According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George was issued a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA's anti-drug policy. The multi-time All-Star has accepted full responsibility, stating "he made the mistake of taking an improper medication" due to mental health issues. George has averaged 16.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals throughout the campaign. He's also missed 20 games, mostly to recover from offseason surgery on his left knee. The 35-year-old isn't as productive as he once was, although he is still a reliable fantasy performer. With that said, the time away may actually benefit him, considering he will now have more time to rest any lingering injuries. While George is off the floor, VJ Edgecombe, Tyrese Maxey, and Joel Embiid should all get additional offensive opportunities. The same can be said for Kelly Oubre Jr. and Quentin Grimes, who will presumably receive even more minutes moving ahead.

Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (rest) is unlikely to play Saturday against Miami as Chicago manages the veteran big man on the front end of a back-to-back. His expected absence keeps the frontcourt offense flowing through Matas Buzelis, who has consistently handled a sizable workload. Buzelis has averaged 14.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, making him a steady fantasy option. Jalen Smith's (calf) questionable status could further stabilize Buzelis' role, while Patrick Williams is expected to see extra run but carries a low floor.

Chicago Bulls guard Tre Jones (hamstring) will not play Saturday against Miami as he continues to work through a multi-week absence, with a return still not imminent. His continued absence keeps backcourt minutes concentrated elsewhere, boosting Ayo Dosunmu's fantasy profile. Dosunmu has responded with an expanded run, averaging 20.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists across his last three games, including a 23-point outing Thursday. Kevin Huerter also remains in play as a deeper-league streamer after logging 33 minutes against Miami. Standard-league managers can wait on Jones until he's fully back in the mix.

Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (ribs) will not play Saturday against Chicago, extending his absence to nine straight games. He has continued to be ruled out well ahead of tipoff, a pattern that points to a week-to-week situation and makes him doubtful for Sunday's rematch. Herro's continued absence, paired with Norman Powell (personal) being out and Davion Mitchell (shoulder) trending doubtful, keeps Miami's rotation thin. Jaime Jaquez Jr. has responded with expanded minutes and delivered 19 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists on Friday. Pelle Larsson and Dru Smith remain viable deep-league streamers handling secondary playmaking duties.