NBA Player News

Sheppard (knee) is listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Mavericks.

Sheppard is in jeopardy of missing Friday's contest due to left knee soreness. If he's ultimately ruled out, Quenton Jackson and Jarace Walker would likely see increased burn, especially if Aaron Nesmith (hamstring) remains sidelined.

Jackson logged 12 points (4-8 FG, 2-2 3Pt, 2-2 FT), eight rebounds and two blocks across 19 minutes during Wednesday's 123-103 win over the Jazz.

Jackson's fantasy arrow appears to be pointing up following Opening Night. The forward seems to have beaten out Taylor Hendricks and Olivier-Maxence Prosper for a reserve role in the frontcourt.

Pippen supplied nine points (2-7 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 5-6 FT), two rebounds, five assists and three steals in 20 minutes during Wednesday's 123-103 win over the Jazz.

Pippen is playing the backup role at point guard to begin the year. Ty Jerome, who erupted for 45 points Wednesday, appears to have a strong hold on the top spot at the one for the time being.

Nesmith (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Mavericks.

Nesmith has been dealing with a left hamstring strain that kept him out of Wednesday's season-opening win over New Orleans, though he could return Friday. If the 27-year-old swingman remains sidelined, Jarace Walker and Kelly Oubre would likely see an uptick in minutes.

McConnell (hamstring) is out for Friday's game against Dallas.

The veteran point guard continues to battle a hamstring strain. His next chance to make his season debut comes Sunday in Brooklyn.

Okpara (illness) is questionable for Friday's game against Toronto.

The Wizards figure to check back in with Okpara closer to tipoff. The rookie big man may not see the floor even if he's available, though.

Mathurin notched 11 points (3-7 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 5-6 FT), three rebounds, two assists and one steal across 18 minutes during Wednesday's 123-120 loss to Indiana.

Making his Pelicans debut, Mathurin had a solid showing off the bench Wednesday. The swingman worked as the Clippers' sixth man following a deadline trade from the Pacers last season, and it appears initially Mathurin will handle a similar role in his new digs.

Bey ended with 13 points (4-9 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 3-3 FT) and five rebounds across 24 minutes during Wednesday's 123-120 loss to Indiana.

Jeremiah Fears got the first crack in the starting lineup Wednesday, but Bey had a decent showing off the bench in his own right. Yves Missi strengthened his hold as a starter with an impressive Opening Night performance, but Bey should remain in contention for a spot in the first unit on the wing throughout the course of the year.

Williamson notched 22 points (7-16 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 6-6 FT), three rebounds, three assists and three steals in 32 minutes during Wednesday's 123-120 loss to the Pacers.

The star forward turned in an excellent Opening Night performance, punctuated by a pair of three-pointers and perfect display from the foul line. Williamson hit one three all of last season, so he could be preparing to add another dimension to his arsenal to boost his overall fantasy value.

Murphy closed with 11 points (4-11 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 1-1 FT), four rebounds and one assist across 32 minutes during Wednesday's 123-120 loss to the Pacers.

Murphy took a back seat to both Dejounte Murray and Zion Williamson on Wednesday. Despite a fairly quiet season debut, Murphy should still be able to deliver early round fantasy numbers this season.