NBA Player News

Sanders was trash-talking with several Pacers players and eventually got the quick hook. He added four points, four boards, and two assists, and has averaged 1.0 steals and 2.5 blocks over the last two games. The Bucks’ loss might have been the nail in the coffin for their playoff hopes, so Sanders could theoretically be an asset for those seeking defense if Scott Skiles packs it in.

Saturday’s game will be the third that Kessler has missed due to right hip bursitis. John Collins will remain in the starting lineup, as he has been a fantasy stud recently. He’s already rostered in nearly 90% of Yahoo leagues, and there isn’t much to gain from streaming backup Drew Eubanks.

Markkanen exited Thursday’s win over the Mavericks early in the fourth quarter and did not return after being hit in the face. Vision issues are why he could not return Thursday night and is on the preliminary injury report for Saturday night. With Kyle Filipowski already in the starting lineup, Markkanen missing time could result in Cody Williams getting another opportunity to prove himself.

After scoring a season-high 25 points in Wednesday’s loss to the Kings, Okogie will make his first start of the season in Oklahoma City. Royce O’Neale heads back to the bench, which may be better for him after struggling in Sacramento. Deep-league managers who added O’Neale recently should hold onto him, as the minutes will remain.

In addition to Aaron Gordon, the Nuggets will be without Nikola Jokic (personal reasons) in New Orleans. As a result, Saric moves into the starting lineup, and he has a shot at fantasy relevance due to Denver’s lack of depth.

Cancar is not part of the team’s rotation when healthy. He may see the floor for a few minutes with Nikola Jokic out, but he doesn’t provide any fantasy value.

Adams is available and will slide into the backup center role. While this drops Jock Landale out of the rotation, Adams will not get the opportunities needed to impact fantasy basketball. Leave him on the waiver wire.

With Finney-Smith back after a two-game absence and Nic Claxton (back) out for at least one week, the Nets have made two changes to their starting lineup. Simmons will fill the void left by Claxton, while Finney-Smith’s return bumps Ziaire Williams to the bench.

Brunson is available to play in Friday’s game, but Karl-Anthony Towns (wrist) is not. As a result, Sims will start, but he is a risky streaming play. The opportunity to produce will undoubtedly be there, but Sims hasn’t offered much value when given the chance to start. Look for Ariel Hukporti to play rotation minutes off the bench.

Both point guards were listed as probable and have officially been given the all-clear. With Miles McBride out, Payne should see a larger role off the bench, while Brunson will have to do some extra scoring with Karl-Anthony Towns sidelined.

While McBride has been dealing with inflammation in his left knee, an illness is why he’ll sit out Friday’s game. Tyler Kolek will move into the rotation but is unlikely to get the run needed to impact fantasy basketball. Look for backup point guard Cameron Payne to play more as well.