NBA Player News

With Jason Kidd (groin) also out, the Mavs would probably start Rodrigue Beaubois at the point and although Buckets has been spectacular at times, he has also disappeared at times as well. Jason Terry and Dominique Jones will also probably get minutes at the 1 as well.

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.

Adams will be good to go despite exiting early from their last game. He won’t play enough to impact fantasy basketball, but he will be available off the bench.

Johnson and Collins are available after missing San Antonio’s last two games, strengthening the Spurs’ bench. While the former can provide deep-league value in his role, the latter should not be rostered as long as Victor Wembanyama is healthy. Collins’ return also means fewer minutes for fellow reserve Charles Bassey.

Sheppard will return to action for the first time since mid-November. The Pacers wing will be limited but could cut into the minutes of rookie wing Johnny Furphy.

Memphis will bump Edey back into the starting unit, which is great news for his fantasy upside. He may see limited minutes against the Warriors, since they tend to use smaller lineups. Brandon Clarke will come off the bench, but he should still see a significant role.

Schroder will start in his Warriors’ debut, pushing Buddy Hield to the bench. The other change is Green, who will start after coming off the bench on Sunday. However, Jonathan Kuminga heads to the bench, with Looney remaining in the starting lineup.