NBA Player News

Markkanen has shot 50% or better from the field in five straight games. Unfortunately for fantasy managers, the production has not increased as much as they’d like. Markkanen’s averaging 11.0 shots per game in November, two fewer than his number in October. That may not seem like much, but a player of his caliber should be the unquestioned primary scoring option. Markkanen is ranked fourth on the Jazz in shots per game for the season.

The Grizzlies have used two of their three available two-way contract spots, meaning the competition for the final slot should be fierce. Bacot is among the candidates, and his performance against first-round pick Yang Hansen was solid. The former North Carolina standout recorded a double-double and blocked four shots, with the rim protection not being something he was known for as a collegian or during his 2024-25 season in the G League.

While Wells was one of the most impressive players in last season’s rookie class, he only had two games in which he scored 23 points or more. With Desmond Bane no longer in the picture in Memphis, Wells is one of the players with more opportunities to contribute offensively. Saturday’s performance was excellent, as the second-year wing’s scoring did not diminish his defensive value. With the Grizzlies having played in Salt Lake City last weekend, it’s fair to wonder if Wells will be shut down soon. Regardless of what happens, he’ll offer solid fantasy upside next season.

Jones is on a two-way contract, and the moves made by the Nuggets this offseason likely limit his opportunities to change that. However, the Nuggets had to be pleased with his performance on Saturday, as Jones shot 66.7 percent from the field and grabbed six rebounds. There’s no need to consider Jones for fantasy leagues, but injuries can present opportunities throughout the season.

Having finished Thursday’s summer opener with more turnovers than assists, Dillingham cleaned some things up on Saturday. While the assists increased from six to nine, the second-year guard’s turnovers decreased from seven to four. Terrence Shannon Jr. may be the player best equipped to step into the role vacated by Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Still, Dillingham will also have opportunities, especially since Mike Conley is not getting any younger.

Given how well he’s played in Minnesota’s first two games in Las Vegas, it would be unsurprising if the team decided it has seen enough from Shannon. Likely to take on a larger role next season due to Nickeil Alexander Walker’s departure, the 27th overall pick in the 2024 draft has looked ready for the task thus far. Among Shannon’s highlights on Saturday were five three-pointers and an emphatic fourth-quarter dunk that got a courtside Anthony Edwards out of his seat. While he may not be a must-draft player in standard leagues, Shannon may develop into a player who needs to be rostered in deeper formats.

While Queen did not shoot as well as in his summer debut on Saturday, the rookie forward/center hit double digits in rebounds for the second straight game. Fellow frontcourt starter Yves Missi accomplished the same feat, and the two were responsible for seven of the Pelicans’ 17 offensive rebounds. Queen will not lack opportunities to prove his worth in New Orleans next season, whether at power forward or center. He’s likely to be more valuable in dynasty leagues than redraft leagues.

Fears had a rough day on Saturday, shooting below 25 percent from the field and going 1-of-7 from beyond the arc. However, the rookie’s failure to record an assist may be more concerning for the Pelicans. Efficiency was occasionally an issue for Fears during his lone season at Oklahoma, but he still averaged 4.1 assists per game. The lottery pick has totaled two assists through two games in Las Vegas. Regardless of how many more games he plays this month, Fears has to create better opportunities for his teammates.

Missi did not offer much value as a scorer on Saturday, and it was an unsurprising development given his skill set. However, he was once again productive as a rebounder and rim protector. Those are the areas in which Missi will be most valuable, as New Orleans should have enough scorers as long as everyone remains healthy. Under those circumstances, Missi can take on a role similar to that of Mitchell Robinson with the Knicks, which can be a valuable role from a fantasy standpoint.

Bazley has reached double digits in rebounds in both of the Lakers’ games in Las Vegas, and he was especially impactful defensively on Saturday. The 2019 first-round pick blocked five shots and recorded two steals against the Pelicans, which undoubtedly compensated for his poor night at the foul line. Whether it’s with the Lakers or another team, Bazley being valuable as a rebounder and defender is critical to earning another shot in the NBA.

Since arriving in Las Vegas, James’ playing time has increased compared to his minutes during the Lakers’ games at the California Classic. He was solid against the Pelicans, providing value on both ends of the floor. While the chances of him impacting fantasy basketball next season are slim, Bronny’s best path to playing time may be showing that he can be a factor defensively. James recorded two steals and a block after failing to record a steal or blocked shot in Thursday’s loss to the Mavericks. Stats don’t tell the whole story defensively, but being more active in that area will only boost Bronny’s prospects.