NBA Player News

Adams will remain sidelined after being labeled questionable on the initial injury report. Jock Landale will fill the backup center role but is not worth rostering in most fantasy leagues.

After averaging 1.8 combined steals and blocks last season, Murray’s path to increased fantasy value in 2024-25 may be on that end of the floor. He didn’t record a steal or blocked shot in Thursday’s loss to Minnesota, but the third-year forward had four defensive contributions on Saturday. Murray’s scoring opportunities may take a hit with DeMar DeRozan replacing Harrison Barnes, but he won’t “go hungry.” Murray can reel off a top-50 season if the defensive stats are there.

Fox recorded his second points/assists double-double in as many games, but the scoring output increased on Saturday. He took a team-high 20 shots, with no other King taking more than 14 (Domantas Sabonis and Malik Monk). Even with DeMar DeRozan entering the mix, Fox will get his shots. He can improve his standing in category leagues if the percentages are up to snuff.

DeRozan efficiently got his numbers on Saturday, but it’s a bit jarring to look at the box score and see that he only attempted 12 shots. In 79 appearances for the Bulls last season, he had nine games of 12 field-goal attempts or less. Even with De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis on the court, nights like Saturday are unlikely to be the norm for DeRozan. The Kings play four games in Week 2, beginning with the Blazers on Monday.

After falling two rebounds short of a triple-double in Sacramento’s opener on Thursday, Sabonis recorded one on Saturday. He was highly efficient as a scorer against the Lakers while recording a full stat line and keeping the turnovers (two) in check. Sacramento remains a work in progress as they work DeMar DeRozan into the fold, but that shouldn’t keep Sabonis from remaining one of the top centers in fantasy basketball.

Russell isn’t going to record gaudy stat lines regularly in a lineup headlined by Anthony Davis and LeBron James. But, as was the case on Saturday, he has the room to be a positive asset for fantasy managers. Russell shot the ball well, and the assists, steals, and 3-pointers will also add value in category leagues.

Reaves had a decent Saturday night, but the six turnovers were a bit of a downer. The good news for fantasy managers is that high-turnover nights aren’t typical for Reaves, especially when playing alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. He has been a top 20 player in 9-cat formats through three games, according to Basketball Monster.

Davis has been sensational thus far, scoring 31 points or more in each of the Lakers’ first three games. He fell one rebound shy of a double-double, but the overall stat line was more than enough for many fantasy managers. Davis boasted a Yahoo ADP of 7.2, with many managers willing to select him with a top-5 picks. At this rate, he should live up to those expectations with ease.

“Father Time” may be undefeated, but James appears intent on giving him a run for his money. The Lakers superstar was outstanding on Saturday, and his fingerprints were all over a 21-0 run that shifted the momentum. LeBron scored 11 of the 21 points and 16 of his 32 in the fourth quarter. The Lakers are 3-0, and JJ Redick’s approach to coaching the team appears to have rejuvenated James and Anthony Davis. The Lakers will play three games in Week 2.

By the lofty standard he’s established, Irving’s gotten off to a slow start this season. In Dallas’ first two games, he’s scored 37 points on 15-of-39 shooting. Given the overall track record, Irving will clean that up, possibly as soon as Dallas’ four-game Week 2 slate. The Mavericks begin the week with a back-to-back against the Jazz (Monday) and Timberwolves (Tuesday).

One game after hitting six 3-pointers in a win over the Spurs, Thompson made five more on Saturday. While the production in supplemental categories could be limited, the points, 3-pointers, and steals will carry Klay a long way regarding fantasy value. Dallas plays four games in Week 2, beginning with a back-to-back against the Jazz (Monday) and Timberwolves (Tuesday).