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JJ Redick expects Lakers to have Luka Doncic, others back vs. Clippers

Thu Feb 19 7:25pm ET
Field Level Media

When the Los Angeles Lakers return from the All-Star break on Friday, they expect to have their full complement of players for a change.

Head coach JJ Redick said Thursday all players would be available for the Lakers' contest against the rival Clippers, including Luka Doncic.

The NBA scoring leader (32.8 points per game) sat out four games before the break due to a mild hamstring strain. And starting center Deandre Ayton missed the last two games with a sore right knee.

Redick said Austin Reaves' minutes restriction would be lifted. Reaves (calf) returned from a five-week absence Feb. 3 and played between 20 and 29 minutes in his first five games back.


An official injury report for the game was not available as of 4 p.m. PT.

The trio of LeBron James, Doncic and Reaves has played together just 10 times so far for the Lakers (33-21), who are fifth in the Western Conference ahead of the stretch run. Each has dealt with injury concerns throughout the season.

Doncic has played 42 games and averaged 8.6 assists and 7.8 rebounds to go with his NBA-best scoring. Reaves has only played 28 games and is second on the team with 25.4 points per game as well as 6.0 assists and 5.0 rebounds.

James, who missed the start of the season while dealing with sciatica in his right side, has played 36 games and averaged 22.0 points, 7.1 assists and 5.8 rebounds.

In his first season in Los Angeles, Ayton has put up 13.2 points and a team-high 8.5 rebounds per game in 46 appearances.

Player Notes
Ajay Mitchell Thu Feb 19 8:00pm

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (abdomen) will be sidelined for at least one more week and is set for re-evaluation, remaining out alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) and Jalen Williams (hamstring). The absence keeps Oklahoma City's backcourt thin. Over the last five games, Isaiah Joe has averaged 16.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.4 threes in 28.1 minutes, while Cason Wallace has posted 11.0 points, 4.2 assists, and 1.8 steals in 30.8 minutes. Aaron Wiggins has added 10.8 points and 1.6 steals in 24.8 minutes. Wallace is the safest hold, with Joe and Wiggins viable category streamers.

Cedric Coward Thu Feb 19 7:50pm

Memphis Grizzlies guard Cedric Coward (knee) won't play on Friday versus Utah. The rookie has had a quality inaugural campaign, averaging 13.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists. He also hasn't missed many games. Unfortunately, Coward will be sidelined for a second-straight contest due to a hyperextended right knee. His next chance to get back on the floor will be on Saturday in Miami. With that said, Jahmai Mashack will likely remain in the starting lineup, with the 23-year-old averaging 8.5 points and 4.0 steals in two starts this season.

Jalen Williams Thu Feb 19 7:40pm

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (hamstring) is scheduled to be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks, extending his absence after aggravating the injury earlier this month. With Williams sidelined and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) also out, perimeter minutes remain available. Over his last five games, Cason Wallace has averaged 11.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.8 steals in 30.8 minutes, while Aaron Wiggins has posted 10.8 points and 1.6 threes in 24.8 minutes. Alex Caruso is adding 1.0 steals in 19.4 minutes. Wallace profiles as the safest hold, with Wiggins and Caruso viable deep-league streamers.

Santi Aldama Thu Feb 19 7:40pm

Memphis Grizzlies forward/center Santi Aldama (knee) remains out for Friday's meeting with Utah. He has been battling a nagging knee injury, costing him the previous four games leading up to the All-Star break. It appears he might be back on Saturday in Miami. However, while Aldama is out of commission, Kyle Anderson will likely handle things in the middle to begin the game. Olivier-Maxence Prosper, coming off 14-point, five-rebound effort in the loss to the Denver Nuggets ahead of the All-Star break, remains in line for additional minutes and scoring chances, especially with so many names listed on the injury report for the Grizzlies.

