NBA Player News

James is now the oldest player to two, three and four straight games with a triple-double. He was excellent in the Lakers’ win over the Spurs and continues to provide first round fantasy value. LeBron had seven turnovers, which has been an issue lately, but his overall production mostly makes up for it. The Lakers will take on the Pelicans on Saturday in the second game of a back-to-back.

In the two games the Lakers have played without Anthony Davis since he suffered an abdominal injury, Hachimura has surpassed 20 points in both. While the production outside of points and 3-pointers was limited on Saturday, fantasy managers should not be too concerned about that. The hope is that the confidence gained as a scorer will boost Hachimura in other areas, and he’s provided top-60 value in 8-cat formats over the past week. Rui heads into a three-game Week 15 rostered in 45% of Yahoo leagues; that number should increase before Tuesday’s game against the Clippers.

James has long maintained that Madison Square Garden is his favorite arena to play in, and he made “The World’s Most Famous Arena” his playground on Saturday. The 40-year-old star recorded his 10th triple-double of the season and made more history. James is the first player in NBA history to record multiple triple-doubles after his 40th birthday. Anthony Davis’ absence means all the Lakers must step up, especially James. Despite his age and the miles he’s already put in, LeBron answers the bell consistently. Don’t take him for granted.

Conley returned to the Timberwolves lineup after a thumb injury sidelined him for Thursday’s win over the Jazz. He didn’t shoot the ball well from three, making two of seven attempts, but the overall stat line was solid for the veteran point guard. With Anthony Edwards (illness) out, Nickeil Alexander-Walker remained in the starting lineup after filling in for Conley two nights prior. He had a tough night from the field, shooting 4-of-14, and finished with 14 points, three rebounds, five assists, and two 3-pointers in 41 minutes. Both stand to see their scoring opportunities decrease if Edwards returns from Monday’s game against the Kings.

McDaniels offered minimal value as a scorer since scoring 27 points in a January 22 win over the Mavericks. The absences of Anthony Edwards (illness) and Julius Randle (groin) on Saturday opened up more opportunities for McDaniels, and he took advantage. The double-double was his first since January 20 and fourth of the season, and Jaden also has four games of 20 points or more. With Randle possibly missing multiple games, the Timberwolves will need more consistent production from McDaniels. The Timberwolves play four games during Week 15, beginning with the Kings on Monday.

Gobert was outstanding in a losing effort, recording his 20th double-double of the season and a complete stat line. With Anthony Edwards (illness) and Julius Randle (groin) out due to injury, Minnesota was more balanced offensively, even though the lack of a marquee scoring option ultimately cost them. Gobert reached double digits in field goal attempts for the first time since December 29. That will be something to watch, especially if the Timberwolves play without Randle for an extended period.

Brooks acted as a scoring option again Saturday after dropping 22 points against the Grizzlies on Thursday. The 29-year-old shooting guard benefitted from Fred VanVleet leaving the game with an ankle and ended up taking the most shots of any Rocket not named Jalen Green. Brooks didn’t have a steal or a block despite defense being his true calling card. His fantasy value remains low.