NBA Player News

Budenholzer, who the Bucks fired at the end of the 2022-23 season, is back in the NBA head coaching game. He fills the void left by Frank Vogel, who the Suns fired after one season at the helm. Budnholzer did lead the Bucks to an NBA title in 2021, but multiple postseason appearances ended disappointingly. Regardless of who the Suns hire, the front office has to figure out the point guard situation ahead of next season.

Gafford injured his ankle during the second quarter of Monday’s game, exiting with 8:26 remaining in the period. His absence means more playing time for starter Dereck Lively II, and Dwight Powell may enter the rotation. An extended absence for Gafford would boost Lively’s fantasy value. In eight minutes, Gafford tallied five points, one rebound, and one blocked shot.

Richardson has not appeared in a game since November 18. His continued absence does not impact fantasy basketball or the Heat rotation.

Already down multiple rotation players, the Grizzlies will also be without Desmond Bane for Monday’s game. He’ll be replaced in the lineup by Konchar, who grabbed 27 rebounds in two spot starts last week. Konchar doesn’t offer much scoring production, but the rebounding potential makes him a worthwhile streamer in deep leagues.

The Mavericks remain without Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, which forces other players to step up and produce. For Monday’s game against Memphis, Marshall will start after serving a four-game suspension for fighting, and Kleber will also be in the lineup. Spencer Dinwiddie and Quentin Grimes head to the bench, but both are worth holding onto in deep leagues.

Garza is available for the first time since December 19. However, he does not play rotation minutes when healthy, so his return will not impact fantasy basketball.

The Timberwolves have made a change to their starting lineup. DiVincenzo is in, with Mike Conley headed to the bench. In addition to boosting DiVincenzo’s fantasy value, Anthony Edwards will be the primary playmaker, possibly increasing his assist production.

Minott is available after being listed as questionable with illness, but he doesn’t play enough minutes to matter for fantasy basketball.

Clarkson has struggled with left foot issues throughout the season, and things have come to a head. He’ll miss at least two weeks due to Monday’s diagnosis, so Brice Sensabaugh will figure prominently in the Jazz rotation off the bench. The second-year wing is playing the best basketball of his brief NBA career and is worth adding now, well ahead of the “silly season.”

Collins returned from a five-game absence due to a hip injury Saturday and scored 24 points before missing Sunday’s game for personal reasons. Now the 27-year-old power forward is set to miss another game for personal reasons. Utah could have a thin frontcourt rotation if Lauri Markkanen, who is questionable with a back injury, is also ruled out.

George popped up late on the injury report Sunday and subsequently missed the game against the Magic. The 21-year-old point guard has already been ruled out for Tuesday’s game. Brice Sensabaugh should get a chance for additional minutes again after dropping 27 points Sunday.