Charlotte Hornets guard Tre Mann got off to a fast start this season, averaging 14.1 points, 3.0 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 0.5 per game while playing 24.5 minutes per game. He was starting to even get some Sixth Man of the Year attention and would be in a great position to step up while LaMelo Ball (calf) is sidelined for two weeks. However, that won't be possible since Mann was diagnosed with "disc irritation" in his lower back and will also miss at least two more weeks. With both Mann and Ball out for a while, Vasilije Micic will likely continue to start at point guard for Charlotte for the next few weeks and is a nice addition from the waiver wire if available. Mann is a hold if possible given his early-season success, but he may be out too long to stash depending on the size and competitiveness of your league.

Jovic started the first eight games of the season for the Miami Heat before sliding to a bench role for his next six games. He has missed the Heat's last three games after sustaining an ankle injury last Sunday against the Mavericks. In the three games he has missed, Duncan Robinson has averaged over 30 minutes a game while producing 14.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists. Haywood Highsmith has also played extra minutes in the last two games, producing solid counting stats. Kevin Love had eight points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals in 13 minutes in his return. Love was listed as available to play Sunday as well and can be a punt play along with Highsmith in DFS contests.

According to Los Angeles Clippers head coach Ty Lue, forward Kawhi Leonard is "progressing well." However, the team will remain cautious while ensuring Leonard checks "every box" before moving on to the next step in his rehab process. Without a doubt, Leonard is one of the best players on the planet. Unfortunately, health issues have prevented him from reaching his max potential. With that in mind, it will likely be a while before the veteran is back on the floor. But he's still worth stashing as long as necessary.

Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (ankle) will be sidelined for 2-3 weeks, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The 24-year-old has appeared in only one game since logging 21 minutes in the November 10 win over the Toronto Raptors. Hayes hasn't done much to benefit fantasy managers this season, averaging only 6.4 points and 4.5 rebounds. However, his absence should make things easier offensively for opposing big men while Hayes is on the shelf. In the meantime, the Lakers may continue to run smaller than usual, meaning LeBron James and Rui Hachimura could find themselves spending time at the five behind Anthony Davis. Christian Koloko may also need to get involved, although he hasn't seen much action this season.

Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards (rib) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Hawks. The 26-year-old last played in the November 1 meeting with the Boston Celtics. However, he's been on the shelf since. With Grant Williams (knee) and Mark Williams (foot) on the shelf, the Hornets could certainly use him back on the floor, especially with even more depth issues caused by the injuries to LaMelo Ball (calf) and Miles Bridges (knee). If Richards returns on Saturday, he might not see his usual workload. As a result, Moussa Diabate could continue to have a place in fantasy lineups for at least a few more games, although mostly for category managers looking for rebounds.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (calf) will be re-evaluated in two weeks because of a left calf strain. The 23-year-old has had an MVP-caliber season, averaging a career-high 31.3 points with 6.9 assists and 5.4 rebounds. Unfortunately, Ball will miss more time after appearing in only 58 games in the previous two seasons. With Tre Mann (back) dealing with disc irritation, Vasilije Micic, who averaged 11.8 points and 6.3 assists in 21 starts last season, is worth considering for streaming purposes. Of course, Brandon Miller should pick up a lot of the surplus scoring opportunities caused by Ball's absence, at least until Miles Bridges (knee) is back on the floor.

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (knee) is questionable heading into Saturday's meeting with the Suns. The veteran sharpshooter wasn't available for Wednesday's loss to OKC because of bilateral knee pain. As a result, Brandin Podziemski entered the starting lineup and finished with 12 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. If Curry remains out on Saturday, Podziemski would be in line to see an uptick in fantasy contributions. Andrew Wiggins (ankle), Jonathan Kuminga (illness), and Buddy Hield could also benefit if Curry can't get back on the floor.

Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (illness) is expected to suit up on Saturday night against the Suns. The 22-year-old missed a few games before returning on Wednesday against OKC. He scored 19 points, although he shot a rough 3-for-10 from behind the arc. With Stephen Curry (knees) in danger of missing another contest, Kuminga may see an increase in scoring chances versus Phoenix, assuming he can suit up.

Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (ankle) is questionable heading into Saturday's contest versus the Phoenix Suns. The veteran is playing much better than he did last season, averaging 17.4 points and shooting a career-high 41.0% from behind the arc. With Stephen Curry (knees) in danger of missing Saturday's meeting, Wiggins could see more scoring opportunities, assuming he can play. If not, Buddy Hield, Brandin Podziemski, and Jonathan Kuminga (illness) may spend more time on the floor, even more so if Curry remains sidelined.

