New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (knee) remains off the injury report ahead of Friday's matchup with the Sacramento Kings. The 26-year-old recently returned from a lengthy stint on the shelf because of a knee injury. But he's been limited, combining for 44 minutes in the last two games. However, according to head coach Willie Green, Ingram "had a great practice" on Thursday. With that said, Zion Williamson (hamstring) won't suit up, so the team will need Ingram on the floor. Yet, he'll remain a risky DFS option until his workload increases, which may not be anytime soon.

According to NBA insider Michael Scotto, San Antonio Spurs forward/center Zach Collins (shoulder) will undergo surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. Collins is no stranger to surgical procedures. However, it's a tough blow, considering the 26-year-old has appeared in at least 63 games in each of the last two seasons. Fortunately, he's expected to be ready to go for the 2024-25 campaign. Collins remained productive last season despite the arrival of Victor Wembanyama, averaging 11.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. He should continue to hold a spot in the rotation and get some starts when the new season begins in October, so he should have value for those in deeper fantasy formats.

Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu (quadriceps) is considered questionable for Friday's matchup with the Heat. He missed the last four games of the regular season because of a right quad injury. Fortunately, he returned for Wednesday's Play-In win over the Atlanta Hawks, logging 41 minutes and scoring 19 points. Nonetheless, it would be surprising if Dosunmu isn't on the floor on Friday evening. But if he's unavailable, Alex Caruso (ankle), who is questionable, and Javonte Green would be the favorites to absorb the surplus minutes.

Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso (ankle) is questionable for Friday's Play-In battle with the Miami Heat. The 30-year-old suffered a "significant" left ankle sprain in Wednesday's win over the Atlanta Hawks, with ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reporting that his status versus the Heat is in doubt. Caruso plays a pivotal role in Chicago's rotation, averaging 10.1 points and 1.7 steals during the regular season. Fortunately, it appears he's doing a little better than he was. But Caruso will have some hurdles to clear before he gets the green light to suit up. However, if he's not on the floor, Javonte Green will immediately see a substantial increase in fantasy potential.

Cleveland Cavaliers shooting guard Sam Merrill (neck) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice as he continues to work his way back from injury. A neck problem kept him out for the final three regular-season games, but Merrill looks to be on track to return to the lineup for Game 1 of the playoffs against Orlando on Saturday. The 27-year-old averaged a career-high 8.0 points in 17.5 minutes during the regular season, shooting 40.4 percent from downtown. Merrill's shooting ability makes him a good option to have on the bench, but the rotations get tighter during the postseason, and he likely won't see a lot of time on the court.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (knee) isn't expected to play in Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs against Orlando on Saturday. He missed the end of the regular season, making his last appearance on March 8, and Wade wasn't in Wednesday's practice. Wade's absence means more minutes to Georges Niang and Marcus Morris Sr. off the Cavaliers bench. However, neither player doesn't carry any significant fantasy value as long as Evan Mobley stays healthy.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso suffered a "significant" left ankle sprain in Wednesday's play-in contest against Atlanta and is doubtful to play on Friday versus Miami. Caruso suffered the injury in the first quarter on Wednesday when he collided with teammate Andre Drummond. Following a visit to the locker room, Caruso was able to return to the court, but he didn't see any action since the 9:43 mark in the third quarter. The injury will likely bring Javonte Green into the starting unit on Friday. He was a late addition to the Bulls squad during the regular season but had a productive time with the team. In five starts, Green notched 14.0 points and 8.6 rebounds with 1.2 steals in 29.2 minutes.

The NBA announced on Wednesday that forward Jontay Porter, a two-way player recently under contract with the Toronto Raptors, has been banned from the league.A league investigation found that Porter violated league rules by disclosing confidential information to sports bettors, limiting his own participation in one or more games for betting purposes, and betting on NBA games. The 24-year-old big man appeared in 26 games (five starts) for the Raptors during the 2023-24 season, posting 4.4 points while shooting 38.5% from the field, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 13.8 minutes per contest as a depth piece in Toronto's injury-depleted frontcourt. Porter's case is one the Association hasn't witnessed in many years, but his lifetime ban will have no impact whatsoever on the fantasy basketball landscape entering the 2024-25 campaign.

Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu (quadriceps) got shots up during the morning shootaround ahead of Wednesday's play-in game versus the Atlanta Hawks. Dosunmu sat out Chicago's final four contests of the regular season due to a right quadriceps contusion, but he's trending in the right direction to return on Wednesday. The 24-year-old sharpshooter stepped up in the Bulls' backcourt when healthy down the stretch to help mitigate the never-ending void of Lonzo Ball (knee), averaging 19.7 points, 4.6 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2.2 three-pointers on 47.1% shooting from downtown over his last 11 appearances of the 2023-24 season. Dosunmu would be a very popular DFS play in Wednesday's two-game contests if he's available against Atlanta, who allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing shooting guards during the regular season.

