NBA Player News

With the Mavericks down several rotation players, O-Max posted career-highs in points, rebounds, and minutes in Friday’s defeat. However, before any fantasy managers overreact to this performance, he played 17 minutes and scored 13 of his 20 points after halftime. Even if the Mavericks remain severely shorthanded for Saturday’s matchup with San Antonio, Prosper is not worth adding in redraft leagues. The same can be said for Dexter Dennis, who put up 18 points, five rebounds, and four assists in the second half after not playing at all in the first.

Fontecchio’s continued absence does not impact fantasy basketball, as he is on the back end of the Pistons’ rotation when available. Ausar Thompson and Ron Holland II are ahead of him in the pecking order, especially with Jaden Ivey (live) out indefinitely.

Queen has had a few games where he has played significant minutes, but with Jalen Suggs healthy, that won’t be the case when he likely returns from a one-game absence on against Toronto.

Harris missed one month after straining his left hamstring in late November. And after playing three games, he’s back on the injury report due to the same injury. This is a concerning development, but Harris is not in a position where he provides reliable fantasy value when healthy.

Brown logged 19 minutes in each of his first two games of the season, but he sat out the second night of a back-to-back on Wednesday. He’ll be back in the lineup to take on Orlando, and he should once again play a similar role off the bench.

Black has missed Orlando’s last two games, which freed up rotation minutes for some of Orlando’s other perimeter reserves. Caleb Houstan is one player whose minutes increased, but he is not worth streaming in most leagues.

Drummond logged 20 minutes off the bench in their last game, which was his first after a three-game absence. He’ll sit out the second night of the back-to-back, which will allow Guerschon Yabusele to take on a larger role even if Joel Embiid (foot) suits up.

Oubre will miss a second straight game after sitting out Wednesday’s loss to the Kings. Kyle Lowry replaced him in the starting lineup but offered little value, going scoreless in 17 minutes of action. Lowry may retain that role, but there’s no need to consider streaming him.

Embiid missed the first leg of their back-to-back due to “rest”, but he hasn’t officially been cleared to play in this game. The expectation should be that he’s able to suit up, and the fact that the sinus fracture isn’t on the injury report is a good step for him. Guerschon Yabusele started in his place on Wednesday night, with Andre Drummond logging 20 minutes off the bench. However, with Drummond out on Thursday, Yabusele should have a significant role once again.

Beal sustained his latest injury on Tuesday against the Grizzlies, and his status for Saturday’s matchup with Indiana is unclear. Allen’s full participation in practice bodes well for his availability, but fantasy managers will need to keep an eye on his status ahead of Saturday’s tip-off. If Beal is sidelined, Ran Dunn could replace him in the starting five.

Barrett has missed Toronto’s last two games due to illness. If he can play on Friday, it will be the second time Toronto’s preferred starting lineup has been on the court together. If Barrett plays, Ochai Agbaji will likely be headed to the bench.