Utah Jazz guard Isaiah Collier (hamstring) is out for Friday's game against the Rockets, extending his absence to nine straight games. His continued absence should keep Bez Mbeng involved after he logged seven points, one rebound, two assists, and one steal in 23 minutes last game. Kennedy Chandler could also maintain a sizable role after finishing with 16 points, five rebounds, six assists, one steal, and one block in 33 minutes. Chandler looks like the more reliable deep-league streamer, while Mbeng is a deeper-league gamble.

New Orleans Pelicans forward/center Karlo Matkovic (back) has been ruled out for Thursday's tilt against the Portland Trail Blazers. He has landed on the shelf due to lower back spasms after initially carrying a questionable tag on the injury report. Since Matkovic won't be available Thursday, he might not be ready to play on Friday either, when New Orleans visits Sacramento to complete a back-to-back. Yves Missi and Derik Queen will likely benefit the most from Matkovic's absence.

New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Trey Murphy III (ankle) will make his return to the lineup on Thursday against the Portland Trail Blazers. The 25-year-old has recovered from an ankle sprain, shedding a questionable tag. Murphy III has missed three games, which has opened the door for Yves Missi to move back into the starting lineup. He will likely be bumped back to the bench on Thursday. During a disappointing campaign, Murphy III's performance has been one of the few positives for the Pelicans. He is averaging a career-high 21.7 points, along with 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals. New Orleans is in a pace-up spot on Thursday night, giving Murphy III a good opportunity to put up numbers above his season averages.

Chicago Bulls guard Tre Jones (ankle) is questionable for Friday's game against the Knicks, while Josh Giddey (hamstring) is also on the injury report. If either guard is out, Collin Sexton could see another start after finishing with 18 points, one three-pointer, three rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block in 26 minutes last game. Sexton is averaging 20.4 points, 2.6 three-pointers, and 3.2 assists over his last five games and looks like a solid points streamer. Rob Dillingham may also see increased minutes as a deep-league option.