NBA Player News

Bassey injured his leg on Tuesday night, and the initial diagnosis would be that he would be done for the rest of the season. The team confirmed the report on Wednesday, which means Zach Collins and Khem Birch should play the majority of the minutes at center for the rest of the season. Both of those guys will miss Wednesday’s game, so Gorgui Dieng should step into big minutes.

Bam’s addition to the injury report on Monday afternoon puts his status in doubt to take the court against Philly. If he’s unable to go, Kyle Anderson could replace him in the starting five at PF, while Kel’el Ware could pick up some additional minutes in the frontcourt.

Curry made the wrong kind of personal history on Sunday. The three points are the fewest he’s scored in a game in which he’s attempted at least 10 shots in his NBA career. The Rockets used multiple defenders on Curry throughout Sunday’s game, and they were able to shut him down. Houston’s success may be bad news for the Suns, who will host the Warriors on Tuesday. That’s the first of four games Golden State will play during the final week of the regular season.

After scoring 54 points in his prior two appearances, Podziemski was not as prolific against the Rockets. That’s unsurprising, as Houston boasts one of the best defenses in the NBA. Podziemski still shot 50 percent from the field and made four three-pointers. Over the past two weeks, Podziemski has provided fourth-round value in eight- and nine-cat formats and has meshed well within the Warriors’ starting lineup since the addition of Jimmy Butler.

After playing just two minutes in Friday’s win over the Nuggets, Payton was far more involved in the Warriors’ rotation on Sunday. He provided surprising offensive production, with 16 points being the most he’s scored in a game since March 17. Add in the rebounds, steals, and three-pointers; this was an excellent night to stream Payton. The Warriors play four games during Week 23, starting with the Suns on Tuesday.

With Stephen Curry having a historically poor night, Hield was one of the Warriors who attempted to shoulder some of the workload. The 20 points were the most he’s scored in a game since March 10, when he hit that number in a win over the Trail Blazers. Hield remained a player rostered in deep leagues, but his value took a significant hit from the All-Star break onward. Sunday’s performance was a welcome one for those who kept the faith.

Sengun’s double-double was his second in three games and the 45th of the season. The Rockets’ center was a top-100 player in eight-cat formats over the past two weeks, with his value taking a slight hit compared to what he’s done this season. Sengun and the Rockets are now one win or a Lakers’ loss away from wrapping up the two-seed in the West. This has been a highly impressive turnaround for the franchise, and Sengun has been in the middle of it all.

Green has scored 21 points or more in seven of his last eight appearances, with Houston’s March 31 loss to the Lakers being the exception. And he’s been more efficient, shooting 47 percent from the field over the past two weeks. The improved efficiency is why Green was a top-60 player in eight-cat formats. Excellent timing for category league managers who had him rostered. For those whose leagues run through Week 23, the Rockets play three games, starting with the Clippers on Wednesday.

Brooks was back on the court after serving a one-game suspension on Friday, and he significantly contributed to the Rockets’ victory on Sunday. He’s scored 21 points or more in two straight games, and his 24 on Sunday were the most he’s had in a game since March 17. Jabari Smith Jr.'s playing time took a hit with Brooks back in the lineup, but he still contributed 16 points, nine rebounds, one assist and two three-pointers in 27 minutes off the bench. Smith remains the superior fantasy option, but Brooks can have the occasional night when he can provide unexpected value.

Brown’s nine assists were a season-high, and he’s reached double figures in scoring in six of his last eight outings. The Pelicans wing was an 11th-round player in eight- and nine-cat formats over the past two weeks. For managers whose leagues run through Week 23, the Pelicans play four games, making Brown worth a roll of the dice, and he’s only rostered in 11 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Missi extended his streak of games with at least 10 rebounds to five on Sunday, and he has recorded three double-doubles during this stretch. For fantasy managers whose leagues ended with Week 22, the 7-foot rookie finished strong, providing top-100 value in nine-cat formats over the past two weeks. The Pelicans begin a four-game Week 23 in Brooklyn on Tuesday, and Missi is worth rostering since his place in the starting lineup is secure.