NBA Player News

Marshall is a true pass-first point guard that set the ACC’s single-season assists record this year. For his career, he averaged 7.9 assists per game and won the Cousy Award as the nation’s top point guard Thursday. At 6'4/188, Marshall has a solid chance to go in the lottery.

Tatum played 35 minutes in Friday’s win over Orlando, scoring a team-high 30 points. However, he’s dealing with a shoulder injury, so there’s no guarantee Tatum plays against the Hawks. Depending on Kristaps Porzingis’s and Al Horford’s statuses, who are also questionable, Sam Hauser could move into the starting lineup. Also receiving a boost to his fantasy value if Tatum sits is Payton Pritchard, who should already be rostered in standard leagues.

Porzingis only played 23 minutes in Friday’s win over Orlando, as the Celtics won comfortably. He has yet to play both games of a back-to-back this season, so Friday’s workload may not factor into the team’s decision regarding Porzingis’ availability. Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta will be in line for more minutes if Porzingis or Al Horford (toe) does not play.

While officially questionable for Saturday’s game, Horford has not played both games of a back-to-back this season (or last). He logged 23 minutes off the bench in Friday’s win over the Magic, and the lighter workload may be why the Celtics are leaving open the possibility of Horford playing against the franchise that drafted him. Depending on who plays, Luke Kornet could have streaming value on Saturday.

Evbuomwan has reached double figures in five of his last six outings. For extended periods of Friday’s game, he was tasked with defending LeBron James, including during “clutch time.” Evbuomwan held his own, but he still isn’t at the point where he can be rostered in most fantasy leagues. He’ll look to produce another double-digit scoring effort on Sunday when the Nets visit the Thunder.

Williams has reached double figures in seven of his last eight games, with Wednesday’s blowout loss to the Clippers being the exception. Cameron Johnson’s ankle injury has opened up a place in the starting lineup for Williams, who’s rostered in 13% of Yahoo leagues. Over the past two weeks, he has provided 10th-round value in 9-cat formats. Williams is worth rostering while Johnson is out, and he’ll be even more valuable if the Nets trade their usual starter before the February deadline.

Like D’Angelo Russell, Simmons’ minutes have been restricted for injury management reasons. He isn’t going to offer much scoring, but fantasy managers can still derive value in other categories. Simmons produced solid rebound, assist, and defensive numbers against the Lakers, and he’s provided 10th-round value in 9-cat formats over the past two weeks. Availability will always be an issue for Simmons, as he still isn’t playing both ends of back-to-backs, but he can still add value, especially for managers not needing points.

Russell nearly got his storybook ending on Friday, as the basketball was in his hands in the final seconds with Brooklyn trailing by a point. His 3-point attempt was long, resulting in a one-point defeat for the Nets. Russell is still under a minutes restriction due to the shin contusion he suffered in early January, but he can provide reliable value, as was the case on Friday. The Nets end their road trip and Week 12 slate on Sunday in Oklahoma City.

Due to Anthony Davis’ absence, Hayes made his third start of the season on Friday. He didn’t offer much as a scorer, which is unsurprising, but the rebound production was solid. If Davis remains out for Sunday’s game against the Clippers, Hayes will be worth streaming in deep leagues, especially for those needing rebounds.

While James did record at least one steal in four straight games entering Friday, Anthony Davis’ absence likely contributed to his increased blocked shot production. The two rejections recorded against the Nets equaled his total in the previous seven games, and LeBron was also highly productive in the points, rebounds, assists, and 3-point categories. The Lakers needed him to turn back the clock, and the 40-year-old James was up to the task.

With Anthony Davis ruled out, the Lakers needed more production from Reaves, and he answered the call. The 38 points were a season-high, and they were scored efficiently. Reaves shot over 50% from the field and did not commit a turnover, helping the Lakers hold on for the win. Over the past two weeks, the Lakers guard has provided top-25 value in 9-cat formats. The Lakers end Week 12 with a game against the Clippers on Sunday night.