NBA Player News

While his defensive ability has made McDaniels a mainstay in the Timberwolves starting lineup, he’s been a bit frustrating in fantasy basketball. He’s yet to produce a top-100 season, with the 2022-23 campaign (116th in per-game value, per Basketball Monster) being McDaniels’ best. However, with Julius Randle (shoulder) not guaranteed to be ready for the start of the regular season, McDaniels is worth rolling the dice on in standard league drafts.

Banton has missed four of the team’s last five games, which has allowed Scoot Henderson to play a few extra minutes off the bench. If Banton returns for this one, Henderson, who has been playing well, will lose out on a few minutes.

Williams has missed Portland’s last three games with a sprained ankle, and he’s only made three appearances since November 25. His availability impacts fellow reserve Donovan Clingan the most, as Deandre Ayton is a near-lock to play 30-plus minutes as the starter. Clingan doesn’t offer much fantasy value now, but that may change after the trade deadline.

Camara did not play in Saturday’s win over Dallas, with Deni Avdija replacing him in the starting lineup. Already rostered in most standard leagues, Avdija will merit streaming consideration in some shallow formats if Camara cannot play on Monday.

Despite the injury, Grant played 42 minutes in Saturday’s win over the Mavericks. If Grant cannot play on Monday, Kris Murray will take on a more significant role in the Portland rotation. Murray would only be worthy of consideration in deep leagues.

Podziemski was injured during the second quarter of Saturday’s win over the Suns and did not return. Lindy Waters III picked up a few more minutes off the bench, but he is not in a position where he should be streamed in fantasy leagues. Moses Moody (knee) is on track to return, so he should be ahead of Waters in the pecking order once cleared.

Moody did not play in Saturday’s win over the Suns and has missed six of Golden State’s last eight games. His return would give Steve Kerr another option off the bench, but when healthy, Moody has not done enough to merit being rostered in most fantasy leagues.

Drummond was sidelined for their last two games, though he was initially listed as probable for their game on Saturday. With Joel Embiid questionable as well, Drummond could get the start if he suits up and Embiid doesn’t. However, that is the only scenario where he will be worth streaming.

Gordon has missed Philadelphia’s last three games after undergoing a procedure on his mouth. Reggie Jackson has played rotation minutes the last two, but his production has not been enough to impact fantasy basketball. There’s no need to roster Jackson or Gordon in most fantasy leagues.

Embiid has played in their last three games, but that doesn’t mean that he won’t be on the injury report. He has been a regular here for years, and if he isn’t able to suit up, Andre Drummond (toe) or Guerschon Yabusele will replace him in the starting unit.

Collins has missed the team’s last three games and is expected to miss a fourth straight on Monday. With both Collins and Keyonte George out for their last game, Jordan Clarkson and rookie Cody Williams were part of the team’s starting unit. George is questionable, which means one of them will return to the bench if he plays, though at least one will continue to start with Collins likely sidelined.