NBA Player News

The NBA injury report currently has all nine Minnesota players that were in league protocols listed as available, but it looks like even if they’re cleared, we won’t be seeing the return of many players tonight.

Evbuomwan has reached double figures in five of his last six outings. For extended periods of Friday’s game, he was tasked with defending LeBron James, including during “clutch time.” Evbuomwan held his own, but he still isn’t at the point where he can be rostered in most fantasy leagues. He’ll look to produce another double-digit scoring effort on Sunday when the Nets visit the Thunder.

Williams has reached double figures in seven of his last eight games, with Wednesday’s blowout loss to the Clippers being the exception. Cameron Johnson’s ankle injury has opened up a place in the starting lineup for Williams, who’s rostered in 13% of Yahoo leagues. Over the past two weeks, he has provided 10th-round value in 9-cat formats. Williams is worth rostering while Johnson is out, and he’ll be even more valuable if the Nets trade their usual starter before the February deadline.

Like D’Angelo Russell, Simmons’ minutes have been restricted for injury management reasons. He isn’t going to offer much scoring, but fantasy managers can still derive value in other categories. Simmons produced solid rebound, assist, and defensive numbers against the Lakers, and he’s provided 10th-round value in 9-cat formats over the past two weeks. Availability will always be an issue for Simmons, as he still isn’t playing both ends of back-to-backs, but he can still add value, especially for managers not needing points.

Russell nearly got his storybook ending on Friday, as the basketball was in his hands in the final seconds with Brooklyn trailing by a point. His 3-point attempt was long, resulting in a one-point defeat for the Nets. Russell is still under a minutes restriction due to the shin contusion he suffered in early January, but he can provide reliable value, as was the case on Friday. The Nets end their road trip and Week 12 slate on Sunday in Oklahoma City.

Due to Anthony Davis’ absence, Hayes made his third start of the season on Friday. He didn’t offer much as a scorer, which is unsurprising, but the rebound production was solid. If Davis remains out for Sunday’s game against the Clippers, Hayes will be worth streaming in deep leagues, especially for those needing rebounds.

While James did record at least one steal in four straight games entering Friday, Anthony Davis’ absence likely contributed to his increased blocked shot production. The two rejections recorded against the Nets equaled his total in the previous seven games, and LeBron was also highly productive in the points, rebounds, assists, and 3-point categories. The Lakers needed him to turn back the clock, and the 40-year-old James was up to the task.

With Anthony Davis ruled out, the Lakers needed more production from Reaves, and he answered the call. The 38 points were a season-high, and they were scored efficiently. Reaves shot over 50% from the field and did not commit a turnover, helping the Lakers hold on for the win. Over the past two weeks, the Lakers guard has provided top-25 value in 9-cat formats. The Lakers end Week 12 with a game against the Clippers on Sunday night.

Friday’s game wasn’t going to be an easy matchup for Jackson, especially after Zach Edey exited during the first half with a nasal injury. He didn’t have his best night shooting the basketball, and the rebounds and defensive status were minimal. That will happen when faced with the task of dealing with Victor Wembanyama. Also, he’s shot over 49% from the field over the past two weeks. Shooting 16-of-44 in two wins over the Spurs has minimally impacted Jackson’s numbers. He’ll be fine.

Instead of replacing the injured Ja Morant (foot) with a point guard, Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins decided to go with a shooter (Kennard). The move worked like a charm. Desmond Bane had one of the best all-around performances of his NBA career, and Kennard shot the ball well while also dishing out four assists. Rostered in 6% of Yahoo leagues, his season-long fantasy value hasn’t been much to write home about. However, nights like Friday prove that Kennard can add value when the Grizzlies are shorthanded on the perimeter.

With Memphis losing Zach Edey during the first half with a nasal injury, more production was needed from Aldama off the bench. He responded by providing solid value in the points, rebounds, and 3-point categories. Aldama’s 29 points were a season-high, and his eight games of 20 or more are three better than his tally for the 2023-24 campaign. A player who was essentially worth a late-round flier in most drafts, Aldama has been close to a top-75 player in 9-cat formats. Those who drafted Santi are likely enjoying successful runs in their fantasy leagues.