Anthony Davis is forcing his way into the lineup, but how many minutes will he play, and more importantly, how many games? Jonas Valanciunas looks like a big winner, Wayne Ellington is signing with the Pistons, Kevin Love might play tonight … it’s all happening!

Dan Besbris recaps a wild Thursday and fun Friday morning of news!

(02-08-19)

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Collin Sexton - G - Cleveland Cavaliers

Collin Sexton went back into the locker room in Thursday's game after sustaining a laceration.

Sexton was bleeding from the mouth and went to the back with a trainer. We'll keep you posted on his condition.

Source: Chris Fedor on Twitter

Mikal Bridges - F - Phoenix Suns

Mikal Bridges will come off the bench on Thursday with Kelly Oubre starting against the Cavs.

Bridges has been in a nice groove of late, so while this is a disappointment it's not going to be the end of his standard-league run at all. The rookie is posting top-130/110 value on the full season in 8/9-cat leagues and is top-80/65 over the last month, so there's no need to make a panic move here. Bridges is a strong hold for the rest of the way.

Source: Gina Mizell on Twitter

Dante Exum - G - Utah Jazz

Dante Exum (sprained left ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's matchup with the Thunder.

Exum missed practice to get his ankle re-evaluated today so this is a bit of a disappointment. It's been over a month on the sidelines for Exum, who will slide back into the backup point guard role whenever he is ready to return. There's not a ton of fantasy appeal here.

Source: Andy Larsen on Twitter

Nikola Mirotic - F - Milwaukee Bucks

Nikola Mirotic (right calf strain) will make his Bucks debut on Thursday against the Celtics and will be on a minutes limit.

No word on what the restriction is but it'll be good to see Mirotic on the floor either way. Middle-round numbers are a safe expectation for Mirotic, who looks like a seamless fit with the Bucks on paper. He'll be returning from an 11-game absence so some rust is to be expected but he should be in all fantasy lineups going forward.

Source: Matt Velazquez on Twitter

Gordon Hayward - F - Boston Celtics

Gordon Hayward (right ankle sprain) will not play in Thursday's game against the Bucks.

Hayward wasn't expected to play, and here's confirmation. He sustained the injury in a one-on-one game over the break and it isn't expected to keep him out for long. It's a tough break considering Hayward had strung together some nice games, so hopefully he can pick up where he left off.

Source: Adam Himmelsbach on Twitter

Kelly Oubre Jr. - F - Phoenix Suns

Kelly Oubre is expected to move into the starting lineup for Thursday's game against the Cavs.

No exact word on who will be moving to the bench, but it sounds like Josh Jackson is the guy. Oubre has been must-start since joining Phoenix but this might give him a small boost even further up the rankings. His shooting percentage won't always be pretty but the other numbers will be there. There's no word on if this arrangement will last once T.J. Warren (right ankle) returns, but Oubre shouldn't lose much value as a result either way.

Source: ArizonaSports.com

De'Anthony Melton - G - Phoenix Suns

De'Anthony Melton (sprained right ankle) is expected to arrive at the arena in time to play in Thursday's game against the Cavs.

Melton is ready to return from his injury after nine games on the sidelines but he'll need to rush to meet with the Suns after a quick G-League assignment. Melton's appeal took a big hit when the Suns acquired Tyler Johnson but he'll still be a deep-league option for steals.

Source: Gina Mizell on Twitter

Derrick Jones Jr. - F/G - Miami Heat

Derrick Jones Jr. (right knee bone bruises) is on the active roster for Thurday's game against the Sixers.

That doesn't mean Jones will play, as Erik Spoelstra has been very forward about the Heat's returning injured players needing some more work before getting on the court. Jones' stat set is extremely fun and he'd be a nice target if the playing time is there. We'll see.

Source: Anthony Chiang on Twitter

Goran Dragic - G - Miami Heat

Goran Dragic (right knee) is inactive for Thursday's game against the Sixers.

Dragic is close to a return but the Heat want him to get some more work in before they put him back into game action. If you've been thinking about stashing him away this looks like your last chance.

Source: Anthony Chiang on Twitter

Boban Marjanovic - C - Philadelphia Sixers

Boban Marjanovic is in the starting lineup on Thursday night, taking Joel Embiid's spot at center.

Embiid is battling left knee soreness and has been shut down for a week, so Boban will get a chance to shine. If you've been looking for a reason to get him into your lineups, it might not ever get any better than this. Just keep your fingers crossed and hope that he's able to stay on the floor.

Source: Keith Pompey on Twitter