NBA Player News

Despite having Dwight Powell, Christian Wood, and JaVale McGee, the Mavericks are exploring the possibility of adding Aldridge. His name, along with that of Dwight Howard, was mentioned as a possibility for the Mavericks in September, but no move was made. Now Aldridge will go through an official workout with the team. He appeared in 47 games (12 starts) for the Nets last season, averaging 12.9 points and 5.5 rebounds in 22.3 minutes.

Fox was traded to the Spurs prior to the trade deadline after he and the Kings failed to agree on a contract extension. On Friday, the 27-year-old point guard struggled in a matchup against his former teammates. Fox had 16 points on 17 shots as he shot 35 percent from the floor. It was an off-night, but Fox has been solid overall since the All-Star break as he ranks just outside the top-50 in fantasy value in that time.

Castle has now scored at least 22 points in four of his last five games. The 20-year-old shooting guard has made at least 50 percent of his field goals in four of his last five games as well. Still available in most fantasy leagues, Castle might be worth rostering as he continues to push for the Rookie of the Year award down the stretch of the season.

Adebayo had a chance to win Friday’s game, but his three-point attempt was well off the mark as time expired. However, fantasy managers will be pleased with the Heat center’s final stat line, as he extended his double-double streak to three games. Since the All-Star break, Adebayo has provided top-25 value in eight- and nine-cat formats, which is well ahead of his production for the season. Between the injuries and Jimmy Butler no longer being a team member, the Heat need this version of Adebayo to show up nightly.

With Alec Burks unavailable, Larsson made his first start since January 23 and second of the season on Friday. Unfortunately, the rookie wing did not provide much value, ultimately ceding playing time to reserves Duncan Robinson (15/4/1/2 with four three-pointers) and Haywood Highsmith (9/5/4/1 with one three-pointer). While worthy of a look in deep leagues due to the spot start, Larsson didn’t do enough to merit being added ahead of Saturday’s game against the Bulls.

Herro returned to the Heat lineup after sitting out Wednesday’s loss to the Cavaliers with an illness, playing 39 minutes and recording a complete stat line. Since the All-Star break, the Heat guard has been a top-30 player in eight- and nine-cat formats. While Friday’s performance wasn’t the cleanest regarding Herro’s percentage from the field, Saturday’s matchup with the Bulls sets up to be a good one for him.

The Timberwolves reserves outscored their Heat counterparts by a 37-35 margin, with DiVincenzo and Nickeil Alexander-Walker (12 points, two rebounds, one steal, two blocks and three three-pointers) leading the way. Since returning from his toe injury, DiVincenzo has provided top-30 value in nine-cat formats. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, the Timberwolves guard will provide reliable fantasy value. He should be rostered in more than 72 percent of Yahoo! leagues, even with the Timberwolves only playing three games during Week 19.

No singular Timberwolves player stood out offensively on Friday, as seven players scored between 12 and 15 points. However, Reid continues to provide solid value with Rudy Gobert (back) out of the lineup. Since February 13 (Gobert last played on February 12), Reid has averaged 18.1 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 0.7 steals, 1.3 blocks and 2.7 three-pointers per game. Despite shooting just 40.4 percent from the field, Reid has provided fourth-round value in eight- and nine-cat formats.