Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (back) won't be in the lineup on Thursday against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Austrian giant has been managing a back problem all season, regularly skipping games when Toronto has a back-to-back scheduled. Fantasy managers can expect to see Poeltl return to the court on Friday against the Charlotte Hornets. Collin Murray-Boyles and Sandro Mamukelashvili have increased fantasy value with Poeltl out of the lineup, although Jamison Battle started in his place the last time he was rested. Even as a starter, Battle only logged 11:15 of action, so he isn't someone fantasy managers should consider.

Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (knee) has been listed as questionable for Thursday's tilt against the Philadelphia 76ers. The veteran star played only 15 minutes in Tuesday's matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, exiting the action with a sore left knee. Gary Payton II started the second half in Butler's place, notching 13 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Buddy Hield also had a larger workload without Butler, logging 28 minutes off the bench. He finished with 12 points, four rebounds, and two steals. Both players would have more fantasy value if Butler sits out Thursday's action.

Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (ankle) is on the injury report with a questionable tag ahead of an encounter with the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday. Since returning from a knee issue, Kuminga has played in two games. Now, he may have to miss time due to a sore right ankle. Golden State is battling the injury bug right now, and many players would have added fantasy value if the team goes into Thursday night's game with a depleted lineup. Stephen Curry (quadriceps) remains unavailable, while Jimmy Butler III (knee), Al Horford (sciatica), Quinten Post (ankle), and Trayce Jackson-Davis (knee) are all listed as questionable, alongside Kuminga.

Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (knee) is listed as questionable for Thursday's matchup against the Golden State Warriors. Philadelphia begins a back-to-back on Thursday, and it appears certain that George will miss at least one of the games. Since his season debut, George has seen limited action and played only 18 minutes in Tuesday's win over the Washington Wizards. He is averaging 13.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.8 steals in 22.2 minutes per game. Justin Edwards could return to the starting lineup if George doesn't play, giving him more fantasy appeal.

Boston Celtics guard/forward Jaylen Brown (illness) is considered doubtful for Thursday's matchup against the Washington Wizards. He will likely miss his first game of the season due to illness. A second absence might also be in store for Brown, as Boston has another game on Friday night against the Los Angeles Lakers. Brown leads the Celtics in scoring with 29.0 points per game, and his absence would open up a lot of offensive touches for other players on the team. Derrick White, Anfernee Simons, Sam Hauser, and Payton Pritchardwill all have increased fantasy appeal if Brown sits on Thursday.

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) has been listed as doubtful for Thursday's clash against the Golden State Warriors, indicating that he is likely to miss a second consecutive game. Due to knee issues, the former MVP has taken the court just seven times this season, averaging 19.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.4 steals. Embiid's absence means fantasy managers can continue to keep faith in Andre Drummond, who has posted seven double-doubles in his 10 starts this season. Golden State ranks 25th in rebounding rate, making it a favorable fantasy matchup for Drummond.

Bulls' G Josh Giddey recorded a triple-double, finishing with 28 points, 11 assists and 11 rebounds in a 103-113 loss to the Nets on Wednesday, Dec. 3.

Nuggets' G Jamal Murray scored 52 points on 19-of-25 shooting in a 135-120 win over Indiana on Wednesday, Dec. 3.

According to Will Gottlieb of AllCHGO.com, Chicago Bulls guard/forwardKevin Huerter(hamstring) will miss at least one week due to a hamstring injury before he is re-evaluated. The 27-year-old could return to action on Dec 12, versus the Hornets. While Huerter is absent, Ayo Dosunmu will likely take on extra minutes and could make a significant impact in fantasy with an expanded role. Through 18 appearances this season, Dosunmu is averaging 15.8 points and 3.2 assists across 27.4 minutes per contest.

Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (ankle) didn't return to Wednesday's meeting with the Miami Heat. He's been battling a right ankle injury for months. Although the 27-year-old was listed on the injury report heading into this contest, he still managed to suit up. Unfortunately, he logged only 14 minutes before re-aggravating the issue, finishing the night with two points, five boards, and one steal. With a matchup against OKC on tap for Friday evening, fantasy managers should start making plans in the event Gafford can't get on the floor. Dereck Lively II (foot) is still without a firm return date, and P.J. Washington (ankle) also isn't healthy, meaning Anthony Davis may need to spend all of his time at the five spot. Moussa Cisse could also be more involved than usual, even though he has a way to go in order to earn a place in most fantasy lineups.

