Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward Deni Avdija (back) is listed as doubtful for Saturday's game against the Hornets and is tracking toward a third straight absence. His 29.0 usage rate leaves a sizable offensive gap. In Thursday's win over Chicago, Kris Murray started and logged 28 minutes with 10 points, five rebounds, and three assists, while Jerami Grant posted 27 points with three triples in 35 minutes. Murray is a viable short-term streamer for minutes and modest across-the-board production, while Grant carries a higher scoring ceiling if Avdija remains sidelined.

Free agent guard Tyus Jones is expected to be released by the Dallas Mavericks before the March 1 deadline, allowing him to pursue a roster spot with a contender. The 29-year-old moved multiple times before landing in Dallas and saw limited action, appearing in eight games with two starts. In that stretch, he averaged 3.9 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in 16.6 minutes. Jones should attract interest from playoff teams seeking steady point guard depth. His departure could open additional runs for Brandon Williams and create flexibility for Dallas to elevate Ryan Nembhard.

Free agent guard Cole Anthony was released by the Phoenix Suns on Friday after being acquired at the trade deadline and never suiting up for the team. The 25-year-old logged 35 games this season, averaging 6.7 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.5 rebounds in 15.0 minutes, but struggled to carve out a steady role. Anthony has shown flashes as a scoring spark and secondary playmaker in past stops, which should generate interest from guard-needy teams. For fantasy managers, he is off the radar in standard leagues but is worth monitoring if he lands in a situation with an immediate backcourt opportunity.

Indiana Pacers guard Quenton Jackson had his two-way agreement converted to a three-year standard deal Friday. The 27-year-old is in his third season with Indiana and has steadily grown from a little-used two-way guard into a trusted reserve ball handler. His athleticism and ability to pressure the paint have made him a natural fit in the Pacers' up-tempo system, and he has also knocked down 39.5 percent of his 114 three-point attempts over the past two seasons. That progression ultimately earned him a standard three-year deal. Over his last four games, Jackson is averaging 15.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in 26.2 minutes with 1.5 triples, carving out a meaningful role on a 15-45 squad. He is more of a watchlist option for now, but his value would climb quickly in deeper leagues if regular starters are sidelined.