Jusuf Nurkic Thu Feb 19 7:30pm

Utah Jazz center Jusuf Nurkic (nose) won't play on Friday versus Memphis. The veteran is listed as out on the injury report due to injury management purposes, so he'll likely be back on Monday in Houston. In the meantime, Kyle Filipowski will presumably remain in the starting lineup. Filipowski is coming off a solid 15-point, nine-rebound, six-steal effort in the loss to the Trail Blazers ahead of the All-Star break.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Thu Feb 19 7:30pm

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) will be re-evaluated in approximately one week and is set to miss additional time after sitting out since Feb. 3. With the All-Star sidelined alongside Ajay Mitchell (abdomen), Oklahoma City's backcourt minutes are wide open. Over his last five games, Isaiah Joe has averaged 16.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.2 steals, and 3.4 threes in 28.1 minutes, while Cason Wallace has produced 11.0 points, 4.2 assists, and 1.8 steals in 30.8 minutes. Jared McCain added 13 points in 24 minutes last game. Joe and Wallace are strong streamers, with Chet Holmgren likely absorbing added usage.

Collin Murray-Boyles Thu Feb 19 7:20pm

Toronto Raptors forwards/centers Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb) and Sandro Mamukelashvili (rib) are available for Thursday's game against Chicago, but their upside hinges on minutes in a crowded frontcourt with Jakob Poeltl active. Over his last five games, Murray-Boyles averaged 9.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.6 blocks in 25.7 minutes, flashing category juice if the workload holds. Mamukelashvili posted 15.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.8 threes in 25.3 minutes across that span. Both carry deep-league appeal, yet Poeltl's presence caps ceilings, leaving Scottie Barnes as the safest frontcourt play.

Keyonte George Thu Feb 19 7:20pm

Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (ankle) remains out for Friday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. The 22-year-old missed three games because of a left ankle injury at the beginning of February. While he returned for the matchup with the Orlando Magic on February 7, he tweaked his right ankle and will now miss his fourth-straight contest. It's unknown how close George is to returning to the floor, although it's certainly realistic to assume he could miss more games moving forward. Jusuf Nurkic (nose) also won't suit up on Friday, meaning Lauri Markkanen, Ace Bailey, Isaiah Collier, and Brice Sensabaugh should receive extra scoring opportunities on the offensive end.

Jalen Smith Thu Feb 19 6:50pm

Chicago Bulls forward Jalen Smith (calf) is available to play ahead of Thursday's game against the Toronto Raptors. Smith will play after missing the final three games before the All-Star break due to a lingering calf injury. The return of Smith should mean reduced roles for Guerschon Yabusele and Nick Richards. Over the last 12 games, Smith is averaging 13.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists across 26.8 minutes per game. Smith figures to see an uptick in value as the starter with Nikola Vucevic being traded away at the deadline. Fantasy managers should keep Smith on their radar, assuming he can stay healthy.

Michael Porter Jr. Thu Feb 19 6:50pm

Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. (knee) will suit up for Thursday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Porter is returning after missing the final two games before the All-Star break due to right knee tendinitis. He was given plenty of time to rest and is healthy enough to suit up on Thursday. Fantasy managers can safely get Porter back in their lineups ahead of tip-off on Thursday. This is the front end of a back-to-back set, so fantasy managers shouldn't be shocked to see an injury maintenance day on Friday.

Aaron Nesmith Thu Feb 19 6:40pm

Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (back) is available to play ahead of Thursday's game against the Washington Wizards. Nesmith sat out the final game before the All-Star break due to lower back soreness. He was able to get fully healthy during the break and has shed the questionable tag ahead of Thursday's game. His return to the rotation should move Ben Sheppard back to the bench. Nesmith is averaging 13.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 30.5 minutes per game this season. He's worth rostering in deep leagues as he's usually a fairly consistent contributor.

OG Anunoby Thu Feb 19 6:30pm

New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (toe) is cleared to suit up for Thursday's game against the Detroit Pistons. Anunoby is back in action after missing the last four games before the All-Star break due to left toe soreness. He had plenty of time to rest and is now ready to get back on the court. There is no word on him being limited, so fantasy managers should expect Anunoby to have a normal workload. His return to the court should mean a reduced role for Landry Shamet in the rotation. Fantasy managers in season-long formats can safely get Anunoby back in their lineups.