Golden State Warriors guard/forward Klay Thompson had a shocking performance in Tuesday's play-in loss to Sacramento and is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer, but the team wants to have him back in the lineup next season. Thompson went 0-for-10 from the field across 32 minutes in Tuesday's blowout loss. However, the Warriors, including head coach Steve Kerr, are desperate to see him return. "We need Klay back," Kerr said after the game. "He's still got good years left. And I know I speak for everybody in the organization: We want him back. ... What Klay has meant to this franchise and as good as he still is, we desperately want him back." Thompson had a very inconsistent campaign in 2023-24, even finding himself in a bench role at times for the first time since his rookie season in 2011-12. His scoring average of 17.9 points per game was his lowest since his sophomore year.

Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu (quad) is listed as questionable ahead of Wednesday's play-in matchup against the Atlanta Hawks. It's uncertain if the young guard will be ready to play after he missed the final four games of the regular season. His absence would be a significant hit to the Bulls rotation. Javonte Green would likely continue to start if Dosunmu is unable to play. Fantasy managers will have to check back closer to tip-off on Wednesday.

Boston Celtics guard Derrick White might've found a long term home. Recently, president of basketball operations Brad Stevens said that he wants to keep White around for as long as possible. This statement makes sense after the strong campaign that White posted during this season. He averaged 15.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 5.2 assists in 32.6 minutes per game across 73 contests. Both the rebounds and assists were career highs for White. The 29-year-old appears to have found a home in Boston, so we'll see what happens over the offseason.

The Los Angeles Lakers announced on Tuesday that forward Cam Reddish (ankle) has been downgraded to questionable for Tuesday's play-in game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Dealing with a sprained right ankle, Reddish hasn't been a consistent member of LA's rotation in recent weeks anyway but could be sidelined altogether on Tuesday against New Orleans. More bench minutes would be needed from Taurean Prince on the wing for the Lakers if Reddish is unable to go, but neither are going to be recommended DFS plays either way.

Washington Wizards forward Deni Avdija has his sights set on improving at both ends of the court next season. He wants to be a better off-ball defender and become a better ball-handler. Avdija made a big leap in his fourth NBA campaign, averaging career-high numbers across the boards. He developed into one of Washington's top scorers, averaging 14.7 points per game, and also boosted his rebounding numbers to 7.2 per game while handing out 3.8 assists. The Israeli talent turned just 23 at the start of January and should have a lot more upside.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (knee) doesn't carry an injury designation ahead of Tuesday's Play-In meeting with the Lakers. The 26-year-old injured his knee during a matchup with the Orlando Magic in March and was sidelined for 12 games. However, he returned for the regular-season finale versus the Lakers, amassing 13 points and five rebounds in 23 minutes. Fortunately, head coach Willie Green reported that Ingram looked good during practice on Monday, so the plan is to increase his minutes for Tuesday's rematch with Los Angeles. Of course, he'll likely see less work than usual. But Ingram is still worth considering for any DFS contest after Green's latest update.

Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley, while speaking at his exit interview on Monday, expressed his desire to remain with the organization. The 24-year-old, who was traded to Toronto in the deal that sent OG Anunoby to the Knicks, averaged a career-high 18.6 points, 6.8 assists, and 4.8 rebounds in 38 games with the Raptors. But he will be a restricted free agent this offseason, so there should be interest from multiple clubs around the National Basketball Association. With that said, Quickley is figured to earn over $25 million on his next contract, although the Raptors will likely be more than happy to match any offers he'll garner as a restricted free agent.

Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham is coming off his best season since entering the league as the No. 1 overall pick in 2021. He appeared in 62 games, averaging 22.7 points and 7.5 assists. But the 22-year-old still has things he'd like to improve throughout the offseason, specifically his conditioning. His ballhandling is also something he vowed to focus on. Cunningham has averaged 3.5 turnovers during his career, so fantasy managers would undoubtedly appreciate an improvement in that area. In addition, while his 62 appearances were an upgrade from the 2022-23 campaign, his inability to stay healthy over the years will negatively impact his fantasy stock until he proves he can stay on the floor.

Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (calf) won't suit up for Tuesday's Play-In meeting with the Sacramento Kings. The 31-year-old missed the final three contests of the regular season because of a strained calf. With that in mind, Payton only averaged 5.5 points and 2.6 rebounds throughout the 2023-24 campaign, so his absence won't have much of an impact on DFS managers.

The Atlanta Hawks are weighing the fact that guard Vit Krejci will be a restricted free agent in the offseason, which gives them the right to match any offer sheet. The hope is that they will be able to keep Krejci on a four-year deal that begins next season. After being waived by the Minnesota Timberwolves last October, Krejci signed a two-way contract with the Hawks in late December and made an impact for Atlanta with Trae Young sidelined for the majority of the campaign's later stages. The 23-year-old point forward averaged only 7.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists over his last 15 games (nine starts), but he hit 1.6 three-pointers per game on 43.6% shooting from deep over this period and proved he could be a versatile rotational piece.

Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen has agreed on a four-year, $70 million contract extension that includes a player option. The deal keeps Allen out of unrestricted free agency this summer and rewards him for a career-best season after joining the Suns as part of last offseason's blockbuster Damian Lillard trade. The 28-year-old three-and-D wing started all but one of his 75 games in the desert, returning top-75 fantasy numbers in nine-category leagues via averages of 13.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.7 three-pointers on an NBA-best 46.1% shooting clip from downtown. Allen should continue to be an integral contributor during Phoenix's postseason run.