NBA Player News

Jones has played well in both of Sacramento’s games to open the summer, good timing for a player currently on a two-way contract. The news that Devin Carter will have to undergo shoulder surgery may crack the door open for Jones, especially with it unknown if the rookie will be healthy at the start of training camp. Jones isn’t a player who fantasy managers should consider selecting in most league drafts, but there may be times during the season when he’s allowed to show what he can do.

Just when the 76ers were playing well and strengthening their on-court chemistry, the league announced that George will be suspended for 25 games. His absence likely means that Dominick Barlow, who remains on a two-way contract, will return to the starting lineup. Not having George also means the 76ers will need more production from starters VJ Edgecombe and Kelly Oubre, which could raise the fantasy ceilings of both players.

Vassell is back in the starting lineup after coming off the bench in his first two appearances after missing nearly a month with a strained adductor. However, his inclusion does not come at the expense of Champagnie. Instead, it’s Harrison Barnes who heads to the bench, so those who were streaming Champagnie should hold onto him for a bit longer.

White was initially questionable for Saturday’s game, but a lingering right calf issue has him trending toward not playing. With Josh Giddey (hamstring) and Tre Jones (hamstring) out, the Bulls will have to rely heavily on Ayo Dosunmu and Kevin Huerter. Dalen Terry or Jevon Carter may enter the rotation, but neither would be worth streaming.

Smith had to exit Thursday’s loss to the Heat before halftime due to tightness in his right calf, and the injury will keep him out for at least the first game of Chicago’s back-to-back in Miami. Ayo Dosunmu started the second half in his place last time out and will have a prominent role, as the Bulls are also without Josh Giddey (hamstring).

Giddey will miss a second consecutive game due to left hamstring injury management. Jalen Smith replaced him in the lineup for Thursday’s loss to the Heat, but he is also out due to right calf tightness. Look for Ayo Dosunmu to figure more prominently in the rotation after scoring 19 second-half points the last time out, and he is worth streaming in 12-team leagues.

Green was initially listed as probable for Saturday’s game, so the upgrade was expected. While he’ll be part of the rotation due to his defense, the 2020 first-round pick is unlikely to affect fantasy basketball.

Melton had another excellent shooting night off the bench Friday. The 27-year-old shooting guard has now been in double figures in nine of his last 11 games. Melton typically plays 25 minutes or less, which caps his overall fantasy value and makes ceiling games hard to come by. Still, his scoring was up in January as he averaged 14.4 points per game. Melton and the Warriors have a few days off before their next game Tuesday against the 76ers.

Robinson was 1-of-14 over his last two games from behind the three-point line entering play Friday, but bounced back in a big way as the Pistons beat the Warriors. The 31-year-old shooting guard had 15 points, all coming on five made three-pointers. With the Pistons desperate for shooting, Robinson has a clear role as the team is currently constructive. As long as he’s out of his shooting slump, he’ll have value in category leagues.

Curry left Friday’s game against the Pistons in the third quarter with right knee soreness and didn’t return, but his coach didn’t seem too concerned about it postgame. Kerr told reporters he doesn’t think the injury is anything major, though it’s been nagging the 37-year-old point guard for the past week. The Warriors will have a more official update on Curry’s status Saturday, but it seems more like an injury he’ll have to manage than something that could keep him sidelined for an extended period. The Warriors fortunately have a few days off before Tuesday’s game against the 76ers.

Duren had at least 21 points and 13 rebounds for the second game in a row. Cade Cunningham said in his postgame interview that he believes the 22-year-old center should be on the All-Star team this year. Duren is certainly having the best fantasy season of his career. He’s provided fourth-round per game value over the last two weeks. Duren and the Pistons close out the week Sunday against the Nets at home.