Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain (G League) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Detroit Pistons. The second-year guard has struggled to find his rhythm after returning from injury, averaging 0.0 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 10.3 minutes across three games while shooting 0.0% from the field. His absence should slightly open minutes for Quentin Grimes and Justin Edwards, who have both played well recently. Grimes is averaging 15.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists over his last two outings on 55.6% shooting, while Edwards just dropped 22 points with five threes against Boston. VJ Edgecombe (back) is questionable, which could further boost their workloads.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (sciatica) will remain out for Friday's matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans. James has yet to play this season but recently completed his first full practice and 5-on-5 session, suggesting a return could come by mid-to-late November. With James sidelined, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves will continue to carry the offense and remain must-start options in all fantasy formats. Doncic has averaged 30.0 points, 8.0 assists, and 5.5 rebounds over his last two outings, while Reaves has contributed 18.5 points, 6.0 assists, and 5.0 rebounds on solid efficiency. In deeper leagues, Rui Hachimura and Marcus Smart are still playable as complementary scoring and defensive streamers.

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (ankle) will miss Friday's game against Dallas, marking his sixth straight absence. With Leonard out, James Harden remains a must-start after averaging 29.0 points, 9.0 assists, and 6.0 rebounds over his last two games, including a 35-point triple-double against Atlanta. Derrick Jones Jr. and Bogdan Bogdanovic may benefit with additional scoring opportunities on the wing, while Kris Dunn, Cam Christie, and Nicolas Batum will continue to see increased minutes but remain fringe fantasy options for now.

Indiana Pacers guard/forward Aaron Nesmith (knee) will miss time, though Rick Carlisle said they are hopeful it is not too serious. Nesmith has been a quiet fantasy win, averaging 15.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.3 blocks in 30.5 minutes while shooting 36.7% from the field and 37.3% from deep. His recent stretch included a 25-point outing with three threes and four steals at Denver. With him sidelined, opportunities may rise for Jarace Walker and Ben Sheppard, though both have been inconsistent so far. Expect Andrew Nembhard's touches to increase slightly, while Pascal Siakam remains the primary scoring hub.

Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (knee) will remain out Friday against the Detroit Pistons as he continues recovery from offseason surgery, though reports say he is moving closer to a return. In his absence, Tyrese Maxey continues to lead the offense, averaging 27.0 points, 8.0 assists, and 4.5 rebounds over his last two games. Kelly Oubre Jr. has also stepped up as a secondary scorer with 13.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game during that stretch. Second-year forward Justin Edwards flashed upside with 22 points and five threes against Boston, but his minutes remain volatile. George should stay stashed, while Maxey and Oubre remain must-start fantasy options.

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen did everything he could, but the team fell short on Thursday to the Atlanta Hawks by a score of 122-132. The ninth-year pro finished with 40 points on 15-for-25 shooting overall and 6-for-12 from deep with only four free throws. He also chipped in seven rebounds, two assists, one steal, and four turnovers. Markkanen has had an incredible start to this season, with averages of 29.3 points (career high), 6.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 3.6 threes per game (career high). As long as Markkanen can stay healthy compared to his last few season, he'll remain a top fantasy option in all formats.

Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson posted a monster game in their win over the Utah Jazz on Thursday. The Duke product finished with 31 points, 18 rebounds, 14 assists, seven steals, and six turnovers while shooting 10-for-19 from the floor and 4-for-5 from beyond the arc. Johnson has taken full control of the Hawks' offense since Trae Young (knee) has been out, and the results speak for themselves. In the seven games since then, Johnson averages 22.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 2.0 steals, 1.4 threes, and 3.1 turnovers per game while shooting a red-hot .578 overall.

Atlanta Hawks center Onyeka Okongwu led the team in scoring on Thursday as they beat the Utah Jazz 132-122. The big man registered 32 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, two steals, and three blocks while shooting 11-for-18 overall and 8-for-14 from deep. He moved into the starting lineup for this game which was his fourth start of the season. In his time as a starter this season, he averages 18.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game while collecting over two blocks per contest too. He's currently a great choice in any fantasy format, but especially for managers looking for some added three-point production from the center spot.

Miami Heat center/forward Kel'el Ware (hip) is listed as available for Friday's NBA Cup game against the New York Knicks. The second-year big man has been has started in all but three games so far this season, and will continue to see a lot of opportunities while Bam Adebayo (toe) is sidelined. His rebounding numbers have especially been huge for fantasy managers in category leagues. Over his last three games, he's averaged 12.7 points, 15.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game. Which puts him in play for both points and category leagues for the time being.

