NBA Player News

Even for a summer league game, this one was pretty strange for the Bucks. Only three players (MarJon Beauchamp, Chris Livingston and Andre Jackson Jr.) played more than 20 minutes. Beauchamp, who has been on fire this summer, was held scoreless on five shot attempts. Wigginton was the only player to score in double figures, and the team only managed to score 71 points. It’s unlikely that any of these players are part of Milwaukee’s rotation next season, but this game certainly doesn’t help anyone’s case.

Making his 12th start, Mann recorded season-highs in minutes (45) and assists (seven) in Wednesday’s overtime defeat. While his versatility has ensured Mann a place in the Clippers’ rotation when healthy, his role hasn’t always been consistent, negatively impacting his fantasy value. He had the ball in his hands quite often against the Celtics. While Mann didn’t shoot particularly well, he was solid as a playmaker alongside Kevin Porter Jr. There’s no need to roster Mann in fantasy leagues. Still, he’s worth streaming when the Clippers are down four starters, as they were on Wednesday.

Coffey made his tenth start of the season on Wednesday, and the only game in which he was more productive was the Clippers’ January 2 loss to Oklahoma City. The 24 points were two shy of his season-high, with Coffey shooting 60% from the field. The lone negative for those who want to pick nits is that his stat line was relatively lean outside the point total. The Clippers are expected to be close to full strength for Thursday’s game against the Wizards, meaning Coffey won’t have much streaming value.

Porter was another of the replacements in the Clippers’ starting lineup, and he had an excellent night at the office. He has never been known for his efficiency, but KPJ shot over 50% from the field and finished Wednesday’s defeat with an assist-to-turnover ratio of over 2.0. Backing up James Harden has limited Porter’s ceiling, as has his inconsistent play. However, the guard rostered in just 3% of Yahoo leagues is worth the risk when the Clippers are as understaffed as they were on Wednesday. The Clippers’ numbers should improve for Thursday’s game against the Wizards, so there’s no need to add Porter.

Jones had a neon green light offensively on Wednesday, and James Harden, Norman Powell, Kawhi Leonard, and Ivica Zubac were all out due to injuries. Not only did “Airplane Mode” take full advantage of the opportunity, he did so efficiently. He scored a season-high 29 points on 60% shooting from the field while matching his previous highs in assists, steals, and 3-pointers. Jones hasn’t been the best fantasy option, so he’s rostered in just 7% of Yahoo leagues. However, given how congested the Clippers’ upcoming schedule is, he should remain on deep-league radars for now.

With Wednesday’s game requiring overtime, Tatum played 43 minutes ahead of Thursday’s matchup with the Lakers. Given how shorthanded the Clippers were, Boston was likely hoping to take care of business early and get their stars added rest. That not happening was good news for fantasy managers, who received solid value from Tatum outside of the percentages and turnovers (five). A top 30 player in 9-cat formats over the past three weeks, the Celtics star continues to be a top-10 player for the season in 8- and 9-cat.

Boston’s available stars likely played longer than they hoped, as the Celtics could not put away a Clippers team that was even more shorthanded than the champs. The time on the court allowed Brown to record a complete stat line, minimizing the impact of his five turnovers. He shot better than 50% from the field, and the 25 points are the most he’s scored in a game since January 10 (28 vs. Sacramento). Decreased scoring is why Brown has only been a 9th-round player over the past three weeks, so Wednesday’s effort represents a step in the right direction. More concerning was Brown rolling his ankle during the second quarter, but after Wednesday’s win, he said he expects to be available for Thursday’s game against the Lakers.

With Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Al Horford all out due to injury, Hauser was moved into the starting lineup for Wednesday’s game. He provided what fantasy managers hoped he would: points and 3-pointers. The four rebounds and one steal were nice bonuses, but Hauser is effectively a deep-league specialist. Holiday, Porzingis, and Horford should be available for Thursday’s game against the Lakers, so there’s no need to hold onto Hauser.

Bamba has started the Clippers’ last two games, as Ivica Zubac has been out with an eye injury. After putting up 10 points, seven rebounds, and two 3-pointers in Monday’s loss to the Bulls, he offered minimal value against the Celtics. Kobe Brown played 38 minutes off the bench, finishing with four points, 11 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two blocked shots. He proved more valuable than Bamba in this matchup but is rostered in even fewer Yahoo leagues. Zubac is expected to be available for Thursday’s game against the Wizards, likely playing while wearing protective glasses. There’s no need to consider streaming Bamba or Brown, even if Zubac cannot play.

With Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford out, Kornet received the starting nod for Wednesday’s game. While he did record one steal and one blocked shot, the lack of rebounding production was the most significant issue for the few who streamed Kornet. Porzingis and Horford should be available for Thursday’s game against the Lakers, so there’s no need to consider adding (or holding onto) Kornet.

Curry didn’t have a big scoring night Wednesday. He only took 11 shots as Andrew Wiggins and Buddy Hield attempted more shots and each made five 3-pointers. Curry was content to help create for his teammates as he dished out 12 assists on his way to a double-double. The 36-year-old point guard hasn’t been available for both legs of a back-to-back since November, making it likely that he’ll miss Thursday’s game against the Bulls.