Only three games are on the docket tonight in the NBA, but here are some things you should be paying attention to around the association...
Deron Williams is out indefinitely due to a fractured rib and will be re-evaluated in a week, the Brooklyn Nets announced Thursday, giving Jarrett Jack (available in 67.7 percent of ESPN leagues) another chance to assume the starting point guard duties. In 10 starts this season, Jack has averaged 15.3 points and 5.3 assists on 47.2 percent shooting. It's also worth mentioning that Nets coach Lionel Hollins has expressed concern about overusing Jack while Williams is out, so don't be surprised if the team signs a free-agent point guard in the near future, possibly Nate Wolters, who was released by Milwaukee on Thursday.
The Miami Heat have a big road test against Portland tonight, and their journey to the West Coast didn't do them any favors. Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel tweets: "Wild travel day for Heat Wednesday. Mechanical forced stop in Memphis. New plane. 14 hours to Portland." Factor that in before going heavy on Heat players in DFS tonight.
Alex Len doesn't yet have a polished offensive game, but there's no denying his shot-blocking ability. According to Shane Dale of arizonasports.com (no relation to Norman), only three players in the league are averaging more blocks per game as a starter than Len (2.77 bpg in 13 starts). If he's on your roster, that should be the reason why.
Gerald Green may be the streakiest shooter in the league, which makes him the ultimate gamble in daily fantasy. He's always priced in right around the $5,000 range, which makes him tempting on nights when the small forward position is thin, but you truly never know which Green will show up. Last night against Minnesota, it was the good Gerald -- he scored 15 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Suns to the win.
Dion Waiters (4 points, 1-9 FG in 22 minutes) and J.R. Smith (0 points, 0-5 FG in 18 minutes) both flopped hard in their debuts in Oklahoma City and Cleveland, respectively. Expect more from them going forward, but neither is a good option in season-long leagues that have 12 teams or less.
Roy Hibbert left Wednesday's game midway through the first half due to an ankle sprain, and never returned. While this injury is reportedly less severe than the ankle sprain that cost him four games earlier this season, don't be surprised if he misses a few games. With Ian Mahinmi already out, that would leave the bulk of the center minutes to Lavoy Allen, a face-up PF/C whom Golden State broadcaster Bob Fitzgerald likened to Marreese Speights during the telecast of the Warriors-Pacers game on Wednesday.
News to know: Charlotte big man Cody Zeller (shoulder) is listed as questionable for tonight's tilt against Toronto. If he cannot go, it'll mean more opportunities for Marvin Williams, Bismack Biyombo, Jason Maxiell and possibly even rookie Noah Vonleh ... Enes Kanter (ankle) is doubtful to play in Utah's game against Oklahoma City on Friday, meaning Rudy Gobert has a good chance to play extended minutes. And as you know, anytime that happens, it's a good thing for Gobert owners ... Wesley Matthews (knee) is a game-time decision for tonight's game against the Heat, per the Columbian.