NBA Player News

Denver is unable to meet the NBA’s minimum requirement of available players (eight) due to COVID-19 cases, hence the decision to postpone Thursday’s game. Whether or not the Nuggets will be able to travel for Saturday’s game against the Rockets has yet to be determined. As for the Warriors, their next scheduled game is Saturday against the Jazz.

Davis was merely three assists shy of a triple-double. While he continues to deal with a foot issue, he’s only missed one game on the season. Davis was uncharacteristically passive in this one as he played 38 minutes and only took 10 shots, which was the fifth-most on the Lakers. It’s unclear if that has anything to do with his foot. The 31-year-old power forward is still having a great season as one of the best players in fantasy basketball.

Knecht wasn’t particularly efficient in this one as he scored 20 points on 16 shots, but he hit 6-of-12 shots from behind the 3-point line. Fantasy managers will take that, though it’s unlikely that Knecht will lead the Lakers in shot attempts most nights. Still, Knecht has to be rostered in all fantasy leagues given his position in the starting lineup and that he’s playing at least 30 minutes as of late.

Hartenstein briefly left the game with a back injury, but still managed to play 37 minutes. The big man has been exactly what the Thunder needed so far in his return as the team is 4-0 with him in the lineup. Oklahoma City is 12-1 when either he or Chet Holmgren play as the team lacks size without either of them. Hartenstein has a double-double in all four games he’s played so far this year and will continue to play an important role for the Thunder.

Williams was poked in the eye in the game against the Warriors Wednesday and didn’t return, but wasn’t listed on the injury report Friday. He started and played 34 minutes in the victory, showing no ill effects. Williams had seen an increase in rebounds with Chet Holmgren out, but didn’t have a big rebounding game Friday as Isaiah Hartenstein pulled down 17 boards against the Lakers. Williams typically produces across categories, but if his rebounding take a bit of a hit he’ll have to score more to maintain top-10 fantasy player value. The 23-year-ol small forward is capable of doing just that.

A virtual lock to record a double-double, Sabonis finished Friday’s defeat with his third triple-double of the season. He’s been a first-round player in 8-cat formats over the last week, playing the previous two games without DeMar DeRozan. That production aligns with Sabonis’ season-long value in 8- and 9-cat formats, which should not change anytime soon. The Kings end Week 6 with a matchup with San Antonio on Sunday.

Fox shot the ball relatively well and was productive as a rebounder and assist man, but he was also responsible for five turnovers. He’s had at least four in three straight and six of his last eight games, a significant reason why he’s ranked outside the top 100 in the previous two weeks. With DeMar DeRozan (back) lacking a timeline to return, even more playmaking responsibilities rest on Fox’s shoulders.

Monk has been highly productive in Sacramento’s last two games after appearing to be a bit rusty in his first game back from a sprained ankle. He’s scored 56 points and dished out 18 assists in games against Minnesota and Portland, with Friday’s stat line including eight 3-pointers and two blocked shots. He’s rostered in 43% of Yahoo leagues, which is way too low with DeMar DeRozan (back) out of the lineup.

With Scoot Henderson (quad) sidelined, Banton is the Blazers reserve best equipped to benefit. In addition to scoring efficiently, he tallied a career-high five steals in just 23 minutes on the floor. Rostered in just 5% of Yahoo leagues, Banton is worth adding for Sunday’s game against Dallas if Henderson cannot play.

Simons has scored 21 points or more in three of his last four, and the absence of Scoot Henderson (quad) has forced him to play more minutes. In those three games of 20 points or more, Simons played at least 37 minutes in each. He’s providing 7th-round value over the last week, a significant improvement compared to Simons’ season-long value.

Avdija has started Portland’s last two games for the injured Jerami Grant, and he’s been an excellent asset to have rostered. He’s recorded complete stat lines in both games, tallying a season-high 20 points on Friday. A top-25 player in 9-cat formats over the last week, Avdija’s rostered in 65% of Yahoo leagues. Look for that percentage to increase ahead of Sunday’s game against Dallas.