NBA Player News

The Blazers put lumbering center Jusuf Nurkic on Westbrook, and it worked like a charm. Nurkic sagged off and baited Westbrook into an ill-considered “two-for-one” mid-range jumper, even though L.A. was leading by a point with 30 seconds remaining. LeBron James was visibly frustrated with Westbrook’s decision-making, coach Darvin Ham said “I just wished he had attacked the rim,” and the Lakers now have an 0-3 record.

Kuminga led the Warriors in scoring with 20 points, but wasn’t very efficient as he took 20 shots. He’s now scored at least 20 points in three of his last four games since Steve Kerr moved him into the starting lineup. Kuminga figures to continue to start, which is a boon to his fantasy value.

It wasn’t a big game for Curry in what ended up being a low-scoring game as the Warriors fell 91-90 to the Rockets Wednesday. Curry had just 19 points on 17 shots, made just 3-of-9 attempts from behind the 3-point line and had only five assists. Despite a full stat line, Curry couldn’t get much offense going in this one. His lack of scoring recently has his fantasy value outside the top-50 over the last two weeks.

Thompson was efficient as he made 5-of-7 attempts from the field. Big for a point guard at 6-foot-7, he pulled down five rebounds in 29 minutes. Thompson certainly has more fantasy value when Fred VanVleet is out, but it’s not like he isn’t fantasy viable when VanVleet is in either. Given VanVleet’s shooting woes this year, it’s worth wondering if the Rockets might consider putting the ball in Thompson’s hands more.

VanVleet struggled in his first game back after missing Sunday’s game with a right knee contusion. He had just eight points on 13 shots and turned the ball over four times. VanVleet was -5 in 36 minutes as the Rockets beat the Warriors by one. His shooting continues to be a problem for his fantasy managers this year.

Sengun was just five assists shy of a triple-double after starting the day listed as questionable with left knee soreness. After having a breakout season last year, the 22-year-old center is a top-40 player in fantasy this year.

Hart was questionable after tweaking his ankle against the Raptors on Monday. He was no worse for the wear Wednesday as he continued to fill up the stat sheet. Hart had 21 points on just 12 shots and was just two rebounds and four assists away from a triple-double. His shooting has improved this season as he’s provided top-15 value in fantasy. Even if his shot regresses, he can still be very useful to fantasy managers due to his varied skillset.

The Knicks came up short on Wednesday, but KAT had a huge game for fantasy purposes with 19 points, 19 rebounds and a full stat line. Towns has seemingly found another level to his game in his first season with the Knicks. He’s been one of the best players in all of fantasy this year.

Hunter’s 24 points were a game-high. He continues to come off the bench, but is a significant part of the Hawks’ rotation. Hunter recorded just one rebound, no assists, no steals and no blocks. He almost literally just provided points and 3-pointers, which are the only categories fantasy managers can count on Hunter for.

Some things never change. Young didn’t have his best game as he scored 22 points on 22 shots, but he still was part of a comeback as Young’s Hawks won yet another game at Madison Square Garden. It was a solid performance by the 26-year-old point guard as he dished out 11 assists and recorded another double-double. He was +6 in 36 minutes in the eight-point victory and only turned it over three times.

Johnson returned from a shoulder injury that caused him to miss Sunday’s game and was just three assists shy of a triple-double in the win over the Knicks Wednesday. Johnson wasn’t efficient shooting as he had 21 points on 20 shots, but impacted the game in a variety of ways as he had a full stat line. He continues to build on what’s become a breakout season for the 22-year-old power forward.