NBA Player News

According to Udoka, a benign growth was found on Eason’s left shinbone. While it was considered a pain tolerance issue, it was ultimately determined that the second-year forward should undergo surgery. A rod will be inserted into the bone, and Eason faces a fourth-month recovery timeline. The Rockets expect Eason to be ready for the start of next season. Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore are worth rostering with Eason sidelined for the remainder of this season.

Friday’s game wasn’t going to be an easy matchup for Jackson, especially after Zach Edey exited during the first half with a nasal injury. He didn’t have his best night shooting the basketball, and the rebounds and defensive status were minimal. That will happen when faced with the task of dealing with Victor Wembanyama. Also, he’s shot over 49% from the field over the past two weeks. Shooting 16-of-44 in two wins over the Spurs has minimally impacted Jackson’s numbers. He’ll be fine.

Instead of replacing the injured Ja Morant (foot) with a point guard, Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins decided to go with a shooter (Kennard). The move worked like a charm. Desmond Bane had one of the best all-around performances of his NBA career, and Kennard shot the ball well while also dishing out four assists. Rostered in 6% of Yahoo leagues, his season-long fantasy value hasn’t been much to write home about. However, nights like Friday prove that Kennard can add value when the Grizzlies are shorthanded on the perimeter.

With Memphis losing Zach Edey during the first half with a nasal injury, more production was needed from Aldama off the bench. He responded by providing solid value in the points, rebounds, and 3-point categories. Aldama’s 29 points were a season-high, and his eight games of 20 or more are three better than his tally for the 2023-24 campaign. A player who was essentially worth a late-round flier in most drafts, Aldama has been close to a top-75 player in 9-cat formats. Those who drafted Santi are likely enjoying successful runs in their fantasy leagues.

Two nights removed from a 1-of-7 shooting performance in a win over the Spurs, Wells rebounded in a big way in Friday’s rematch. The 22 points were the most in a game for the rookie since January 3, when he dropped a career-high 30 on the Kings. While Wells’ volatile offensive production has limited his fantasy value, he’s played well enough to merit mention among the league’s top rookies. Wells and the Grizzlies play four games during Week 13, beginning with the Timberwolves on Monday.

With Ja Morant (foot) ruled out, Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins decided to give more of the playmaking responsibilities to Bane rather than inserting Scotty Pippen Jr. into the lineup. And Bane was sensational in San Antonio, mastering the balance of getting his looks and setting up his teammates. Reaching double digits in assists for the second time this month, Bane’s 14 helpers were two shy of his career-high. As for Pippen, he played 16 minutes off the bench and finished with seven points, one rebound, five assists, and one 3-pointer. If Morant remains out, Bane’s fantasy value will increase, especially if he’s given the role he held on Friday.

Vassell has at least 21 points and at least three 3-pointers in three straight games. While the 24-year-old shooting guard has missed time with injuries and his points per game is down from 19.5 last year to 15.8 this year, he’s certainly perked up as of late. Vassell will look to close out a solid week of production against the Heat Sunday.

The six blocks give Wemby 16 blocks total in three games so far this week with still another game left to play Sunday against the Heat. The 21-year-old power forward had a relatively quiet game offensively as he had just 19 points on 19 shots, though he made 3-of-7 attempts from behind the 3-point line. Wembanyama is the definition of an elite fantasy player.

Dort poured in 18 points all on six 3-pointers. It’s his second game in a row with six made 3-pointers. Dort hadn’t made six 3-pointers in a game since November, which shows that throughout the season these games are rare for the 25-year-old shooting guard. Dort’s threes did help the Thunder stay in Friday’s game despite being severely shorthanded.

Williams was counted on to provide more offense with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander out in this one. Instead, the 23-year-old small forward had a pretty rough shooting night. Williams scored just 19 points on 22 shots. He also turned the ball over six times and was -12 in 37 minutes in the eight-point loss to the Mavericks. Williams is still providing top-25 fantasy value on the season overall.

Washington has been a very reliable option with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving each missing their share of games this season. The 26-year-old power forward isn’t an elite fantasy option, but he’s steady. With Doncic out again Friday, Washington had 16 points on eight shots, seven rebounds, five assists and chipped in with a steal and a block on defense. He does a little bit of everything, which has led to Washington providing 10th-round fantasy value over the last two weeks.