NBA Player News

Rush tore his ACL during the second game of last season and is questionable for training camp. If healthy, he’s a big wing that can help Utah’s outside shooting. If not, he won’t hurt them as he holds a $4 million contract that will expire in 2014.

Lundy’s continued absence will not impact fantasy basketball, as he’s rarely in the rotation when healthy.

Saturday makes nine straight games on the sideline for Hunter, who, according to the Hawks, is simply managing a knee injury. Regardless of the merits of the injury description, his absence has opened the door for Zaccharie Risacher to move into the starting lineup. The rookie has improved by the game and should be rostered wherever he’s available.

Injured during the preseason, Murphy has yet to play a game for the shorthanded Pelicans this season. His return would give them a much-needed offensive boost. In time, role players like Jose Alvarado and Brandon Boston Jr. will take hits to their fantasy values, but managers should not expect Murphy to play heavy minutes immediately.

Highsmith didn’t record any defensive stats on Friday, but the points and 3-pointers were solid. More noteworthy than the stats were him playing 35 minutes and starting the third quarter, as did rookie Pelle Larsson (five points, two rebounds, two assists, and one 3-pointer in 14 minutes). Highsmith and Larsson stepped in for Jimmy Butler and Nikola Jovic, with the former suffering a sprained ankle during the first quarter. If Butler can’t play against the Timberwolves on Sunday, Highsmith will have added fantasy value, potentially as a starter.

Drummond is a great example of how a player can be more valuable in fantasy than in real-life. While Drummond had a double-double for his fantasy managers, he was -19 in 22 minutes in a 10-point loss. He’ll continue to carry value as long as he’s starting while Joel Embiid is out. Drummond has another chance to start Sunday against the Hornets before Embiid is set to return next week.

George struggled against the Lakers. He had only nine points on 13 shots and was 0-of-6 from behind the 3-point line. George only attempted two free throws, though he excelled in a playmaking role with eight assists and no turnovers. He was -4 in 25 minutes in the 10-point loss. The Sixers get a chance to bounce back against the Hornets on Sunday.

Reaves had his 3-point stroke going on Friday and made 6-of-10 attempts from behind the arc. He only made one other shot from the floor and didn’t have any free throw attempts, though he did contribute seven assists. Reaves had two turnovers and was +14 in 30 minutes in the 10-point victory. The Lakers will host the Raptors in their next game on Sunday.

Davis returned to the lineup after missing Wednesday’s game against the Grizzlies. He didn’t miss a beat. Davis led the game with 31 points and was a +20 in 36 minutes in the 10-point victory. The only thing that can stop Davis this year is his health. The Lakers will host the Raptors on Sunday.

James followed up his 39-point performance without Anthony Davis in the lineup with another brilliant effort Friday. With Davis back in, James didn’t take as many shots, but still managed to record a triple-double. LeBron had only two turnovers and was +12 in the 10-point victory. The Lakers host the Raptors on Sunday.

Monk’s playing time is why he’s a more palatable fantasy option than starter Kevin Huerter (four points, two rebounds, and one assist), who played 20 minutes on Friday. Monk logged 31 and was part of the lineup that attempted to mount a rally during the fourth quarter. The Kings got no closer than three points as Norman Powell hit big shots to close out the win. Monk remains a late-round option, but more games in which he’s as productive defensive as he was on Friday can change that.