NBA Player News

This makes two consecutive strong games for Budinger, but we’re not sold that his role will be stable enough for fantasy value. Kevin Martin only logged 16 minutes tonight, which isn’t likely to continue very long, and Budinger has been unusually efficient during his hot streak (12-of-18 from the field). Just keep an eye on him, in case he somehow does carve out a 30-minute role.

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.

Tatum is back in the lineup after sitting out Thursday’s win over the Pistons. The Celtics will have their preferred starting five on Sunday, with Tatum replacing Al Horford (who has been ruled out for rest reasons).

Horford had a toe injury earlier this month, but his absence on Sunday is simply for rest reasons. The Celtics don’t play again until Thursday, getting their 38-year-old center six days of rest. Jayson Tatum will be back in the lineup, so Horford would likely come off the bench if available.