NBA Player News

Smart being cleared to play likely means fewer minutes for Scotty Pippen Jr., who is most valuable to fantasy managers when one of the veterans sits. After Sunday, the Grizzlies don’t play again until Thursday, making it relatively safe to drop Pippen in most leagues.

Huff is officially available for Sunday’s game, but rookie Zach Edey is also. As a result, Huff may have fewer minutes available, eliminating most of his streaming value. Fantasy managers in deep leagues should look elsewhere for a reliable big.

Edey has missed nearly a month, but is set to return against the Lakers Sunday. Despite coming off the bench, he’ll be a fantasy option, though fantasy managers should anticipate Edey to be on a minutes restriction in his first game back.

The shoulder Huerter sprained is the same one that was surgically repaired last season, which is a concern for the Kings. He’s on track to sit out Monday’s game, which could push Keon Ellis back into the rotation. In most leagues, Ellis is not a must-stream player, but deep-league managers should watch him.

Brown remains sidelined, with Monday’s game being the seventh he’s missed due to his back injury. The Clippers have yet to reveal a return timeline, which is concerning. That said, Brown’s absence does not impact fantasy basketball.

Mykhailiuk will miss a second consecutive game with a groin injury, which will not significantly impact fantasy basketball. His absence has freed up minutes for some of Utah’s less-experienced players, including Brice Sensabaugh.

Clarkson has been dealing with foot and heel issues for most of this season, limiting his effectiveness on the court. If he cannot play on Monday, more minutes will be available on the perimeter, with Isaiah Collier and Johnny Juzang among the options available to help fill the void. Neither will be worth streaming in most leagues.

Wiggins is back after a two-game absence with an ankle injury, and his return pushes Gary Payton II to the bench. The other change is Looney, who replaces Draymond Green in the starting lineup. Green will still play plenty, and this lineup change will likely negatively impact Trayce Jackson-Davis more.

Traore’s absence will not impact fantasy basketball, as he is not in the Lakers’ rotation when healthy.

Rostered in 19% of Yahoo leagues, Boston is the one Pelicans player with value who can still be found on most waiver wires. He’s reached double figures in six of his last seven games, and Sunday’s output was his highest since November 8 (26 vs. Orlando). With the Pelicans playing three games in four days to end Week 8, beginning with Houston on Thursday, Boston will be worth a look in deep leagues.