NBA Player News

Labissiere has spent the last two seasons in the G League, and that’s the reason for the two reported transactions that the Kings will execute. Signing and then waiving the power forward will secure Labissiere’s G League rights, so expect to see him spend most (if not all) of next season with the Stockton Kings.

Richards is set to make his first start with the Suns after notching 21 points and 11 rebounds in his debut with the team. Mason Plumlee has been moved to the bench in the aftermath.

Irving has gotten back on track since shooting 4-of-18 from the field in his January 14 return from a back injury. He’s shot 20-of-43 from the field in his last two outings, scoring 58 points in games against Oklahoma City and Charlotte. Dallas plays three more games during Week 13, including a Wednesday/Thursday back-to-back. Fantasy managers certainly hope Irving is at the point where he will not need to miss a game for injury management reasons.

With Dereck Lively II (ankle) sidelined for a third straight game, Gafford put on a show in Charlotte. Not only did he shoot 80% from the field, but the Mavericks center was perfect from the foul line. Add in the overall stat line, and Gafford’s performance exceeded the expectations of many fantasy managers. He’s provided 5th-round value over the past two weeks, and the Mavericks having three more games during Week 13 is excellent news for Gafford managers.

Okogie made his Hornets debut on Monday and was immediately thrust into the rotation. The veteran wing didn’t offer much production outside of rebounds and steals, but he has a better chance of achieving fantasy relevance in Charlotte than in Phoenix. Okogie doesn’t need to be added to fantasy league rosters yet, but he’s worth watching in his new home.

After scoring 15 points in Charlotte’s January 17 win over the Bulls, Smith was even more productive in his second start for the injured Brandon Miller. The second-year guard shot 5-of-8 from beyond the arc, establishing new season-highs in points (19) and 3-pointers. Smith’s production and playing time were encouraging, and he should be added to deep league lineups with the Hornets playing three more games during Week 13.

The Hornets have won three straight games for the first time this season, and Bridges has scored 21 points or more in each of his last five. A top-75 player in 8-cat formats for the season, he has provided top-40 value over the past two weeks. Even with this recent win streak, the lingering concern for the Hornets is the potential for a shutdown. However, Bridges wasn’t shut down during the 2023-24 campaign, which is what fantasy managers hope will also be the case this season.

Ball’s percentages weren’t great, but the overall stat line was one that many fantasy managers will take. He’s dished out nine assists or more in four straight games, with Charlotte winning the last three. Even with the turnover issues, the most significant concern regarding Ball’s fantasy value has been availability, not production. He begins Week 13 as a top-10 player in 8-cat formats, and the Hornets have three more games on their schedule.

KAT is good to go after missing two games while Hart will continue to play through his injury. The Knicks appear likely to play their starters heavily, as usual.

Nurkic has missed six consecutive games and the latest update on him suggests that he’ll miss at least eight in a row before returning to the hardwood. It might be hard for him to crack the rotation consistently now that Phoenix has acquired Nick Richards, though.

Beal is set track to return from a two-game absence on Monday. Whether he’ll compete with Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale for minutes remains to be seen.