According to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, guard Bez Mbeng has agreed to a 10-day contract with the Utah Jazz. The undrafted rookie spent this season in the G League, averaging 6.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.8 steals in 27.5 minutes per game across 41 appearances. With Keyonte George (hamstring) dealing with an injury, Mbeng could see reserve guard minutes, though his fantasy appeal is limited to very deep formats. Isaiah Collier and Brice Sensabaugh should continue handling most backcourt usage, leaving Mbeng as more of a watch-list name than an immediate pickup.

Los Angeles Lakers forward/center Maxi Kleber (back) is expected to remain sidelined as he continues recovering from a lumbar issue, extending a recent stretch of missed games. Kleber has logged limited minutes when available this season, leaving little direct fantasy fallout from his absence. Jarred Vanderbilt should continue handling the backup frontcourt role, while Drew Timme could mix in for spot minutes when the Lakers go deeper into the rotation. Deandre Ayton's role remains unchanged as the starting center. Given Kleber's minimal workload, he can remain on waiver wires in most formats, with Vanderbilt only holding deep-league streaming appeal for rebounds and defensive stats.

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (hip) will remain sidelined for Friday's matchup against Portland as he continues working through a lingering issue with no clear return date. His continued absence keeps Utah's younger frontcourt firmly in play for fantasy managers. Rookie Ace Bailey turned in 21 points with five three-pointers, four rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 36 minutes last game, while Cody Williams logged 10 points and five assists in a team-high 38 minutes. Kyle Filipowski added 15 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and one block. All three remain viable streamers while Markkanen stays out.

Utah Jazz guard/forward John Konchar (calf) will sit out Friday's game against Portland, marking his second straight absence as he continues to deal with a left calf strain. His role has been modest, but the missed time helps solidify minutes for Utah's younger wings. Brice Sensabaugh capitalized on the last game with 29 points, six three-pointers, five rebounds, and five assists in 30 minutes, while rookie Ace Bailey added 21 points and five three-pointers in 36 minutes. Both should remain fantasy-relevant even when Konchar is active, given Utah's thin rotation, though his absence does open the door for slightly larger roles and more secure minutes.

Milwaukee Bucks forward/center Ousmane Dieng (illness) did not return to Thursday's loss to Miami after logging 14 minutes, finishing without a point while missing two shots as the team opted for caution. The absence appears temporary, but his recent stretch of 10.4 points, 2.0 three-pointers, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.0 assists across his previous five games had made him a viable deep-league streamer. Ryan Rollins could remain the primary beneficiary after producing 16 points, two three-pointers, five rebounds, and 10 assists in 33 minutes. Kyle Kuzma and Bobby Portis may also see slight usage bumps if Dieng misses additional time.

Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (knee) is expected to miss time after suffering a knee sprain Thursday, though his absence carries minimal fantasy impact given his limited role and workload this season. Isaac logged in just one minute before exiting and has averaged modest minutes when active, leaving little statistical void. Deep reserves Noah Penda and Goga Bitadze could see slight bumps in emergency minutes, with Penda posting four points, three rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 14 minutes last game. Bitadze remains a fringe option. Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr. should continue handling most frontcourt usage.

Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe) will miss the rest of the season after opting for surgery to address a lingering big toe issue that already sidelined him in recent games. The 25-year-old appeared in just 10 contests, averaging 11.4 points, 2.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.9 steals in 21.2 minutes. His absence should open more opportunities for Javon Small, who posted 19 points and nine assists in 28 minutes last game, though his fantasy appeal depends on the health of Ty Jerome (calf), Walter Clayton Jr. (ankle), and Cam Spencer (back). Small profiles as a speculative add in deeper formats.

Dallas' F Khris Middleton scored 35 points on 10-of-17 shooting in a 120-112 win over Memphis on Thursday, Mar. 12. Middleton is owned in only 7.5% leagues.

Lakers' G Luka Doncic recorded a double-double, scoring 51 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in a 142-130 win over the Bulls on Thursday, Mar. 12.

