Washington Wizards center Daniel Gafford (thumb) is expected to be available for Thursday's game against the Miami Heat. Head coach Wes Unseld Jr. will test out his thumb pregame before the organization makes a final decision. Montrezl Harrell would be an appealing DFS option without Gafford on the court. However, fantasy managers are likely going to have to wait until closer to tip-off before a decision is made. Harrell should be a fine option regardless, but would certainly have more value without Gafford on the court.

Washington Wizards center Daniel Gafford had a near-perfect shooting night in Friday's blowout win over Memphis, going 7-for-8 from the field on his way to 15 points. He finished 1-for-2 with his free throws and added four rebounds and three assists to his line in 23 minutes with two blocks and three turnovers. It's very good to see Gafford back healthy again, and he's slowly started to build momentum as a starter in Washington. He can test himself against the champions next. This looks like a pretty good matchup for Gafford, as the Bucks have been a bit complacent on defense this season and are allowing opposing bigs to average 22.5 points per 48 minutes against them with 54.4 percent shooting.

Washington Wizards center Daniel Gafford (quad) will return for Monday's game against the Atlanta Hawks. The young big man has missed each of the last two games due to a quad issue. It's uncertain if Gafford will be limited or not for this contest. That being said, he could be a shaky option in DFS contests, but should be moved back into starting lineups in season long formats. His return should mean less minutes for Montrezl Harrell.

Washington Wizards center Daniel Gafford (quadriceps) won't play during Saturday's matchup against the visiting Celtics. He had been labeled with a doubtful tag heading toward the showdown, so the latest update shouldn't alarm fantasy managers by any means. As a result, Montrezl Harrell should benefit tremendously without Gafford, even more so since Robert Williams III (illness) isn't available for Boston.

Washington Wizards center Daniel Gafford (quadriceps) is doubtful for Saturday's matchup against the visiting Celtics. The former 2019 second-round pick injured his quad on Wednesday versus Boston. He, fortunately, didn't suffer any structural damage, but it appears as if he will need some more time to rest before getting back on the floor. In his stead, Montrezl Harrell will presumably take his spot in the lineup, with the former Laker producing 25 points, 13 boards, two steals, and a block during his only start of the year. Things could get even more promising regarding Harrell's outlook if Robert Williams III (illness), who is questionable because of a non-COVID sickness, doesn't suit up.

Washington Wizards center Daniel Gafford (quad) will miss Thursday's contest against the Hawks. Gafford injured his quad during Wednesday's game against the Celtics after he collided with Jaylen Brown. Fortunately, he suffered no structural damage to his leg, with the team calling him day-to-day with a bruised right quad. Gafford should be considered questionable for Saturday's rematch with Boston. Montrezl Harrell will likely enter the starting five after exploding for 25 points and 11 boards in relief of Gafford. Kyle Kuzma should also continue to be a factor on the boards Thursday night.

Washington Wizards center Daniel Gafford (quad) has been ruled out for the remainder of Wednesday's game against the Boston Celtics. Gafford suffered an injury in the first half of the game when he collided with Celtics shooting guard Jaylen Brown. He was taken to the locker room after the play. After halftime, the team announced that he would be held out for the remainder of the game due to a right quad contusion. Montrezl Harrell will likely see a heavy workload in the second half of Wednesday's game with Gafford out. We should know more about the severity of Gafford's injury and if he's expected to miss time soon.

Washington Wizards center Daniel Gafford (knee) suffered a knee injury in the first half of Wednesday's game against the Boston Celtics. The injury occurred when he bumped knees with Celtics shooting guard Jaylen Brown. Gafford appeared to be in a good amount of pain after the play as he was on the ground holding his knee. He was then helped to the locker room. His return should be considered doubtful. The 23-year-old has been solid so far this year. Over his first three games, he averaged 9.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game while shooting 68.8% from the field. Montrezl Harrell would likely see a bump in playing time if Gafford is forced to miss time.

