NBA Player News

Frank Vogel would be wise to use the gritty Jones for a few extra minutes against the elite Heat wings. Vogel also mentioned using a zone defense, which is no surprise, either.

Two nights after struggling against Cleveland’s Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, Poeltl rebounded with a solid effort against the 76ers. By this point in his career, fantasy managers know what they will get from the Raptors center. Poeltl provided solid value in the win, posting solid points, rebounds, and block numbers in his 27 minutes on the floor.

Mogbo didn’t have much chance to contribute to Wednesday’s loss to Cleveland, playing 11 minutes off the bench. The rookie made quite the statement on Friday, recording a full stat line that included nine rebounds, two steals, and three blocks. Toronto certainly isn’t going to punt on the season after two games, but Mogbo has a fantasy-friendly game that can be valuable after the trade deadline. However, Friday’s effort showed that he may be capable of adding value a lot sooner. Keep an eye on Mogbo, as his role may change once RJ Barrett (shoulder) returns.

After shooting 3-of-14 from the field in Wednesday’s blowout loss to the Cavaliers, Barnes bounced back in a big way on Friday. He scored efficiently, with the turnover count (four) being the lone negative for the Raptors star. What should help Barnes moving forward is having a healthy Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett on the floor, as both missed Friday’s victory due to injury.

Once again, early foul trouble muted Drummond’s impact on the action. The good news for fantasy managers is that he still posted a solid stat line, even if the percentages were poor. Joel Embiid will be re-evaluated this weekend, but Drummond is worth stashing even after the 2023 MVP is cleared to play.

After shooting 1-of-6 from three in Wednesday’s loss to the Bucks, Oubre knocked down three of six attempts on Friday. He’s been the biggest beneficiary from the absences of Paul George and Joel Embiid, taking on a more prominent role within the 76ers offense. Oubre will have value once those two return, and managers can continue to ride the wave until that time comes.

As was the case in Wednesday’s loss to Milwaukee, Maxey put up a solid point total, but the efficiency wasn’t there. Through two games, he’s shooting 16-of-54 from the field, a far cry from the scoring guard Maxey was last season. Of course, Paul George and Joel Embiid sitting due to knee injuries has much to do with that. Hopefully, those two return sooner rather than later, as fantasy managers who have Maxey rostered are essentially punting field-goal percentage.