San Antonio's G Stephon Castle recorded a triple-double, finishing with 30 points, 10 assists and 11 rebounds in a 131-136 loss to the Nuggets on Thursday, Mar. 12.

Denver's C Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double, finishing with 31 points, 12 assists and 20 rebounds in a 136-131 win over San Antonio on Thursday, Mar. 12.

Suns' G Devin Booker scored 43 points on 14-of-31 shooting in a 123-108 win over Indiana on Thursday, Mar. 12.

Utah Jazz point guard Keyonte George (hamstring) will be re-evaluated in two weeks, ESPN's Tim Bontemps reports. The talented guard was injured in Wednesday's loss to the New York Knicks and has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 right hamstring strain. George looks set to miss at least seven games, but considering the Jazz's approach to the season, it wouldn't be surprising if he were shut down for the rest of the campaign. Isaiah Collier will move into the starting point guard spot and is expected to make a big impact. Across his previous 16 starts this season, Collier has produced 15.3 points, 8.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.

Chicago Bulls forward Isaac Okoro (knee) will miss a second consecutive game on Thursday against the Los Angeles Lakers. The 25-year-old was initially listed as questionable on the injury report. With Okoro unable to return to the lineup, Leonard Miller will make another start. He had a good outing with 17 points and 11 rebounds on Tuesday night against Golden State. Okoro will get his next chance to return on Friday night against the Clippers.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward Ayo Dosunmu (thumb) is considered questionable for Friday night's action against the Golden State Warriors. The former Bull is listed on the injury report with a right thumb sprain and could be absent for a second consecutive contest. Since moving to Minnesota, Dosunmu has averaged 11.0 points and 2.5 assists in 25.3 minutes per game. Kyle Anderson and Terrence Shannon Jr. saw their workload increase when Dosunmu sat out Wednesday's loss to the Clippers. Despite receiving more minutes, the duo failed to make a significant impact, making them poor fantasy options at present.

Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams (ankle) has been downgraded from doubtful to out for Thursday's contest against the Los Angeles Lakers. Williams was trending in the wrong direction throughout the day, having been listed as questionable on the initial injury report. The 24-year-old hasn't been able to build any momentum this season and will be sidelined for the sixth time in seven games. Chicago begins a back-to-back set, and it's unclear whether Williams will be in contention to play on Friday against the Clippers.

Chicago Bulls forward/center Guerschon Yabusele (foot) will miss Thursday's encounter with the Los Angeles Lakers. He has been ruled out for the contest after being downgraded to doubtful on the injury report earlier on Thursday. Meanwhile, Jalen Smith (calf) has been cleared to play and will anchor the frontcourt with Nick Richards. Bulls head coach Billy Donovan has already announced that Smith is likely to be held out of Friday's matchup with the Clippers, which would allow Yabusele to take on a significant role again if he's ready to return.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (foot, hip) will return to action on Thursday night against the Chicago Bulls, ESPN's Dave McMenamin reports. The veteran superstar has dealt with several health issues recently, missing three games. Rui Hachimura has been a starter during James' absence and will likely drop back to the bench for Thursday's tilt. James had a 24-point outing in his first meeting with the Bulls this season. He has averaged 19.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 1.1 steals since making his 22nd All-Star appearance.

Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (ankle) will suit up on Thursday against the Los Angeles Lakers. Due to an ankle injury, Buzelis was initially listed as probable for the game. The 21-year-old sophomore is fresh off a career night against the Warriors and should be full of confidence ahead of Thursday's matchup. Since the All-Star break, Buzelis has produced averages of 19.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game.

Golden State Warriors guard/forward Moses Moody (wrist) will be out for a fifth straight game on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Warriors announced earlier this week that Moody has resumed on-court activities. According to head coach Steve Kerr, the 23-year-old could be an option during the team's upcoming six-game road trip, which begins on Sunday in New York. Gary Payton II and Will Richard will continue to enjoy extra playing time until Moody returns.