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 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.

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.