NBA Player News

He’s an afterthought as long as the other Detroit guards are healthy.

Even with Brooklyn’s surprising start to the season, this has been one of the teams many expected to be sellers between December 15 and the trade deadline. The Nets have begun the clearout, dealing Dennis Schroder and a second-round pick to Golden State in exchange for Melton and three future seconds. Melton will not play again this season after undergoing surgery in November to repair a sprained left ACL. With him due to be a free agent this summer, the trade will clear up cap space if the Nets do not re-sign Melton in July. Shake Milton should play more minutes in the short term, but fantasy managers should not rush to add him.

The Warriors need backcourt help, and Schroder fits the bill. He’s been excellent this season, averaging 18.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, 6.6 assists, 1.1 steals, and 2.5 3-pointers per game. Schroder gives the Warriors another perimeter playmaker who can create for himself and others, an attribute that has been lacking. To acquire Schroder, the Warriors have sent De’Anthony Melton and three second-round picks to Brooklyn.

Ingles has not been in the rotation most nights when healthy, so his continued absence will not impact fantasy basketball.

Wiliams’ continued absence will not impact fantasy basketball, as he is not in the Mavericks’ rotation most nights. Leave him on the waiver wire.

Castle and Jones sat out Friday’s win over Portland, with the latter missing San Antonio’s last five games. Castle’s availability will be more impactful on fantasy basketball as Jeremy Sochan moved into the starting lineup in his absence. As for Jones, he only has value when Chris Paul is injured or gets thrown out of a game, as was the case on Friday.

Injured during the first half of a December 8 game against New Orleans, Collins did not play on Friday in Portland and appears unlikely to play against the Timberwolves. If he cannot play, Charles Bassey will continue to serve as Victor Wembanyama’s backup.

Injured during the Spurs’ December 8 win over New Orleans, Johnson will miss a second straight game. How long he’ll be out is unknown, but Johnson’s absence ensures Julian Champagnie will continue to play starters’ minutes. At a minimum, he should be rostered in deep leagues.

Hukporti is on track to miss Sunday’s game, which will not impact fantasy basketball. Precious Achiuwa will continue to play most of the minutes behind Karl-Anthony Towns, with Jericho Sims next in line.

Hauser did not play in Thursday’s win over the Pistons, missing out on an opportunity to boost his stats in a blowout. That won’t be the case on Sunday, as the Celtics forward is not on the injury report. He and Payton Pritchard should have added value, given the opposition.

Curry has missed five games this season, most recently sitting out the Warriors’ December 5 win over the Rockets. His absence would significantly impact the rotation, with Buddy Hield and Brandin Podziemski taking on more prominent roles within the offense. Both players are already rostered in most standard leagues, with Hield being a little easier to find on waiver wires.