Charlotte Hornets guard Collin Sexton (thigh) exited Wednesday's loss to the New York Knicks. He did not return. With LaMelo Ball (wrist) available, Sexton came off the bench. Unfortunately, he ended up logging only nine minutes before suffering a thigh injury, finishing with four points. The 26-year-old has shuffled between the starting lineup and reserve roles throughout the 2025 campaign. However, no matter his role, he's still played well enough to be considered an every day fantasy option in all formats despite not doing much outside of his contributions on the scoring end. Charlotte won't play again until Friday in Toronto. If Sexton doesn't suit up, there are several directions head coach Charles Lee may go with the rotation, with Liam McNeeley and Tidjane Salaun the favorites to see more work. There's also a chance KJ Simpson gets the bump up from the G League.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) won't return to Wednesday's meeting with the Detroit Pistons. He was listed on the injury report but was able to suit up. However, on a day when it was reported that the multi-time MVP was contemplating his future with the franchise, he exited after only three minutes due to a right calf strain. The Bucks don't play again until Friday versus the visiting Philadelphia 76ers. Considering Antetokounmpo recently missed four games because of a groin strain, it's certainly possible he might be looking at more time off the floor. If that happens, Bobby Portis, averaging 18.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in two starts this season, could work his way back into the starting lineup, with Ryan Rollins and Kevin Porter Jr. anticipated to do most of the heavy lifting offensively.

According to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun, Miami Heat guard/forwardPelle Larsson(ankle) is available to play against the Dallas Mavericks after carrying a questionable tag earlier on Monday. Larsson is nursing a toe sprain in his right foot. However, the injury won't keep him out of action during tonight's tilt. The 24-year-old has played in all 21 Heat games this season, posting averages of 9.7 points, 4.6 assists, and 2.7 rebounds across 22.5 minutes per contest. Miami may take a cautious approach and limit Larrson's minutes this evening as he deals with the new injury.

Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (ankle) will miss Wednesday's game against Miami after being ruled out despite taking part in the shootaround. Washington's absence leaves a clear lane for Naji Marshall, who logged nine points, seven rebounds, and six assists across 33 minutes in Monday's win over Denver. Marshall profiles as a short-term streamer for rebounds, defensive stats, and low-end scoring while Washington remains sidelined, especially with Dallas thin at the forward spots. His next chance to return comes Friday against Oklahoma City, the front end of a back-to-back set.

Chicago Bulls forward Jalen Smith (hamstring) will remain sidelined for the third straight game on Wednesday. Smith has been officially ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Brooklyn Nets due to a lingering hamstring issue. The Bulls are shorthanded right now, which means Nikola Vucevic will probably play as many minutes as he can handle. Over the last three games, Vucevic has registered two double doubles in 30 minutes or more in all three contests. The veteran center has been offering nearly top five production at his position. Fantasy managers should make sure to get Vucevic active in their lineups ahead of tip-off.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (wrist) is available for Wednesday's game against the Knicks. The 2020 No. 3 overall pick has been listed on the injury report plenty of times throughout the 2025 campaign, mostly due to ankle issues. However, wrist soreness won't be enough to keep him off the floor, and he'll now suit up for his fifth-straight contest. Ball has struggled offensively this season, amassing 18.9 points per contest, although he's made up for it by averaging a career-high 8.9 assists. As always, he should be featured in all fantasy lineups, although DFS managers may want to tread carefully, considering the Knicks have been sound defensively all season.

Chicago Bulls guard Tre Jones (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Wednesday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. Jones has gone in the wrong direction after initially being listed as probable on the injury report. Now, Jones will officially sit out after tweaking his ankle during Monday's loss to the Orlando Magic. The absence of Jones should mean increased playing time for Ayo Dosunmu and Jevon Carter. Between the two, Dosunmu is the better streaming option for Wednesday's slate. Dosunmu has scored 15 points or more in three of his last four games. He should be able to produce viable streaming value with an increased role on Wednesday.

Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (ankle) is available for Wednesday's game against Miami after missing two straight contests. Gafford has averaged 7.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks over his last five active outings, including an 11-point, 11-rebound double-double against the Heat on Nov. 24. His return steadies Dallas' frontcourt and immediately trims the minutes of Dwight Powell and Moussa Cisse, taking both off the streaming radar outside of very deep leagues. Gafford remains a reliable source of efficient scoring, rebounds, and blocks when he lands in the mid-20s for minutes.

Detroit Pistons guard/forwardDuncan Robinson(ankle) will miss his second game in a row on Wednesday versus the Milwaukee Bucks. Robinson is dealing with a right ankle sprain and was out for the first time this season on Monday versus the Hawks.Daniss Jenkins started while Robinson was out of action, registering six points, eight rebounds, and six assists. Even withCade Cunninghamin the lineup, Jenkins had the most shot attempts on the team. However, he finished 3-for-16 from the field. Despite the off night, Jenkins has done well as a starter this season and will be a solid fantasy option if he remains in the first unit against a weak Bucks defense during tonight's tilt.

Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (ankle) is available to play ahead of Wednesday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Avdija has been upgraded to available after being tagged as questionable due to an ankle sprain. It looks like he'll play through the injury during the second leg of this back-to-back set. It's possible that Avdija is somewhat limited because of the ankle injury. However, fantasy managers shouldn't be worried about his production. Avdija has been elite with 25.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists across 34.2 minutes per game this season. Fantasy managers should get him active in their lineups ahead of tip-off.