NBA Player News

Christmas has been trying to get a shot in the NBA ever since going undrafted out of Temple in 2009. His contract with the Rockets is likely non-guaranteed for the 2012-13 season.

James is on track to return after sitting out Saturday’s win over the Kings. Gabe Vincent, who replaced LeBron in the starting lineup, suffered a strained oblique and will not play. His absence will not impact fantasy basketball, especially since James is expected to return.

Nix will be back in the lineup, but he hasn’t been part of the team’s rotation this season. This won’t impact fantasy basketball.

Hayes will be available for the first time since November 26, giving JJ Redick another option in the frontcourt. Christian Koloko has filled in as Anthony Davis’ backup, but the production was not enough to impact fantasy basketball. This will also be true for Hayes as long as AD stays healthy.

Bol will be available to play after an eight-game absence, but he hasn’t been a consistent part of their rotation when healthy this season. His return won’t impact fantasy basketball.

Bogdanovic has missed Atlanta’s last four games, and that number is likely to reach five on Wednesday. Garrison Mathews has played rotation minutes off the bench in Bogi’s absence, but he’s a “hit or miss” fantasy player. Mathews is not a player who has to be streamed with Bogdanovic sidelined.

Young is no longer listed with the heel injury, and he is back on the injury report with the Achilles issue that had been bothering him previously. He should continue to shine, as he has throughout their four-game winning streak.

Daniels is closing in on a return to action after missing Atlanta’s last two games. His return would push Vit Krejci to the bench. Krejci has not offered much fantasy value as Daniels’ replacement in the starting lineup.

Vincent exited early from their last game and will remain sidelined in this game. Recently-acquired Shake Milton should take on extra minutes off the bench as the team’s backup point guard, though LeBron James and Austin Reaves should continue to be the primary playmakers.

Eason has missed Houston’s last six games with an issue that limited him to 24 games last season. That’s concerning for the Rockets and fantasy managers who have relied on him. If he can play against the Mavericks, Eason’s value may increase slightly due to Amen Thompson serving a two-game suspension for his fight with Tyler Herro. However, fantasy managers should anticipate Eason’s minutes being restricted. Cam Whitmore will have added value regardless of Eason’s availability.

Tate will be back after a one-game absence, but he isn’t a player that impacts fantasy basketball. He may see a few extra minutes with Amen Thompson suspended, but he should be left on the waiver wire.