NBA Player News

The Lakers have to be thrilled with their rookie’s performance. He scored 20 of their 22 points to help his team complete the comeback and win in overtime. In fantasy, he was even able to add in two steals and two blocks. The starters were pulled since it was a preseason game, which allowed Knecht to close things out. He’ll likely play a reserve role during his rookie season, which won’t allow him to have many performances like this one. However, this was incredibly encouraging and has to have dynasty managers excited.

Smart will remain out for a fourth consecutive game, meaning more rotation minutes for Jake LaRavia and Luke Kennard. Given how well he’s played, LaRavia is worthy of streaming consideration in deep leagues.

Morant will remain sidelined for another game, an unsurprising development since he was initially doubtful on the injury report. Scotty Pippen Jr. will stay in the starting lineup until Morant is healthy enough to play.

With Cade Cunningham sidelined due to injury, Beasley moves into the starting lineup for Friday’s game. He’s worth streaming in deep leagues, primarily for points and 3-pointers. Ausar Thompson, who’s making his season debut, can also take on some of the minutes that would have gone to Cunningham.

Phillips’ absence likely frees up additional minutes for rookie Matas Buzelis, but this will not impact fantasy basketball.

Sheppard will miss a third straight game, which means Quenton Jackson should remain in the starting lineup. Jackson has been an 11th-round player over the last week, and T.J. McConnell is a better streaming option than him despite coming off the bench.

Vukcevic isn’t in the rotation when healthy, so his absence will not impact fantasy basketball.

Poole, one of the most improved players in the NBA, lands on the injury report for Sunday’s game. Bub Carrington should move back into the starting lineup if Poole cannot play. This would give the rookie’s fantasy value a welcome boost, as he’s taken a hit with Malcolm Brogdon back in the lineup.

Thompson is available to make his season debut after blood clots ended his rookie campaign in March. Fantasy managers should not expect too much immediately, but Ausar’s skill set is similar to twin brother Amen’s. Once fully cleared, he won’t need too many minutes to impact fantasy basketball.

Caldwell-Pope is back after sitting out Thursday’s win over the Lakers for personal reasons. As a result, Gary Harris returns to the bench and is not worth rostering in most fantasy leagues.

Sunday’s game will be the third Powell has missed after straining his hamstring during the Clippers’ November 18 win over Golden State. Amir Coffey should continue to fill the void in the starting lineup, and he’s worth streaming until Powell returns.