NBA Player News

Clint Capela is getting a rest day before they start the Play-In Tournament next week. Unsurprisingly, Fernando will move into the starting unit in his place, though Mouhamed Gueye will also take on extra minutes off the bench at center.

Horford missed the first leg of this back-to-back but will return to take on Memphis. He started in his most recent appearance and was excellent in 27 minutes. He should be productive once again if he continues to start with Kristaps Porziņģis (illness) still sidelined.

Green played through the back issue on Tuesday after missing Sunday’s game against Denver. He started at center, but with Al Horford back, he should start at power forward if he suits up, with Horford filling De’Anthony Melton’s starting spot.

Melton set a new season high for scoring in Tuesday’s loss, but he won’t get the chance to build on it during the second leg of this back-to-back. Brandin Podziemski, Will Richard and Gary Payton II should be in line for extra minutes, with one of them filling the open starting spot.

Caruso returned from a one-game absence on Tuesday, but the ankle injury will likely keep him sidelined for the second leg of OKC’s back-to-back. Jared McCain and Aaron Wiggins should take on extra minutes off the bench.

Holmgren played through back spasms on Tuesday, but he is expected to miss the second leg of this back-to-back. Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) has already been ruled out, which means Jaylin Williams and Kenrich Williams should both see a bump in minutes and have a chance to start.

Hartenstein logged 26 minutes in Tuesday’s win, and now he will sit out the second leg of OKC’s back-to-back. Jaylin Williams should get the start at center with Hartenstein sidelined and Chet Holmgren (back) listed as doubtful.

Poeltl missed Tuesday’s game against the Thunder, but he will be available for the second leg of this back-to-back. His return should push Collin Murray-Boyles back to the bench after he started against OKC.

Suggs has missed the last three games for Orlando and is in danger of making it four straight absences. Tristan da Silva has started the last three games in his stead and has averaged 10.3 points and 5.7 rebounds during this stretch. He’ll hold some upside if Suggs remains out.

While Reaves had a productive second half, shooting 6-of-9 from the field, his subpar first half sunk the Lakers’ guard’s field-goal percentage. However, Reaves has been a top-50 player since the trade deadline, so there isn’t too much for fantasy managers to be worried about. If there is a question to be asked, it’s what Reaves’ availability will look like for the end of Week 18. The Lakers have a back-to-back on Saturday and Sunday, with Sunday’s game against the Kings possibly being one where they look to rest Reaves.

James has scored at least 20 points in five of his last six games, with Tuesday’s performance representing a step forward after he struggled with his shot in Sunday’s loss to the Celtics. Since the trade deadline, James has been close to a top-25 player in eight-cat formats, providing excellent value for fantasy managers. The Lakers visit the Suns on Thursday, the first of three games they’ll play to conclude Week 18.