Phoenix Suns guard/forward Bradley Beal (calf) is questionable against Golden State on Saturday. Beal recently returned from a lengthy absence because of a calf injury. However, he may not be fully-healthy, considering he appeared to be laboring the injury in Wednesday's game versus the Brooklyn Nets. If he can't get on the floor, Kevin Durant and Devin Booker should pick up most of the slack. Royce O'Neale and Grayson Allen may also get more minutes, making them both attractive streaming options.

Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic (quadriceps) is questionable for Saturday's game versus Golden State. The big man has spent plenty of time on the injury report throughout the 2024-25 campaign. However, a quad contusion is the latest ailment jeopardizing his availability. If Nurkic can't suit up, Mason Plumlee, averaging 9.7 points and 11.0 boards in three starts this season, will automatically gain streaming consideration from fantasy managers. He'll also be an attractive DFS value option.

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (wrist) is doubtful for Saturday's game in Utah. The doubtful designation is at least a step in the right direction. However, it appears the 25-year-old will miss a fifth-straight game due to a sprained right wrist. As expected, Kyrie Irving is the favorite to lead the way offensively if Doncic can't suit up, especially with Klay Thompson (foot) still out. At the same time, Naji Marshall and P.J. Washington have both averaged over 20 points in games without Doncic this season, so they could continue to thrive.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) is probable for Saturday's matchup versus the Washington Wizards. The multi-time All-Star was also probable heading into Wednesday's meeting with the Miami Heat. However, he was downgraded shortly before tip-off and wasn't on the floor. As a result, Damian Lillard went crazy, scoring 37 points and shooting 8-for-13 from deep. Naturally, Lillard should continue to get most of the scoring chances if Antetokounmpo misses another game. Bobby Portis and Brook Lopez could also get more involved.

Dallas Mavericks forward Klay Thompson (ankle) remains sidelined for Saturday's meeting with the Utah Jazz. The veteran will now miss his third-consecutive contest because of a left foot injury, although it's unknown when he'll be healthy enough to return. With Luka Doncic (wrist) doubtful, fantasy managers should expect an increase in production from Kyrie Irving, Naji Marshall, and P.J. Washington.

Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (groin) won't suit up for Saturday's matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks. Kuzma injured his groin during Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers, so fantasy managers already had an idea this was coming. He's already missed five games this season because of a rib injury. However, it's anyone's guess when the 29-year-old will be back on the floor. But until Kuzma returns, Kyshawn George, averaging 12.3 points and 5.3 boards in six starts this season, is worth streaming, although his 26.1% shooting from deep won't be appreciated by category managers.

Miami Heat forward/center Kevin Love (back) will be active on Friday against Toronto. Back spasms kept Love out on Wednesday versus Charlotte, but he makes a quick return, with Miami upgrading him from questionable to available. The veteran big man has lost most of his fantasy appeal in Year 17 in the Association, averaging 6.6 points and 6.1 rebounds in 12.6 minutes. Kel'el Ware will lose minutes to Love, but the rookie hasn't played a significant role anyway.

Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (knee) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Pistons. The 34-year-old hyperextended his left knee in the November 20 matchup versus the Memphis Grizzlies and has missed the last three games. He practiced in full on Friday. However, this is George's second time dealing with this issue, so the team will likely continue taking the cautious approach to avoid further injury. With Joel Embiid (knee, personal) out again, Tyrese Max should lead the way offensively if George can't suit up. Jared McCain, averaging 23.7 points in seven starts this season, could also continue to benefit if George is unavailable.

Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (hip) has been upgraded from questionable to available ahead of tip-off against Indiana on Friday. The veteran returns to the lineup after missing the previous game with a hip issue. Through 19 appearances, Harris has been limited to 13.8 points on 44.4 percent shooting this season, grabbing 7.2 rebounds. Harris' return means a bench role for Ausar Thompson, with Simone Fontecchio and Ronald Holland II also losing playing time. Indiana struggles defensively, making this a good matchup for Harris, but he managed only 13 points in the first head-to-head meeting of the season.

Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (hip) will rejoin the action on Friday versus Indiana. He was initially listed as questionable on the injury report. Cunningham returns from a three-game absence and lines up in a fascinating matchup against Tyrese Haliburton. The Pistons star outplayed his counterpart in this season's first meeting, netting 28 points with five rebounds, eight assists, and one steal. Cunningham's return will push Malik Beasley back to the bench, but he should still play a significant role in the rotation.

Chicago Bulls forward/center Jalen Smith (ankle) will return from a one-game absence on Friday against Boston. The 24-year-old missed Wednesday's clash against Orlando with an ankle injury and was initially regarded as questionable for Friday's NBA Cup action. Smith operates as Nikola Vucevic's backup, which limits his fantasy value. He has averaged 8.0 points and 5.1 rebounds in 14.5 minutes this season. Friday's matchup is a tough one for Chicago's big men, as Boston allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing centers.