Milwaukee Bucks guard/forward Gary Trent Jr. will return to the starting lineup on Thursday against the Boston Celtics, replacing Jericho Sims. Trent Jr. was a regular starter earlier in the campaign but has come exclusively off the bench this month. Sims started each of the last two contests, but the 27-year-old was limited to only 2.0 points per game and had 6.0 rebounds. While Trent Jr. has done a decent job off the bench, his numbers have improved slightly in a starting role this season, jumping to 9.9 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists.

Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (finger) has been ruled out for Friday's action against the Washington Wizards. The big man returned to full practice this week but will sit out a sixth consecutive game. Thomas Bryant and Dean Wade have picked up extra shifts in the rotation during Allen's absence, but neither player has been a good fantasy option. Wade's numbers tend to fluctuate, while Bryant hasn't provided much besides rebounds. On paper, Friday's matchup is a juicy one for Cleveland's frontcourt, as only Chicago has allowed more fantasy points to centers this season than Washington.

Milwaukee Bucks guard AJ Green (shoulder) will sit out Thursday's tilt against the Boston Celtics, Eric Nehm of The Athletic reports. He was initially listed as questionable on the injury report after Green missed his first game of the season last Saturday against the Detroit Pistons. Kyle Kuzma moved to the starting unit against Detroit, while Gary Trent Jr.'s fantasy stock also receives a boost from Green's absence. Green will get his next chance to return on Sunday against the Brooklyn Nets.

New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Poole (quadriceps) has received the green light to play on Thursday night against the Portland Trail Blazers. The team has upgraded Poole's status from questionable to available. The savvy scorer has been out since early November, making only seven appearances this season. Due to his long layoff, Poole may only see limited action on Thursday. However, once he is back in shape, Poole could be set for a huge stretch, with Zion Williamson (adductor) on the shelf. Before straining his left quadriceps, Poole posted 17.3 points and 3.4 assists in 30.3 minutes per game.