New Orleans Pelicans forward/center Zion Williamson (illness) will return to action on Saturday against the Charlotte Hornets. The enigmatic star has been in and out of the Pelicans lineup, with his last appearance coming on Jan. 17. Williamson has taken the court just 10 times this season. However, he has been in top form when available, averaging 21.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 1.2 steals in 28.9 minutes. Williamson will spearhead the team alongside CJ McCollum and Trey Murphy III, with Dejounte Murray (finger) sidelined on Saturday.

Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball (wrist) will play on Saturday against the New Orleans Pelicans. Ball missed the first leg of a back-to-back on Friday against the Portland Trail Blazers due to a wrist injury. However, he has been upgraded from probable to available ahead of Saturday's game. Ball's return sends Vasilije Micic back to the bench. Micic put up 12 points with three assists on Friday, but he generally struggles to make an impact as a member of the second unit.

New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (finger) won't play on Saturday against Charlotte. The former Hawk missed over a month to begin the 2024-25 campaign because of a left hand injury. However, according to head coach Willie Green, Murray will get X-rays on his right hand. For now, he's ruled out with a sprained right index finger. While that injury could keep the 28-year-old off the floor, fantasy managers are hoping the injury isn't more severe. In the meantime, Jose Alvarado and Jordan Hawkins will likely see a bump in fantasy production.

Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony (illness) will play on Saturday against the Pistons. The 24-year-old had been starting in place of Jalen Suggs (back). However, Anthony missed the last two games because of an illness, opening the door for Anthony Black to get a crack at the starting lineup. But with Suggs back in the equation and starting, Anthony will head back to the bench. Although Suggs should be limited in his first appearance after missing the last 10 games, Anthony's fantasy potential is much lower.

Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze (concussion protocol) won't play on Saturday against Detroit. The 25-year-old exited the January 12 meeting with the Philadelphia 76ers because of a hip injury. However, he also developed concussion-like symptoms, keeping him off the floor for Orlando's previous five games. Bitadze was questionable, so it appears he could be close to returning. But for now, Wendell Carter Jr., averaging 8.6 points and 7.9 rebounds in 24 starts this season, will fill Bitadze's spot in the rotation.

Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (back) will play on Saturday versus Detroit. The Magic recently welcomed back Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. But now the team will get back Suggs, who has averaged 16.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals this season, all career-highs. While he'll likely get eased back into the swing of things, at least for a few games, fantasy managers can get him back in their starting lineups. The potential for fewer minutes for Suggs should also keep Cole Anthony (illness), who is available, relevant for at least a few more contests.

Brooklyn Nets guard/forward Ben Simmons (illness) will play on Saturday against Miami. The 28-year-old missed the last three games because of an illness. With D'Angelo Russell (personal) also sidelined on Wednesday versus Phoenix, Keon Johnson, finishing with 20 points, spent time at the one. However, with Russell and Simmons back in the mix, Johnson likely won't be as productive. With that said, Simmons hasn't been consistent on the scoring end, although that has been going on for years. Still, he's at least good for some assists and rebounds for category managers.

Brooklyn Nets guard D'Angelo Russell (personal) will play on Saturday against Miami. The 28-year-old wasn't available for Wednesday's loss to the Phoenix Suns. Ben Simmons (illness) also wasn't on the floor for that one, resulting in Keon Johnson getting some work at the point and finishing with 20 points. But with Russell and Simmons back in the mix, Johnson likely won't be as productive. As far as Russell is concerned, he's played well since being acquired by the Nets, averaging 14.6 points, 8.3 assists, and 1.6 steals in seven appearances for Brooklyn. With Cameron Johnson (ankle) still on the shelf, D'Lo may be more productive.

Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Klay Thompson (ankle) will play on Saturday against Boston. The former Golden State Warrior missed the last two games because of a sprained left ankle. Fortunately, he's good to go for the NBA Finals rematch. Thompson has had one of the worst seasons of his career, averaging 13.6 points. He could have trouble turning things around on Saturday, considering the Celtics have allowed just 108.4 points per game, the sixth-best mark in the National Basketball Association. Still, Thompson is worthy of a spot in most fantasy lineups, especially with Luka Doncic (calf) on the shelf. His presence will likely result in Quentin Grimes heading back to the bench,

Dallas Mavericks guard Jaden Hardy (ankle) will play on Saturday against Boston. He missed the last three games because of a sprained ankle. However, the 22-year-old has averaged just 8.1 points this season, so he likely won't have a spot in most fantasy lineups for the NBA Finals rematch. With Luka Doncic (calf), Naji Marshall (illness), Dereck Lively II (ankle), and Dwight Powell (hip) sidelined, there are minutes up for grabs. Still, Grimes can't be trusted for fantasy production, even with the potential for more work.

Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (knee) will play on Saturday versus Dallas. He popped up on the injury report because of left knee soreness. However, while it's something fantasy managers should monitor moving forward, the ailment won't keep him off the floor for the NBA Finals rematch. The 30-year-old has averaged 15.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks, all career-highs. With White available, Sam Hauser and Al Horford should see fewer minutes, lowering their fantasy ceilings for Saturday night.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (personal) won't play on Saturday night versus the Clippers. The veteran wasn't listed on the injury report. However, he won't suit up due to a "family matter." Portis has been a quality contributor for Milwaukee this season, as expected, averaging 13.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists, so the team is hoping he'll be back in the lineup on Monday evening in Utah. While Portis is out, Gary Trent Jr. and Taurean Prince could be in line for more work, although both haven't been consistent fantasy producers this season.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Mavericks are optimistic that guard Luka Doncic (calf) will return before the All-Star break. The 22-year-old had seen a dip in production before sustaining a left calf strain during the Christmas Day meeting with the Minnesota Timberwolves, keeping him off the floor for Dallas' previous 15 contests. Of course, that timeline could always change, depending on Doncic's progress over the next few weeks. The team will also play it safe by not rushing him back too early while potentially keeping him out of the lineup at times moving ahead. But until Doncic is cleared to suit up, Kyrie Irving should remain the Mavericks' No. 1 scoring option, with Spencer Dinwiddie, P.J. Washington, and Klay Thompson also benefiting on the offensive side of the ball.

Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (shoulder) is sidelined indefinitely. The 23-year-old has had the best season of his career, averaging 18.9 points, 10.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 1.6 steals. He recently missed time because of right shoulder inflammation. However, Johnson exited Thursday's loss to the Toronto Raptors after sustaining a left shoulder injury. He'll undergo further testing, with the team providing an update "as appropriate." Trae Young and De'Andre Hunter have benefited the most in games without Johnson in the lineup. But players like Keaton Wallace and Vit Krejci could also see a bump in fantasy production.

Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (knee) has been added to the injury report ahead of Saturday's game with the Mavericks. The veteran is questionable because of knee soreness, putting him in danger of missing his third game of the 2024-25 campaign. If White isn't available against Dallas, there are a number of directions head coach Joe Mazzulla could go regarding the starting lineup. However, it's reasonable to assume Al Horford or Sam Hauser could start the game, although both would be in line for more work if White doesn't play regardless of their roles. The same can be said for Payton Pritchard.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (illness) will play on Saturday against Denver. He was listed on the injury report because of an illness. However, Edwards is one of the most durable players in the National Basketball Association, so most had already assumed he'd be out there for this one. The 23-year-old had a solid outing when the Timberwolves faced the Nuggets on November 1, with Edwards finishing with 29 points while going 7-for-14 from behind the arc. Granted, fantasy managers shouldn't expect that same level of production. Yet, Denver has struggled on the defensive end during the 2024-25 campaign, giving the 2020 No. 1 overall pick plenty of upside on Saturday afternoon.

Cavaliers' G Ty Jerome scored 33 points on 11-of-14 shooting in a 129-132 loss to Philadelphia on Friday, Jan. 24. Jerome is owned in only 5.6% leagues.

Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (hamstring) is listed as questionable ahead of Saturday's game against the Toronto Raptors. Young appears to have picked up a hamstring injury during Thursday's contest. As a result, Young is listed as questionable for this game which could leave a big void to fill in the rotation. The expectation is that the Hawks would use a committee approach if Young is unable to go. That means, Vit Krejci, Dyson Daniels, and Bogdan Bogdanovic would all see more playing time on Saturday. Between the three, Bogdanovic is the best fantasy option due to his scoring ability.

New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (knee) is listed as questionable ahead of Saturday's game against the Sacramento Kings. Hart has been dealing with a neck injury, but the right knee issue is a new one for him. It's unclear where he picked it up, but Hart is now in danger of sitting out this weekend. If that happens, Miles McBride and Cameron Payne would likely both see increased roles in the rotation. Both players have been playing minutes in the teens recently, so they haven't offered much fantasy value. However, McBride could be worth a look if Hart is unable to play.

Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (hip) has been ruled out ahead of Saturday's game against the Atlanta Hawks. This lingering hip issue will force Quickley to miss his sixth game in a row. The Raptors haven't given a clear timetable on Quickley's return, but the hope is that he'll be back soon. In the meantime, Gradey Dick and Bruce Brown figure to continue seeing increased roles in the rotation. Both players are well worth a look as streaming options with the Raptors shorthanded right now.