NBA Player News

The Pacers torched Towns and the Knicks, but that didn’t keep him from producing another 30-point game. He’s scored 30 or more in three straight games and, offensively at least, looks more comfortable by the game. Many fantasy managers expected KAT to be a 2nd-round player after the trade, but he’s been even better, providing top-10 per-game value. He’ll look to continue the 30-point streak when the Knicks visit Joel Embiid and the 76ers on Tuesday, the first of four games during Week 4 for New York.

Jones has been sidelined since opening night, but he is expected to play against the Mavs on the second night of a back-to-back. Devin Vassell, who has been coming off the bench, is sitting this game out, which will open up minutes for Jones.

Wemby is on the injury report for the first time this season on the second night of a back-to-back, and if he were to sit out, Zach Collins would likely fill the void in the starting lineup. Sandro Mamukelashvili would also see a few extra minutes off the bench.

This is the second night of a back-to-back, and with Vassell having just returned from a foot surgery, they’ll let him sit out. Tre Jones is returning to the rotation for the first time since opening night, and he should soak up Vassell’s minutes, along with Malaki Branham and Blake Wesley.

Washington was initially expected to miss a sixth straight game, but now it appears that he may be back in the lineup for this game. Maxi Kleber started the last game in his place, though Naji Marshall started the first four and played a large role off the bench on Thursday. Both Washington and Marshall (illness) are questionable for this game, and each of their availability will have a big impact on the Mavs’ rotation for this game.

Marshall has been a viable streaming option with PJ Washington sidelined with a knee sprain, and he is doubtful to play once again on Saturday. Marshall came off the bench in their last game but had started the previous four. If he sits out, Maxi Kleber will likely start again and take on a larger role. Kessler Edwards, Olivier Maxence-Prosper and Markieff Morris would all be candidates to enter the rotation off the bench, though none of them would be worth streaming in standard leagues.

OKC has been down all three of their options at center and have been playing a small-ball lineup over their last two games. Technically, Carlson will be the first option at center, though managers shouldn’t expect him to immediately jump into the starting lineup. He played well for the Raptors this summer and spent some time with them during the preseason, but he has spent this season playing for their G-League affiliate. It’s unclear how Mark Daigneault will use him. It could be situational. It could be to mix things up for 10 minutes per game. It could be as a starter. Keep an eye on him, but there’s no reason to rush to the waiver wire for him.

With De’Anthony Melton sidelined due to an ACL sprain, Lindy Waters III got the starting nod in his place. However, Waters didn’t return for the second half because of his own knee injury, which allowed Podz to start the third quarter in his place. If both Waters and Melton remain sidelined moving forward, Podz should be part of the starting lineup, even if he had fallen out of the core rotation. If he was dropped in your league, it may be time to pick him back up, assuming he starts in their next game on Monday, with a four-game week coming up.

Hield has really quieted down after a monster start to the season, but he played well in this game. This was their first game since De’Anthony Melton was diagnosed with a sprained ACL, and Hield’s minutes jumped from 21 to 30. That’s more on par with his role early this season, when Melton was out of the lineup and Buddy was putting up big numbers. Lindy Waters III, who started in place of Melton, exited early from this game with a left knee injury. If they’re down two players at that position, Hield should continue to play extra minutes and should get back to his early season production.

Following a seven-game absence, Bane returned to the lineup in this game, though he only played a limited role off the bench. He logged 27 minutes and was able to contribute a well-rounded stat line. Taylor Jenkins likely brought him off the bench to ensure that he was available to close the game, and it isn’t something that managers will have to get used to. He’ll be back in the starting lineup putting up big numbers soon, and this was a nice step in that direction.

JJJ has been on an offensive tear, and that continued in this game. He extended his 20-point streak to five games and had his third 30-point game of the season. During this streak, he has shot at least 50% from the floor in every game. As the focal point of the offense last season, JJJ’s field goal percentage was an issue, but that hasn’t been the case this year, even when both Ja Morant and Desmond Bane have missed time. The blocks still haven’t been what they once were, but he has still been able to provide third round value this season.