Ryan Saunders said that D'Angelo Russell's rest day on Saturday was pre-planned.
Russell's rest day came as a surprise considering the struggling Timberwolves are already without Karl Anthony-Towns (COVID-19). But Saunders clarified that this was planned because Russell's carrying a heavier workload this season. Fantasy managers shouldn't be alarmed.
Gabe Vincent (knee) is listed as probable vs the Nets on Saturday.
He was listed as probable heading into Friday's game also, so it's safe to assume that he'll play. Although, even as a starter, Vincent has been quiet the last four contests as Kendrick Nunn has stepped up in a major way for the Heat. Confidently drop Vincent if it means making space for K-Nunn.
Josh Okogie (left hamstring strain) is listed as probable for Saturday's game against the Pelicans.
Okogie was limited to 19 minutes in Friday's loss to the Hawks, with the blowout likely buying him a few more minutes on the bench. His being listed as probable for the second game of a back-to-back is good news from an availability standpoint, but he hasn't been all that productive when it comes to fantasy basketball. If there's a desperate need for defensive stats he's worth considering, but there are better options on the waiver wire in standard leagues.
JaKarr Sampson (illness, non-COVID related) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Raptors.
With Myles Turner (hand) having made his return to the lineup on Friday, there isn't much room for Sampson in the Pacers frontcourt rotation. He can be left on the waiver wire, whether or not he's cleared to play Sunday afternoon.
Michael Carter-Williams won't play on Sunday against the Hornets due to a left foot injury.
Carter-Williams hasn't played in a game since January 4th, and despite the Magic's need for another guard in the rotation, they'll take things slow with him. He's participated in non-contact practice drills, though, so he should be returning sometime soon.
Lamar Stevens (two-way contract) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Celtics.
Players on two-way contracts can be made available for a maximum of 50 games, so Stevens will have to sit out Sunday's matchup with the Celtics. He wasn't on the fantasy radar in either standard or deeper leagues.
Quinndary Weatherspoon (left knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Wizards.
Weatherspoon, who underwent offseason knee surgery, was originally listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Mavericks but was not made active. Regardless of what the Spurs decide for Sunday, he isn't worth rostering given the team's surplus of young wings.
Payton Pritchard (right knee) has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 MCL sprain.
Pritchard, who was injured during Friday's loss to the 76ers, dodged a bullet with this diagnosis. Per the Celtics, the rookie guard will be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks. With Pritchard sidelined, there's room for either Javonte Green or Tremont Waters to grab additional minutes on the back end of the rotation. Neither will be worth rostering in standard leagues, however.
Drew Eubanks won't play on Sunday against the Wizards due to COVID protocol.
Eubanks isn't in the Spurs rotation anyway.
Aaron Nesmith (lower back spasms) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Cavaliers.
Nesmith was a late scratch for Friday's loss in Philadelphia due to the back spasms, and it appears likely that he will miss another game. The rookie hasn't been an established rotation player, so his absence will have no impact when it comes to fantasy basketball.
Damian Jones won't play on Saturday against the Nuggets due to health and safety protocol.
Jones is not a rotation player, and his absence doesn't change anything for fantasy managers.
The Kings are looking at trading Nemanja Bejlica to prioritize De'Aaron Fox's growth.
According to the Sacramento Bee, Nemanja Bjelica's days left with the Kings could be numbered. The forward's fallen out of the lineup entirely, and though the team claims he's been missing games for personal reasons, The Bee reports that there is no issue. Head coach Luke Walton recently said Bjelica would return to the lineup at some point, but it's unclear if that'll happen. He's shooting career lows 41.2% from the field and 23.8% from 3-point range in 10 games. For now, there's no reason to roster him.
Otto Porter Jr. (rest) won't play vs the Lakers on Saturday.
After playing last night, Porter will miss the back end of the Bulls' back-to-back tonight when they play the Lakers. The training staff is playing it safe with OPJ after he missed a few games with back spasms, so guys like Patrick Williams, Garrett Temple and Denzel Valentine should be in line for more minutes. Temple has notched double-digit scoring in three-straight games with eight 3-pointers and is the best pickup option of the trio.
Mike Scott will miss Saturday's game vs the Pistons with right knee swelling.
Scott continues to miss games as he recovers from swelling in his right knee and has no fantasy value at this time.
Blake Griffin (left knee) has been ruled out Saturday vs the Sixers.
It's the back end of a back-to-back tonight for the Pistons so they're probably just resting Griffin to play it safe. Josh Jackson will likely start in his place, but look for Isaiah Stewart to see a bump in minutes. He had seven points, 10 rebounds and two blocks on Friday night vs the Rockets.
Ricky Rubio (health and safety) is listed as questionable on Saturday vs the Pelicans.
Rubio played last night after missing a few games, finishing with four points, four rebounds, five assists and three steals in 15 minutes off the bench. But with D'Angelo Russell (rest) out tonight, it's hard to imagine Rubio wouldn't play because it would leave the team without a true point guard. He's likely going to be a game-time decision and if he doesn't play, Anthony Edwards and Jarrett Culver should be in store for increased roles.
Goran Dragic (foot) is probable on Saturday for the first of Miami's two-game set vs the Nets.
Dragic played last night and will likely suit up for today's game at Brooklyn. The Heat are without Jimmy Butler (COVID-protocols), Tyler Herro (neck) and more and surely need Dragic's veteran play to compete against the Nets' talented trio. Gabe Vincent is also listed as probable.
Gabe Vincent (knee) is listed as probable vs the Heat on Saturday.
He was listed as probable heading into Friday's game also, so it's safe to assume that he'll play. Although, even as a starter, Vincent has been quiet the last four contests as Kendrick Nunn has stepped up in a major way for the Heat. Confidently drop Vincent if it means making space for K-Nunn.
Scott Brooks told reporters that newly signed center Alex Len will have a "good opportunity" to contribute for the Wizards which are shorthanded on centers.
After being waived by the Raptors, Len will have a chance to prove himself in D.C., but he'll be competing with Robin Lopez, Moritz Wagner and Jordan Bell. Bell is signing a 10-day deal and will also be given significant minutes for the Wizards which haven't played in a week. Keep an eye on Len in deep leagues but don't add him just yet because he wasn't producing fantasy-worthy numbers in Toronto and that's unlikely to change.
Raul Neto (groin) didn't practice on Saturday and is questionable on Sunday vs the Spurs.
Scott Brooks said veteran guard Neto didn't participate in practice this morning and that his status for tomorrow's game is uncertain at this point. Russell Westbrook (quad) is also questionable and it'd be surprising if both don't play because the Wizards are already very shorthanded. Check back tomorrow for more.