NBA Player News

On most nights, Smith is on the back end of the Hornets’ rotation. Hopefully, he’ll be available to play, but his status will not impact fantasy basketball.

Clingan made the most of his opportunity with Deandre Ayton and Rob Williams out. The seventh overall pick in the draft, Clingan played a career-high 31 minutes and was only two blocks shy of a triple-double. He’s a must-start fantasy option in the future when Ayton is out. It’s even possible Portland could move Ayton before the trade deadline to open up playing time for Clingan.

Sharpe’s 33 points were a game-high. He took 23 shots, made 3-of-10 attempts from behind the 3-point line, and was -4 in 36 minutes in the eight-point victory. Sharpe took on a greater scoring role while the Trail Blazers were without Deandre Ayton and Anfernee Simons. This was a ceiling game for Sharpe, who will have a lesser role as Portland gets some of their starters back.

Okogie’s stat line will undoubtedly draw attention, mainly because it happened on a night when the Suns were without Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. However, he entered Wednesday having scored 17 points in three games. Experienced fantasy managers know what they’ll get from Okogie on most nights, and that doesn’t align with what he did on Wednesday. Leave him on the waiver wire.

Wednesday’s game was a “schedule loss” for the Suns, who played in Utah the night before. Booker didn’t have his best night shooting the basketball, but fantasy managers know he’ll be better. Phoenix continues its road trip through the end of Week 4, beginning with Oklahoma City on Friday.

With Bradley Beal joining Kevin Durant on the sideline, O’Neale was inserted into the starting lineup for Wednesday’s game. Things did not go how he or the Suns hoped, with the veteran wing shooting 2-of-12 from the field. O’Nelae did provide some rebounding and assist production, but the spot start churned out disappointing results.

Back in the lineup after sitting out Tuesday’s win over the Jazz, Nurkic didn’t provide much outside of rebounds and steals on Wednesday. Regarding fantasy value, he’s been disappointing, ranking outside the top 200 in 9-cat, per-game value. Dropping Nurkic isn’t a good idea, given his status as a starter. However, considering buying low would not be the worst thing, especially for managers needing rebound production.

Another game, another double-double for Sabonis. Interestingly, he only attempted four shots on the night, with three (all makes) coming from beyond the arc. Nights like this haven’t been the norm for Sabonis, so fantasy managers can expect gaudier stat lines in the future. He’s providing 1st-round value in 8-cat formats while sitting just outside that threshold in 9-cat.

Murray entered Wednesday in a slump, having shot 9-of-28 from the field and scored 26 points in the previous three games. The turnaround began in the decisive win over the Suns, with Murray shooting over 60% from the field and knocking down three 3-pointers. For the season, he’s providing 8th-round per-game value in 9-cat formats, one rebound worse than his Yahoo ADP in standard leagues.

Two nights removed from scoring two points on 1-of-7 shooting, Huerter had his best offensive game of the season. Not only were the 22 points a season-high, but this was also Red Velvet’s first game with at least 20. If DeMar DeRozan (back) has to miss time after not returning to the second half of Wednesday’s game, Huerter (21% rostered) will be worth a look in standard leagues.

Fox got off to a good start on Wednesday, making all four shots he attempted. He finished with his fourth double-double of the season, and the 29 points were two shy of his season-high. Fox is providing 4th-round value in 9-cat formats, but he’s been a top-25 player in turnover-punt build. If DeMar DeRozan (back) misses time, Fox is one of the Kings whose fantasy values will be boosted.