NBA Player News

Branham injured his ankle during the second half of Thursday’s win over Portland. His potential absence may coincide with Devin Vassell returning from a foot injury. If so, the Spurs will not take a hit to their perimeter depth. Branham’s absence would also preserve Stephon Castle’s minutes with Vassell in the fold.

Reid played 28 minutes off the bench and was -11 in the eight-point loss in Portland. While he filled the stat sheet, it wasn’t his best game. Reid made just 2-of-8 attempts from behind the 3-point line. It just wasn’t one of those nights where he had the hot shooting hand, but those nights will come as long as Reid continues to play around 30 minutes per game. The Timberwolves have two more games this week against the Kings on Friday and Suns on Sunday.

Jackson has scored 20 or more in four straight and five of his last six games, and he’s provided top-20 per-game value over the last two weeks. With Ja Morant joining Desmond Bane on the sideline, even more of the Grizzlies offense has run through Jackson; it’s all about his ability to cash in on those opportunities (and avoid foul trouble). JJJ has been a 3rd-round player in 8- and 9-cat formats for the season.

Huff was Taylor Jenkins’ choice to fill the void left by Brandon Clarke, who did not play due to a sore toe. Unfortunately, Huff didn’t provide much value in his spot start. Rookie Zach Edey did, playing 26 minutes off the bench and finishing with 12 points, eight rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one blocked shot. Edey’s the better fantasy option, as he’ll play quality rotation minutes when the Grizzlies are whole. That isn’t guaranteed for Huff.

Active for the first time since October 30, Smart came off the bench on Wednesday. He had a decent night, providing solid value in the points, assists, and defensive categories. With Ja Morant and Desmond Bane sidelined Smart will be worth the risk, especially once he’s no longer under any restrictions. Memphis has two games remaining on its Week 4 schedule, beginning with the Warriors on Friday.

After scoring 14 points or more in each of the Lakers’ first four games, Hachimura struggled to have much of an impact offensively. In the five games that followed, he averaged 7.6 points while shooting 32.8% from the field. To say Hachimura (and those who have him rostered) needed a night like Wednesday would be an understatement. His status as an unquestioned starter makes Rui worth holding into in standard leagues, but that may have changed with another poor performance.

Knecht came up big for the Lakers during the third quarter, scoring eight points on 3-of-4 shooting in under seven minutes. The rookie finished with season-highs in points and 3-pointers while playing 31 minutes. Cam Reddish (four points, two rebounds, two steals, one block, and one 3-pointer) started but only played 22 minutes, a sign that he isn’t worth the risk in most leagues. As for Knecht, the scoring ability should get him on watch lists in deep leagues.

Although Reaves didn’t shoot the ball as well as he did in Sunday’s win over the Raptors, his overall production was solid. Through 11 games, he’s providing 5th-round value in 8- and 9-cat formats, ranking slightly higher in the latter. The decision to demote D’Angelo Russell to the bench has given Reaves more opportunities to serve as a playmaker, and he’s had six assists or more in three straight games.

Davis struggled with foul trouble on Wednesday but still managed to post another double-double. He’s been everything fantasy managers expected him to be, providing reliable 1st-round fantasy value. With Jaxson Hayes sidelined, Christian Koloko served as Davis’ backup, playing 13 minutes and finishing with four points, one rebound, and one steal.

One game after he became the oldest player in NBA history to record two straight triple-doubles, James became the oldest to record three straight. He was excellent in winning time, tallying nine points, eight rebounds, and five assists in the fourth quarter alone. James is providing 1st-round per-game value in 8-cat formats while sitting just outside that threshold in 9-cat because of an average of 3.1 turnovers per game. LeBron had six on Wednesday, but the overall stat line lessens the impact of that turnover count.

Randle had a good game despite the loss. He only had one turnover in 37 minutes, which had been an issue for him in recent games. Randle had 20 points on 15 shots, going 1-for-3 from behind the 3-point line and making 5-of-7 free throws. The double-double was his second of the season. Minnesota has two games left this week against the Kings on Friday and Suns on Sunday.