Washington Wizards center Daniel Gafford has reached a three-year, $40.2 million extension with the organization. The young center was logjammed in Chicago, but he should have a significant role in Washington. Gafford is expected to be the starting center heading into the regular season. Thomas Bryant and Montrezl Harrell should be in the mix as well, but they shouldn't take away from Gafford. He'll be worth a late-round pick in most fantasy formats.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The first topic raised with Washington Wizards general manager Tommy Sheppard the day after the team's season ended was the topic that will hang over the offseason until a decision is announced: Will coach Scott Brooks be back? “We're not doing anything about that today,” Sheppard replied during a video conference with reporters on Thursday, before praising Brooks for “keeping this team together through some of the most difficult, dark moments probably in franchise history.” Not surprisingly, Brooks said he wants to return; his five-year, $35 million contract is expiring. “I wouldn’t want to move on,” he said. “I love it here. I love the city.” It was, to be sure, a trying season for the Wizards, who started 0-5 along the way to 17-32 in early April. They dealt with a COVID-19 outbreak that put them on a two-week hiatus without games or practices plus had to find replacements after season-ending injuries to starting center Thomas Bryant and first-round draft pick Deni... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Bulls acquired an All-Star center and sent a loud message to the rest of the NBA with one blockbuster trade. They're serious about becoming a contender. And they're ready to welcome top free agents. The Bulls pulled off their first major trade since Arturas Karnisovas was hired to lead their basketball operation last spring by acquiring two-time All-Star center Nikola Vucevic from Orlando prior to Thursday's deadline. They also added Al-Farouq Aminu in the deal and sent Wendell Carter Jr., Otto Porter Jr. and two future first-round selections with certain lottery protections to the Magic. “We're trying to improve our team,” Karnisovas said. “That was an opportunity. You don't get so many opportunities to improve with players like that. I think we've done pretty well today." Vucevic is averaging a career-best 24.5 points and 11.8 rebounds in his 10th NBA season and ninth in Orlando. He has two full seasons remaining after this one on the four-year, $100 million... [More]

Kyle Lowry wound up staying with Toronto after all. Victor Oladipo is finally in Miami, a destination he's eyed in the past. And Rajon Rondo is headed back to Los Angeles, though not with the team he helped win the NBA title last season. The trade deadline has come and gone. And now, playoff pushes can really begin. Miami, Denver, the Clippers, Portland, Dallas, Boston and Atlanta were likely among the teams feeling convinced that they improved on deadline day after a flurry of moves Thursday, though the best player — at least this season — might have been landed by the Chicago Bulls. They got All-Star forward Nikola Vucevic from Orlando, a move that ushered in the start of a big-time rebuild by the Magic. “Anytime you trade a player like Nikola, it is a tough decision to make," Magic President Jeff Weltman said. Vucevic is the only player from this season's All-Star Game to be traded at the deadline. It was a steep price; Vucevic and Al-Farouq Aminu went to the Bulls for Otto Porter, Wendell... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago Bulls center Daniel Gafford left Wednesday night's game against Washington after he dislocated his right thumb on a steal.Gafford's thumb was bent back after he picked off a pass by Ian Mahinmi early in the first quarter. The 6-foot-11 Gafford called timeout and ran off the court in the direction of the Bulls' locker room.X-rays were negative, and the team said he is expected to miss two to four weeks.Gafford was selected by Chicago in the second round of last year's draft. He was averaging 4.9 points and 2.5 rebounds coming into the game.Luke Kornet came in after Gafford departed.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago Bulls center Daniel Gafford left Wednesday night's game against Washington after he hurt his right thumb on a steal.Gafford's thumb was bent back after he picked off a pass by Ian Mahinmi early in the first quarter. The 6-foot-11 Gafford called timeout and ran off the court in the direction of the Bulls' locker room.Gafford was selected by Chicago in the second round of last year's draft. He was averaging 4.9 points and 2.5 rebounds coming into the game.Luke Kornet came in after Gafford departed.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports