NBA Player News

Fisher offers the Jazz a player who knows how to win and a competent backup for Deron Williams, while the Warriors get a stable of guards.

Holland was tossed for his role in an altercation with Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson, with the two nearly coming to blows after the latter was bumped into by Pistons forward Paul Reed. Holland played 13 minutes, finishing with four points (1-of-2 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs) and three rebounds.

Clarkson being bumped into by Pistons forward Paul Reed after the latter made a basket morphed into an altercation that resulted in two ejections. The Jazz guard and Pistons rookie Ron Holland II were ejected after they squared up, seemingly ready to throw punches before players and coaches got between them. Clarkson played 13 minutes, finishing with three points (1-of-6 FGs), one rebound, five assists, one steal, one blocked shot, and one 3-pointer.

Beal is back after missing two games with swelling in his right knee. His return pushes Royce O’Neale to the bench, where he provides minimal fantasy value. Phoenix’s other four starters are unchanged. The Suns are 7-2 in games started by this quintet this season.

Claxton chucked a ball into the stands after being fouled on a fast break against the Raptors and was ejected shortly after. The Nets center amassed seven points and five rebounds in 11 minutes before exiting the contest. His removal from the game could make room for Day’Ron Sharpe to pay a little more in the second half.

Absent from the initial injury report, Lyles will miss a tenth straight game on Thursday. Look for the Kings to stick with a relatively limited bench, with starting center Domantas Sabonis likely logging 40 minutes or more, as he did on Monday (41 MIN vs. Denver).

While Banton has had his moments throughout the season, he hasn’t been consistent enough to merit being rostered in most fantasy leagues. His absence frees up additional minutes among the reserves, with Kris Murray possibly entering the rotation. He would not be worth streaming in this spot.

Ayton will be back after missing their last two games, and he will return to his usual spot in the starting unit. That will push the rookie Donovan Clingan back to the bench, which means that he’ll be splitting the backup center minutes with Robert Williams.

Hart will miss is first game of the season on Thursday. The Knicks swingman has been a key do-it-all player for New York and could be replaced by Miles McBride or Precious Achiuwa as a starter if Mikal Bridges or OG Anunoby assume his small forward spot in the lineup.

The Mavericks are without Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, opening up two spots in the starting lineup. Dinwiddie and Grimes will fill the resulting voids, making both viable streaming options. Thompson and Washington are also in line to see their fantasy values boosted, as there will be more shots to go around with Luka and Kyrie sidelined.

Vassell will be part of the starting lineup for the first time this season. The lineup change boosts his fantasy value, much to the delight of those who have him rostered. Vassell’s promotion means Julian Champagnie, who has been a fixture in the starting five, heads to the bench. Those who have Champagnie should hold onto him for the time being because he can still have value playing 22-26 minutes off the bench.