NBA Player News

McVeigh, who played well in Australia’s exhibition loss to the United States on Monday, is coming off the best season of his professional career. The 6-foot-8 wing led Tasmania to a league title in Australia’s NBL, and he was named MVP of the championship series after averaging 16.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.7 3-pointers per game. McVeigh will now try his hand at the NBA, and this will not be his first time playing in America. He played college basketball at Nebraska before returning to Australia to begin his pro career.

Yabusele started Wednesday’s game for Joel Embiid, who was held out of the first of two games in as many nights for the 76ers. Yabusele offered minimal value against the Kings, with Domantas Sabonis being too much for him (and Andre Drummond) to handle. Embiid should be back for Thursday’s game against the Warriors, so there’s no need to hold onto Yabusele.

Lowry was Nick Nurse’s choice to start for the injured Kelly Oubre Jr., and the veteran point guard offered little fantasy value. This is unsurprising, as Lowry has long been of greater importance to his team than to fantasy basketball. There was no need to stream Lowry on Wednesday, and that will also be the case for Thursday’s game against the Warriors, regardless of Oubre’s availability.

Gordon was back in the rotation after missing four games due to a dental procedure, and the veteran guard had a good night in Sacramento. The 14 points were one shy of his season-high, with Gordon last reaching double figures on November 4 against the Suns. He did establish a new season-high with three 3-pointers while matching his best tallies in assists and blocked shots. Wednesday’s performance isn’t enough to make Gordon a player worth adding; he’ll need to string together a few quality games before that changes.

Maxey has scored at least 27 points in five of his last six outings, providing consistent offensive value despite Joel Embiid and Paul George’s inconsistent availability. Those two stars’ ability to string together games has helped Maxey and the 76ers, who have gone 8-3 in their last 11 games. Maxey did have four turnovers on Wednesday, but that category is rarely a concern for him in fantasy basketball. The 76ers visit the Warriors on Thursday, and Embiid should be available.

George hit the 30-point mark for the second time on Wednesday, finishing three points shy of his season-high (December 16 vs. Charlotte). The field goal percentage was more important than the point total, with PG making 55% of his attempts. Over the past two weeks, George has shot a frigid 32% from the field and is ranked just inside the top 150 in 9-cat formats. Wednesday’s outing represents a step in the right direction, regardless of the game’s outcome.

Monk finished Wednesday’s game with his eighth 20-point game of the season, and he’s been responsible for at least six assists in three straight. While the Kings guard hasn’t been a great fantasy option recently, he remains a top 100 player in 8- and 9-cat formats regarding season-long value.

The Kings were without Keegan Murray on Wednesday, as he did not play due to a sore left ankle. That opened up a place in the starting lineup for Ellis, who made his fifth start of the season against the 76ers. Fantasy managers received value in the steals, blocks, and 3-pointers accumulated by Ellis, and the 38 minutes were another encouraging development. Rostered in 6% of Yahoo leagues, he’ll be worth streaming if Murray remains out for Friday’s game against the Grizzlies.

Sabonis matched his season-high with 21 rebounds, and Wednesday’s game was his fourth with at least 20. The Kings center remains a double-double machine, and he’s providing 1st-round value in 8- and 9-cat formats. Sabonis and the Kings play two more games in Week 10, beginning with the Grizzlies on Friday.

The 76ers had no answer for Fox on Wednesday, as he shot 11-of-12 from two and made half of his four 3-point attempts. While his 9-cat value aligns with his Yahoo ADP (27), Fox has been a top 20 player in 8-cat formats. He’s now scored at least 23 points in eight consecutive games, which is one reason why the Kings point guard has been a top-15 player over the past two weeks.

Daniels saw increased usage with Jalen Johnson sidelined. Unfortunately, it didn’t translate to fantasy production as he struggled mightily with nine points on 17 shots. Daniels’ outside shooting was particularly poor as he made just 1-of-7 attempts from behind the 3-point line. He was much more effective from a playmaking perspective as he dished out six assists and had no turnovers. Daniels also chipped in with his typical defensive value as he had three steals.