NBA Player News

Collins continues to provide excellent fantasy value, as he’s been a 1st-round player over the last two weeks in 9-cat formats. He’s flourished with Walker Kessler (hip) out of the lineup and should continue to do so. On Tuesday, Collins and the Jazz begin their Week 5 schedule against the Lakers.

George scored 19 points, the most he has scored in a game since November 4, when he scored 33 in a win over the Bulls. He’s been more efficient in recent games, averaging 1.8 turnovers per game over the last two weeks and ranking just outside the top 100 in 9-cat formats. Utah begins a three-game Week 5 on Tuesday against the Lakers in Los Angeles.

Sexton has reached double figures in every game this season except one, an October 29 loss to the Kings. While he remains ranked well outside the top 150 in 9-cat per-game value, the Young Bull’s status as a starter keeps his rostered percentage (86%) so high. Keep an eye on Sexton because there may be opportunities to “buy low” due to his slow start.

Markkanen exited Thursday’s win over the Mavericks during the fourth quarter with a left eye contusion and was initially questionable for Saturday. He didn’t do as much shooting, but the efficiency was there for the Jazz forward. That’s good news for fantasy managers, as Markkanen is a player from whom many expect to receive 3rd-round value. Utah plays three games in Week 5, beginning with the Lakers on Tuesday.

After coming off the bench on Friday, Lyles moved into the starting lineup for Saturday’s game. He provided solid offensive production, scoring a season-high 17 points and hitting five 3-pointers. Lyles is a solid contributor to the Kings’ bench rotation, but he hasn’t been productive enough to merit being rostered in most fantasy leagues. He’s a player whose value to his team outweighs his fantasy value.

McDermott was inserted into the starting lineup on Saturday, replacing Alex Len. While he hit two 3-pointers, that was the extent of McDermott’s value to fantasy managers. As for Len, he contributed eight points, five rebounds, two assists, and one blocked shot in 13 minutes off the bench. Neither needs to be rostered for Week 5, even if Domantas Sabonis (back) misses more time.

Sacramento’s playing without three of its top scorers and Keegan Murray’s being played out of position on Saturday gave Huerter more opportunities to score. Red Velvet scored 18 points, four shy of his season-high. His fantasy value moving forward hinges on the availability of DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis, as a lot of the offense is run through them and De’Aaron Fox.

One night after going off for 60 points in an overtime loss to the Timberwolves, Fox had to do more heavy lifting on Saturday. In addition to DeMar DeRozan and Malik Monk, Sacramento was without Domantas Sabonis. Fox “put the team on his back,” going off for 49 points, setting the franchise record for the most points scored in a two-game stretch. The Kings play three games in Week 5, but a three-day break follows Monday’s matchup with the Hawks. Fox should sleep well when the time comes.

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.