NBA Player News

Badji spent his rookie season in Portland, appearing in 22 games for the Trail Blazers. He didn’t offer much value, averaging 1.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks in 10.3 minutes. Milwaukee already has 14 players on guaranteed deals, so the decision to subsequently waive Badji was unsurprising. Look for him to land with the team’s G League affiliate.

Adebayo had a chance to win Friday’s game, but his three-point attempt was well off the mark as time expired. However, fantasy managers will be pleased with the Heat center’s final stat line, as he extended his double-double streak to three games. Since the All-Star break, Adebayo has provided top-25 value in eight- and nine-cat formats, which is well ahead of his production for the season. Between the injuries and Jimmy Butler no longer being a team member, the Heat need this version of Adebayo to show up nightly.

With Alec Burks unavailable, Larsson made his first start since January 23 and second of the season on Friday. Unfortunately, the rookie wing did not provide much value, ultimately ceding playing time to reserves Duncan Robinson (15/4/1/2 with four three-pointers) and Haywood Highsmith (9/5/4/1 with one three-pointer). While worthy of a look in deep leagues due to the spot start, Larsson didn’t do enough to merit being added ahead of Saturday’s game against the Bulls.

Herro returned to the Heat lineup after sitting out Wednesday’s loss to the Cavaliers with an illness, playing 39 minutes and recording a complete stat line. Since the All-Star break, the Heat guard has been a top-30 player in eight- and nine-cat formats. While Friday’s performance wasn’t the cleanest regarding Herro’s percentage from the field, Saturday’s matchup with the Bulls sets up to be a good one for him.

The Timberwolves reserves outscored their Heat counterparts by a 37-35 margin, with DiVincenzo and Nickeil Alexander-Walker (12 points, two rebounds, one steal, two blocks and three three-pointers) leading the way. Since returning from his toe injury, DiVincenzo has provided top-30 value in nine-cat formats. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, the Timberwolves guard will provide reliable fantasy value. He should be rostered in more than 72 percent of Yahoo! leagues, even with the Timberwolves only playing three games during Week 19.

No singular Timberwolves player stood out offensively on Friday, as seven players scored between 12 and 15 points. However, Reid continues to provide solid value with Rudy Gobert (back) out of the lineup. Since February 13 (Gobert last played on February 12), Reid has averaged 18.1 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 0.7 steals, 1.3 blocks and 2.7 three-pointers per game. Despite shooting just 40.4 percent from the field, Reid has provided fourth-round value in eight- and nine-cat formats.

Randle finished Friday’s win one assist shy of a triple-double, which would have been his first as a Timberwolves player. He was one of seven players to score between 12 and 15 points, as the balanced offensive effort was enough to get Minnesota its third straight road victory. Since returning to the lineup on March 2, Randle has been a sixth-round player in eight-cat formats (eighth-round in nine-cat). He’ll look to end Week 18 on a high when the Timberwolves host the Spurs on Sunday.

Edwards did not look like himself for most of Friday’s game and was even late to the court for the third quarter. Following the win, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said his star guard was dealing with an illness, hence his not starting the second half. Edwards didn’t offer much value offensively, with eight of his ten shots coming from beyond the arc, but he did contribute 13 rebounds and six assists. Hopefully, he’ll be good for Sunday’s home game against the Spurs.

Henderson’s 22 points were the most he’s had in a game since January 30. The 21-year-old point guard had shot 41 percent or less from the field in three games in March entering play Friday, but against the Thunder he shot 53 percent from the field. Henderson might’ve benefited from additional usage with Deni Avdija (quad) and Dalano Banton (personal) out, but he’ll need more consistent minutes in general to be a legitimate fantasy asset.

Grant returned from a four-game absence due to right knee tendinitis. The 30-year-old power forward played just 24 minutes despite getting the start. Grant struggled from the field going 2-of-10 including missing all six of his 3-point attempts. Fantasy managers should assume that the Trail Blazers will continue to be cautious in working Grant back in over the coming games.