Josh Giddey Thu Feb 19 6:30pm

Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (hamstring) is available to play ahead of Thursday's game against the Toronto Raptors. Giddey is back in the mix after missing the last eight games before the All-Star break due to a lingering hamstring injury. He's feeling good enough to play after the break, but it's unclear if Giddey is going to start. The Bulls might ease Giddey back into action and have him come off the bench while he gets up his conditioning. Regardless, fantasy managers in season-long formats can get Giddey active in their lineups. Collin Sexton and Anfernee Simons could take a hit in production with Giddey back in the mix now.

Tre Jones Thu Feb 19 6:30pm

Chicago Bulls guard Tre Jones (hamstring) is active ahead of Thursday's game against the Toronto Raptors. Jones is back after missing 11 straight games due to a strained left hamstring. He was able to rest and fully recover during the All-Star break. He's cleared to play on Thursday, but it's unclear how much he's going to play. The Bulls added Anfernee Simons, Collin Sexton, and Jaden Ivey during the trade deadline. Also, Josh Giddey (hamstring) is active for Thursday's game as well. Fantasy managers can hold Jones for now, but he could become a cut candidate if he doesn't get consistent playing time.

T.J. McConnell Thu Feb 19 6:20pm

According to Tony East of Forbes.com, Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (hamstring) is unavailable for Thursday's game against the Washington Wizards. McConnell will miss his second straight game due to a right hamstring injury. The 33-year-old's next chance to return could come on Friday versus Washington. Kam Jones will be expected to take on a heavier workload while McConnell is on the shelf, but he provides minimal fantasy value this evening.

Stephen Curry Thu Feb 19 6:00pm

ESPN's Shams Charania reports that Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (knee) is unavailable to suit up on Thursday against the Boston Celtics. Curry will be held out of action due to a knee issue. An MRI taken on Wednesday showed no structural damage, but the 37-year-old still has swelling and there isn't a clear timetable on when he will return. While Curry is out, the Warriors will have to continue to rely on Brandin Podziemski and Pat Spencer to take on extended minutes.

Malik Monk Thu Feb 19 5:50pm

Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (illness) is available for Thursday's clash with the Orlando Magic. An illness kept the 28-year-old sidelined for four consecutive contests. Monk is averaging 12.4 points, 2.6 assists and 2.0 rebounds across 22.2 minutes in 43 games this season. With Zach LaVine (hand) and Domantas Sabonis (knee) out for the remainder of the season, Monk could absorb more offensive responsibility moving forward.

Russell Westbrook Thu Feb 19 5:30pm

Sacramento Kings point guard Russell Westbrook (ankle) is active for Thursday's matchup with the Orlando Magic. The 37-year-old was sidelined for the Kings' last game before the All-Star break due to an issue with his left ankle. Westbrook's fantasy value received a boost recently as Zach LaVine (hand) and Domantas Sabonis (knee) are unavailable for the rest of the season. He will likely see plenty of extra minutes on the floor for the forseeable future.

Collin Murray-Boyles Thu Feb 19 2:00pm

Toronto Raptors forward/center Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb) is listed as probable after missing his team's last game before the break with a left thumb sprain. He was able to play in the Rising Stars event, though, so the injury doesn't seem like it will cost him extended playing time going forward. Murray-Boyles could get a little extra playing time on Thursday, depending on the final status of Sandro Mamukelashvili (rib, questionable). If Mamu is out, Murray-Boyles will get more minutes in their timeshare with Jakob Poeltl, who just returned from an extended absence with a back injury. If all three big men are available, Murray-Boyles should still get enough work to be usable in most formats, but he will have a much lower ceiling with a smaller workload.

Tre Jones Thu Feb 19 1:50pm

Chicago Bulls guard Tre Jones (hamstring) was upgraded from questionable to probable and will likely make his return on Thursday, when the Bulls host the Raptors. Jones and Josh Giddey (hamstring) have both missed time with hamstring issues, and while they were out, the team made several moves to shake up the backcourt. Jones and Giddey will likely be playing limited minutes in their returns on Thursday, so they may not play their full workload. In the bigger picture, it will be fascinating to see how the roles are defined now that the team has Collin Sexton, Jaden Ivey, and Anfernee Simons all looking for usage and minutes in the backcourt.


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