NBA Player News

After appearing in only 16 games as a rookie, Martin’s looking to earn a longer look from the Hawks in 2023-24. The former UConn standout was outstanding on Wednesday, putting up a game-high point total while also being a factor in the rebound and assist categories. Expecting quality fantasy production from Martin would be too much right now, but he should figure more prominently in the competition for minutes on the wing when training camp begins.

Curry was initially listed as doubtful, so his absence doesn’t come as a surprise. Damion Baugh and DaQuan Jeffries should split the backup guard minutes, but with LaMelo Ball available, they won’t hold won’t be much upside in fantasy basketball.

Nurkic has been ruled out for a second straight game, which means that Moussa Diabate will continue to fill out the backup center minutes behind Mark Williams. Diabate played 13 minutes off the bench on Thursday.

Ball and Salaun were initially questionable for Saturday’s game. While the former is back after a one-game absence, the latter missed the final two games of Charlotte’s road trip. Ball’s return coincides with KJ Simpson being sent to the G League, so Elfrid Payton will take on the backup point guard responsibilities. Salaun will be part of the rotation, but coming off the bench limits his fantasy value.

Bradley, the 28th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, is back in the Association. Most recently, he’s been with the G League’s College Park SkyHawks, averaging 14.0 points, 10.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocked shots per game. Bradley most recently played in the NBA during the 2022-23 campaign, appearing in 12 games for the Bulls. With Myles Turner and Thomas Bryant healthy, Bradley is unlikely to get the minutes needed to impact fantasy basketball.

Both wings missed Friday’s game against Brooklyn, which allowed Kris Murray and Shaedon Sharpe to slide into the starting lineup. If Avdija and Grant remain out, both Murray and Sharpe should start again, with Sharpe as the better streaming option.

Sunday’s game will be the fifth straight that Williams has missed with a sprained left knee. With Deandre Ayton (calf) also out, the Trail Blazers will again rely on Donovan Clingan and Jabari Walker to fill the void. While Clingan has been the more popular pickup in fantasy leagues, Walker can provide deep-league value off the bench.

Saturday’s game against the Hornets will be the fifth Brogdon has missed with a sprained left ankle, having suffered the injury before the All-Star break. Keefe’s statement didn’t offer a specific timeline beyond saying he expects Brogdon to play at some point. The veteran guard has been more impactful in the Wizards locker room than in fantasy leagues, and that won’t change when he returns.

Battle and Temple will remain out for Sunday’s game, with the latter away from the team for personal reasons. The absences will not impact fantasy basketball.

Agbaji exited Friday’s game after playing just one minute because of this ankle injury, and it will keep him out once again. Both Ja’Kobe Walter and Jamal Shead played 20+ minutes off the bench with Agbaji sidelined for most of the game, and that should continue on Sunday.

Ball is dealing with a sprain in his shooting wrist, but it isn’t expected to keep him out of the lineup against Indiana. He played 34 minutes in Chicago’s last game and knocked down four three-pointers.