Miami Heat guard Norman Powell (hip) is ready to suit up for Friday's NBA Cup game against the New York Knicks after being listed as available on the official injury report. The veteran guard has been dealing with a hip contusion, but it looks like it's not severe enough to keep him out of this one. Powell has been the primary scoring option while Bam Adebayo (toe) and Tyler Herro (ankle) have been sidelined. In fact, in his 11th season, Powell is averaging a career high in points per game at 24.8. He's definitely a must-roster in all fantasy formats, and will likely remain that way even when the team gets fully healthy.

Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell (back) appeared on the injury report with a back contusion, but the team has listed him as available for their NBA Cup game on Friday. The defensive-minded point guard will be ready to take on the New York Knicks, who are third in the league in offensive rating, and have put up 130 or more points in three of their last four games. Mitchell has been a great source of assists and steals in category leagues this season as he's averaging career highs so far with 7.3 and 1.5 per game. His value remains higher while Tyler Herro (ankle) is sidelined.

Atlanta's F Jalen Johnson recorded a triple-double, finishing with 31 points, 14 assists and 18 rebounds in a 132-122 win over Utah on Thursday, Nov. 13.

Jazz's F Lauri Markkanen scored 40 points on 15-of-25 shooting in a 122-132 loss to the Hawks on Thursday, Nov. 13.

Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Friday's NBA Cup game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Washington left Wednesday night's game against the Phoenix Suns after just five minutes of action due to a left shoulder strain. Dallas listing him as questionable could further harm a roster already hurt by injuries. Fellow frontcourt members Anthony Davis (calf) and Dereck Lively II (knee) are also questionable, potentially opening even more minutes. Forward Naji Marshall will see the strongest value increase if the 27-year-old is unable to suit up Friday, as he's been called upon to step up with so many frontcourt injuries. Washington is having a good season as the team's third-leading scorer, averaging 14.7 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, but missing time could harm his momentum.

Charlotte Hornets point guard KJ Simpson (shoulder) is listed as probable for a meeting with the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night. The 23-year-old is dealing with a shoulder issue, but it doesn't appear to be serious enough to prevent him from playing. However, Simpson is unlikely to have a significant role in the rotation moving forward, as LaMelo Ball (ankle) is expected to return to the lineup against Milwaukee. So far this season, Simpson has averaged 5.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 14.4 minutes over five appearances.

Detroit Pistons guard/forward Ausar Thompson (ankle) will sit out a third straight game on Friday against the Philadelphia 76ers. His season has been halted by a right ankle sprain. Javonte Green has started each of the last two games Thompson has missed and looks poised to remain in the first unit on Friday night. Green has averaged 10.0 points and 7.5 rebounds in the two starts he has made. He has also benefited from injuries to Isaiah Stewart (ankle) and Jalen Duren (ankle), both of whom are considered questionable for Friday's game.

Detroit Pistons forward/center Isaiah Stewart (ankle) has been listed as questionable for Friday's matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers. He has missed three games due to a left ankle sprain and may have to sit out another contest on Friday night. Jalen Duren (ankle) is also questionable for Friday's game, meaning Paul Reed could be in for another busy night. He finished Wednesday's win over the Chicago Bulls with 28 points and 13 rebounds in 31 minutes. The injury situation has also opened the door to the starting lineup for Ron Holland II, who notched nine points, six rebounds, and three steals in 28 minutes on Wednesday night.

Charlotte Hornets center Ryan Kalkbrenner (personal) won't be in the lineup on Friday against the Milwaukee Bucks. The rookie big man has been ruled out for personal reasons. After landing a starting role on the Hornets team, Kalkbrenner has enjoyed a solid start to his NBA career, averaging 9.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks. Only Victor Wembanyama (3.6) averages more swats in the league. On Friday, the Hornets will likely use Moussa Diabate as their starting center, which will increase his fantasy appeal. Mason Plumlee will presumably pick up some extra shifts off the bench. It's a challenging matchup for the Hornets bigs on Friday, as Milwaukee allows the fifth-fewest points and the eighth-fewest rebounds to opposing centers.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (hamstring) will remain out on Friday against the Los Angeles Lakers. He will be absent for a sixth consecutive game. However, the team announced on Thursday that Williamson is "progressing well" in his recovery from a Grade 1 hamstring strain and has been cleared for contact. There is a possibility he may be ready to rejoin the lineup next week. In the meantime, Saddiq Bey will continue to have increased fantasy value. He will head into Friday's NBA Cup action on the back of an impressive 25-point showing against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk may sit out a second consecutive game on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, as the team considers him questionable for the contest. Monk is experiencing soreness in his left ankle and could miss his fourth game already this month. If Monk can't play on Friday, Russell Westbrook and Keon Ellis are likely to receive additional run-outs. Rookie Nique Clifford may also figure more in the plans of Kings head coach Doug Christie, especially after a string of ugly losses.