has a chance to return for that one.