NBA Player News

Beekman played four seasons at Virginia. During his senior season, he averaged 14.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 2.0 steals, 0.5 blocks and 0.9 triples. Beekman earned ACC All-Defense three times in his college career, and he was the ACC Defensive Player of the Year twice. He’ll be 23 in October, making him one of the oldest prospects in this year’s draft, though his experience, playmaking and quality defense should translate well at the next level. Beekman will likely be a better option on the court than for fantasy managers, at least in his first season. Especially given how impactful Gary Payton II and Brandin Podziemski were for the Dubs on defense last year.

Leonard didn’t shoot the ball as well as he’s capable of Wednesday night, but he did record his fifth double-double of the season. Over the past month, he has provided top-10 value in eight- and nine-cat formats. The Clippers won’t have to deal with a back-to-back again this season, so Leonard should be a full-go for games against the Kings and Warriors on Friday and Sunday. Leonard’s managers in active leagues are undoubtedly pleased about this.

Thanks to Bogdan Bogdanovic rattling in a three-pointer with just over one minute remaining, Zubac recorded his first career triple-double on Wednesday. It’s another notable achievement for the Clippers’ center, who is enjoying a career year and deserves to be mentioned among the NBA’s most improved players. What’s also good for Zubac managers in active leagues is that the Clippers need every win they can get for seeding reasons. This should ensure that he’s available for the final two games of the regular season.

Harden’s 35 points were the most he’s scored in a game against the Rockets since leaving Houston. Given how tight the race in the middle of the Western Conference standings is, the Clippers will need Harden to be at his best for their final two games of the regular season. That’s good news for Harden managers in active leagues, as this should ensure that he’s available for the Clippers’ matchups with the Kings and Warriors.

To no one’s surprise, Uncle Jeff still has plenty left in the tank. Houston played Wednesday’s game without four starters, resulting in Green playing rotation minutes. He took advantage, shooting 7-of-9 from the field and scoring a season-high 19 points. This performance should not convince fantasy managers in active leagues to add Green ahead of Houston’s final two games of the regular season, but it was fun to watch him get going.

Eason was allowed to start on Wednesday, as the Rockets held out four of their usual starters. As expected, he recorded a complete stat line and was efficient while doing so. The third-year forward has consistently been in the top 100 in eight- and nine-cat formats this season, exceeding his Yahoo! ADP of 142. The concern for Eason is availability, as he did not play both games of back-to-backs due to the lingering leg issue that cut his 2023-24 season short. Hopefully, that will not be an issue for him next year.

Houston held four starters out for Wednesday’s game, and the fifth, Jalen Green, changed into street clothes during the halftime break. Sheppard was one of the seldom-used players who took on marquee roles in Inglewood, and the rookie had a good night. He shot 6-of-10 from beyond the arc, recording the second 20-point game of his career. If there was an issue for Sheppard, it’s that he had as many turnovers as assists (four). Houston knows it will be the two-seed in the West when the playoffs begin, making it possible that Sheppard gets another start in the Rockets’ final two games of the regular season.

Lyles continued to start with Keegan Murray (back) out. The 29-year-old power forward played 38 minutes and was -9 in the eight-point loss to the Nuggets. Lyles is unlikely to keep this role going into next season, but he’s being given the opportunity to put up consistent points and rebounds down the stretch of this season.

LaVine continues to close this season on a high note. The 30-year-old shooting guard was coming off a season-high 43 points against the Pistons. On Wednesday, he dropped 27 points and four three-pointers on the Nuggets. LaVine also dished out 11 assists. He’s scored at least 25 points in four-straight games now and is on his way to delivering a big week for fantasy managers still in active leagues.

Pickett moved into the starting lineup with Jamal Murray out again with a hamstring injury. The 25-year-old shooting guard had 18 points with most of the damage coming from his five made three-pointers. Pickett played 31 minutes while Peyton Watson played 25 and Russell Westbrook played 17. In the aftermath of Mike Malone’s firing, it appears Pickett could stick in the starting lineup.

Jokic had another triple-double on Wednesday as the Nuggets beat the Kings by eight. The 30-year-old center is a dominant player anytime, but he’s of even more importance right now with the Nuggets missing Jamal Murray, who has a hamstring injury. The Nuggets have two games left with a matchup against the Grizzlies on tap Friday.