NBA Player News

Chauncey Billups said that Simons is back at practice after staying home for a few days, but neither player is expected to be available. That likely means another start for both Scoot Henderson and Donovan Clingan, with both Dalano Banton and Robert Williams (assuming he is available) playing large roles off the bench.

Paul made some history on Saturday, joining John Stockton and Jason Kidd as the only players to record at least 12,000 assists in a career. While he may not be in his prime, CP3 is ranked just outside the top 50 in 8- and 9-cat per-game value. Maintaining that production level should not be too difficult for Paul as long as he continues to start.

Saturday’s game was Jones’ first since opening night, so the limited workload is unsurprising. And his fantasy ceiling is pretty low due to the presence of Chris Paul. Fantasy managers are left hoping for a trade to derive proper value from Jones. There’s no need to roster him right now.

Collins stepped into the void left by Victor Wembanyama, who did not play on Saturday due to a right knee contusion. The Spurs’ backup center had a good night, leading the team in scoring and blocking three shots. Collins was 0-of-5 from beyond the arc, so a 20-point night could have been even better. He should be streamed whenever the Spurs are without Wembanyama.

Having missed five games, Washington wouldn’t shoulder a full workload on Saturday. That’s how things played out, with the Mavericks limiting him to 19 minutes. Those who placed Washington in their lineups received solid steals production, but that was about it. Remain patient; he’ll provide reliable late-round value once the restrictions are lifted.

Doncic didn’t have the best night shooting the basketball, but it didn’t matter much in Dallas’ comfortable win over the Spurs. While fantasy managers may not have been thrilled, the Mavericks blowing things open during the third quarter got Doncic and Dallas’ other significant contributors additional rest during the fourth quarter. Dallas plays three games in Week 5, beginning with New Orleans on Tuesday.

Having missed Thursday’s loss to the Jazz with a strained right shoulder, Irving was back in the lineup on Saturday. He showed no ill effects from the injury, shooting nearly 67% from the field while producing respectable rebounds, assists, and steals. In 9-cat formats, Irving is providing top-10 per-game value. As long as his availability doesn’t come into question, Kyrie’s capable of an elite fantasy season.

While Gafford did not start Saturday’s game, San Antonio’s lack of Victor Wembanyama led to him doing whatever he wanted against the Spurs’ second unit. Gafford only missed one shot, needing 18 minutes to tally 20 points, seven rebounds, and four defensive contributions. Starter Dereck Lively II wasn’t as productive, finishing with seven points, four rebounds, two assists, and four blocked shots in 21 minutes. As long as Lively and Gafford split the minutes at center, their fantasy values will be acceptable. However, things get shaky when Jason Kidd throws Maxi Kleber or Dwight Powell into the mix. Dallas plays three games in Week 5, beginning with New Orleans on Tuesday.

Agbaji had a tough assignment on Saturday, as he was the player most responsible for guarding Jayson Tatum. While he did a good job overall, the final image of Saturday’s overtime thriller was Tatum cashing a three over Agbaji’s outstretched hand. However, this should not dampen his start, as Agbaji is providing top 75 per-game value in 9-cat formats. Few, if any, fantasy managers expected that before the season began.

Other than the field-goal percentage, Barrett performed excellently on Saturday. He established a new career-high with 15 assists and recorded a triple-double. Also, Barrett only committed one turnover. He remains ranked outside the top 150 in per-game value, but managers should be okay with taking the hit while the Raptors are without Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley.

Poeltl ended Week 4 with a bang production-wise. One night after he went for 25 & 19 against the Pistons, he scored a career-high 35 on 16-of-19 shooting while also grabbing 12 rebounds. A top-25 player in 9-cat formats over the last week, Poeltl’s cracked the top-50 in season-long value. Injuries to Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley have given the Raptors center more opportunities to get his offense, much to the delight of managers who have him rostered. Toronto plays three games in Week 5, beginning with the Pacers on Monday.