NBA Player News

Jeffries is part of a three-team trade that includes Karl-Anthony Towns (New York), Julius Randle, and Donte DiVincenzo (Minnesota). Jeffries only appeared in 17 games for the Knicks last season and was essentially included in this deal to clear space for Towns’ salary. He is not going to impact fantasy basketball in Charlotte.

Charlotte was shorthanded without LaMelo Ball on Friday, but the Hornets gave the Knicks all they could handle in this one-point affair. Brunson came in clutch with some timely buckets and free throws in the fourth quarter to seal the win for New York. Brunson has now scored at least 20 points in six straight and at least 30 in back-to-back contests. He’ll look to keep the momentum rolling when the Knicks host the Pelicans on Sunday.

With Mark Williams and Nick Richards on the shelf, Diabate has seen increased run over the last three weeks. The big man has averaged 11.2 boards, 1.2 steals and 1.6 blocks across 26.3 minutes over his last 11 contests. Diabate pulled down at least 10 rebounds in eight of those 11. He’s a useful source of rebounds and defensive stats who should continue to see meaningful minutes in this injury-riddled frontcourt.

With LaMelo Ball out, Miller was Charlotte’s offensive focal point, and he struggled mightily with efficiency in this one, shooting 7-of-25 from the field. He knocked in just 2-of-11 shots from beyond the arc and committed six turnovers, so this was a bit of a mixed bag from the productive, second-year man. He’ll look to improve on this performance when the Hornets face the Hawks on Saturday for the second leg of a back-to-back set.

Kuz sustained the injury Wednesday, and it will cost him at least two games. In his absence, rookie Kyshawn George should see increased run. The Miami product has averaged 12.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.0 steals and 2.3 triples across six starts this season.

Doncic and Gafford both practiced on Friday, but Thompson did not. All three should be considered questionable for Saturday, with Thompson’s status the most in doubt. Players like Jaden Hardy, Quentin Grimes, Naji Marshall and Dereck Lively II would all be in line for more playing time if Doncic, Gafford or Thomspon are sidelined.

George was a full participant in Friday’s practice, while Caleb Martin was a partial participant. Both are trending in the right direction ahead of Saturday’s tilt with Detroit, but if they are unable to go, expect Philly to keep rolling with its starting five of Tyrese Maxey, Kelly Oubre, Jared McCain, Guerschon Yabusele and Andre Drummond. Yabusele has been productive in three straight starts and should be rostered in leagues of most sizes. Embiid still has no timeline for recovery, and Saturday will mark his 14th absence in 18 games to kick off the 2024-25 campaign. The Sixers are 3-14 and own the second-worst record in the Association, only one game ahead of the lowly Washington Wizards.

As expected, Ball will be available against Boston and will play the same amount of minutes he played Wednesday against Orlando. Ball made an impact on both ends of the court in his limited time, though he didn’t do enough to be worth a look in fantasy until he starts seeing more minutes.

LaMelo Ball is sidelined, and Micic will have big shoes to fill after Ball averaged 40/7/8 across his last four. Diabate will replace Taj Gibson as the starting center and team up with rookie Salaun to hold things down in the frontcourt for a team riddled with injuries at the four and five. Expect Brandon Miller to handle a sizable workload on offense.

DeRozan will miss a second consecutive game and has no concrete return timeline. Jae Crowder filled the void in the starting lineup in his Kings debut on Wednesday and should remain in that role. The veteran forward is a deep-league streaming option at best.

James isn’t in the rotation when healthy. Consider the rookie out indefinitely until further notice.