NBA Player News

It’s that time of year when some non-playoff teams reward players who have performed well for their G League affiliate. Gray has been with the Spurs’ G League affiliate in Austin, averaging 15 points and nearly six rebounds per game. To make room for the 2021 second-round pick out of Florida State, the Spurs are waiving Mamadi Diakite.

James has played in five straight games following a seven-game absence, and his name has popped up frequently on the Lakers’ injury report. Expect him to play and handle his typical workload in a crucial Western Conference battle.

After totaling 14 points in the first three quarters of Sunday’s game, Bridges upped the production during the fourth. Shooting 6-of-8 from the field, he scored 14 in the final frame as the Knicks pulled away for the victory. Bridges has scored 21 points or more in four of his last five appearances and has offered fourth-round value in eight- and nine-cat formats over the past two weeks. The Knicks play four games during Week 22, starting with the 76ers on Tuesday. With New York visiting Cleveland the following night, Bridges’ playing time may take a slight hit against Philadelphia.

While his defensive production was muted on Sunday, Camara shot the ball well against the Knicks after struggling against the Kings on Thursday. The second-year wing has reached double figures in seven of his last eight games and is ranked just outside the top 50 in nine-cat formats over the past two weeks. Given the improved offensive output and his value to the Trail Blazers, Camara should be rostered in more than 49 percent of Yahoo! leagues. Also, Portland plays four games during Week 22.

Sharpe has scored 22 points or more in four of his last five appearances, continuing to produce as Jerami Grant’s replacement in the starting lineup. While the third-year wing has been a more valuable asset in points leagues, he has offered top 100 value in eight-cat formats over the past two weeks. Rostered in 54 percent of Yahoo! leagues, Sharpe is worth adding in 12-team leagues where he’s available ahead of Portland’s four-game Week 22, which starts on Tuesday in Atlanta.

The Knicks did not have an answer for Avdija during the first half of Sunday’s game, as he scored 22 points on 9-of-15 shooting from the field. New York did a better job after the halftime break, but he still managed to record his sixth 30-point game of the season. Avdija is finishing the season in fine fashion, as he has provided top-15 value in nine-cat formats over the past two weeks and top-10 in eight-cat. The Trail Blazers play four games during Week 22, starting with the Hawks on Tuesday.

Kuminga, who took a hard fall during the second quarter of Sunday’s game, will not return due to a sore right ankle. He logged six minutes, finishing with four points and one rebound. Kuminga’s absence frees additional minutes for fellow reserves Buddy Hield and Gui Santos. Neither player has been a consistently impactful fantasy option this season, but Hield offers a safer floor.

Kuminga has appeared in eight straight games after missing two months, so this latest injury is certainly a concern. The Warriors are up 68-44 at halftime, so it wouldn’t be surprising if Golden State held Kuminga out for the rest of the game for precautionary reasons. Gui Santos could pick up a few extra minutes in his absence.

A physical altercation broke out early in the second quarter of Sunday’s game after Holland’s foul on Timberwolves forward Naz Reid. Things had already gotten heated, with emotions boiling over in the form of an altercation that spilled into the stands. Holland finished with four points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal in seven minutes, while Sasser recorded three points, one rebound, two assists and one three-pointer in six minutes. The question heading into Week 22 is whether or not the league will suspend either player.