NBA Player News

Fox matched his season-high with 31 points, but the production in other categories was limited. Add seven turnovers, and the overall performance could have been much better. As one of the top 50 players in 9-cat formats, Fox provides top 25 value in turnover punt models. The Kings now hit the road for a back-to-back, beginning with the Suns on Sunday.

Brunson led the Knicks in scoring, but he’s had better nights shooting the basketball. However, the Knicks point guard has shot 50% from the field over the past two weeks, which is one reason why he has provided top-40 value during this stretch. The improved shooting has pushed Brunson inside the top-50 in 9-cat formats, so the production is trending in the right direction, even with Friday’s effort. The Knicks play three games during Week 13, beginning with the Hawks on Monday.

Anthony had no assists filling in for Jalen Suggs (back) Friday, but led the Magic in points against the Celtics. The 24-year-old point guard had 23 points on 15 shots including 2-of-5 from behind the 3-point line. Anthony also managed to pull down seven rebounds. He only had two turnovers, but was -19 in 31 minutes in the 27-point loss to Boston. Anthony will continue to provide fantasy value as long as Suggs and Franz Wagner (oblique) are still out.

With Donte DiVincenzo (toe) out, Conley made his first start since January 4 on Friday. The veteran point guard came out very aggressive, scoring 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting in the first quarter. Conley didn’t offer much value beyond that, but the beginning was encouraging for a team that has needed to get off to better starts. Conley is expected to remain in the starting lineup as long as DiVincenzo is out, with the Timberwolves hosting Cleveland on Saturday.

Reid and Anthony Edwards combined to make 14 of Minnesota’s 22 3-pointers on Friday, with the latter making six without a miss. The 23 points are the most the reigning NBA Sixth Man of the Year has scored in a game since December 23, when he tallied that many in a loss to the Hawks. With Julius Randle (8/7/6 in 35 minutes) playing the background in his return to Madison Square Garden, Reid was one of the Timberwolves who stepped up. Minnesota hosts Cleveland on Saturday in its final Week 12 game.

Banchero wasn’t efficient Friday against the Celtics. The 22-year-old star power forward managed just 21 points on 20 shots as the Magic were blown out by the defending champions. Banchero has now had two uneven games in a row as he had 22 points on 20 shots Wednesday against the Bucks. Fantasy managers can be patient with the former Rookie of the Year as Banchero has only played three games since returning from injury.

After getting blown out by the Knicks in November, Edwards and the Timberwolves put on a 3-point shooting clinic on Friday. Minnesota shot 22-of-40 from deep, with AntMan knocking down eight. While some have complained about Edwards’ 3-point attempt rate this season, it doesn’t matter much when you shoot as well as he did against the Knicks. The Timberwolves head home for their final game of Week 12, as they host Cleveland on Saturday.

Brown has now scored more than 21 points only once in his last seven games. At the same time, the 28-year-old small forward has had at least five assists in four of his last five games. While Brown’s scoring has been noticeably down lately, he’s still capable of having big scoring games and will contribute in the other categories when he’s not scoring. The Celtics play the Hawks Saturday on the second night of a back-to-back.

Initially probable for Friday’s game, James is officially available. Anthony Davis (foot) has been ruled out, which means LeBron has more offensive responsibility. Given the matchup, the Lakers’ likely hope is to take care of business early to get James additional rest.