NBA Player News

The Sixers have the No. 11 pick and their draft strategy will be crafted by Hinkie, a 35-year-old executive with a wonkish love of advanced statistics. Sources familiar with Hinkie told the Inquirer that he’s unlikely to have interest in George Karl, preferring a younger coach such as Heat assistant David Fizdale.

Smart’s potential absence may impact Scotty Pippen Jr. more than anyone else, as the Grizzlies’ backup point guard may play a few more minutes. However, neither Smart nor Pippen has much value outside of deep leagues, with Ja Morant and Desmond Bane available.

While Huff has remained in the rotation, especially in the aftermath of Zach Edey’s ankle injury, his influence on fantasy basketball has waned. Edey is also questionable for Sunday’s game, so Huff’s minutes will likely decrease if both are available.

Edey has been sidelined for nearly a month, last appearing in a game on November 17. If he can play against the Lakers, that would give the Grizzlies another option off the bench. Fantasy managers should not expect too much from Edey, as his minutes will likely be restricted.

Davis has consistently shown up on the injury report ahead of games, only to be cleared and handle his usual workload. Fantasy managers should expect the same on Sunday, especially if LeBron James (foot) does not return after missing the Lakers’ last two games.

Due to his foot issue and personal reasons, James was not with the Lakers for Friday’s loss at Minnesota. If he remains sidelined, Max Christie should stay in the starting lineup after playing well against the Timberwolves. Christie would be worth streaming consideration in extremely deep leagues, but that’s it.

Hood-Schifino isn’t in the rotation when healthy. His absence will not impact fantasy basketball.

Beal did not play in Friday’s win over the Jazz after experiencing swelling in his knee. Royce O’Neale remained in the starting lineup and should retain that role if Beal cannot play on Sunday. O’Neale would be worth streaming in deep leagues in this spot.

Initially questionable for Saturday’s NBA Cup semifinal, Brooks has officially been cleared to play. He’ll take his usual place in the starting lineup and draw the assignment of defending Canadian national teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Rostered in 41% of Yahoo leagues, Hunter has provided top 100 value in 9-cat formats, with his production having increased since he moved into a reserve role. Hunter doesn’t offer much defensive value, which limits his margin for error, but the Hawks wing is worth having in deeper leagues. Unfortunately, the Week 8 schedule isn’t the best, as Atlanta’s two games are on the busiest days (Thursday and Saturday).

Johnson struggled with his shot on Saturday, shooting 40% from the field and missing all four of his 3-point attempts. However, this was a blip on the radar for the Hawks forward, who continues to emerge as one of the NBA’s bright young talents. Johnson will look to bounce back when the Hawks visit San Antonio on Thursday.