NBA Player News

In the words of Suns coach Mike Budenholzer, Durant and Beal continue to “check those boxes” as they work toward a return to game action. Next up for them is 5-on-5 during Sunday’s practice. Durant and Beal returning on November 26 against the Lakers is a realistic possibility if there aren’t any setbacks. With Phoenix off until then, there’s no need for managers in most leagues to hold onto Royce O’Neale or Ryan Dunn.

With Stephen Curry out, Green took on more of a playmaker role and led the Warriors with seven assists. He was only three assists away from a triple-double against Oklahoma City. Green didn’t attempt a free throw and went just 4-of-11 from the field, but continues to provide rebounds, assists and defensive stats.

Joe’s 17 points were a season-high and his four 3-pointers tied a season-high. He’s only played 30 minutes in a game one other time this year. Jalen Williams left the game early and Joe was already benefiting from more minutes due to Alex Caruso’s absence. Joe had a good game for him, but he’s purely a streamer when the Thunder are down a few players.

Hartenstein made just his second start of the season Wednesday. He was all over the boards as he pulled down 14 rebounds and was efficient on the offensive end with 14 points on eight shots. Hartenstein also dished out three assists. After coming back from a long layoff due to injury, he looks like the same player he was in 2023 with the Knicks. Hartenstein should continue to start and play an important role in the absence of Chet Holmgren.

On a night where the Thunder were without Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams (eye) left in the first half, Oklahoma City leaned heavily on SGA. He had 35 points and played 39 minutes in the victory. Gilgeous-Alexander hit a 3-pointer with a minute and 25 seconds left in the fourth quarter to put the Thunder up by four and they would go on to win by that margin. SGA is a top five player in fantasy this year.

Barnes has been consistently productive this season, but that hasn’t exactly translated to fantasy basketball. He’s ranked well outside the top 150 in 8- and 9-cat formats, with the lack of defensive production being a reason for this. The place in the starting lineup makes Barnes a player worth rostering in deep leagues, but that represents his ceiling.

Wembanyama has scored 20 or more points in his last seven games, with Wednesday’s point total being the lowest. Despite some early concerns, only Nikola Jokic has been better than Wemby in 8- and 9-cat formats. San Antonio only plays once more in Week 6, at Sacramento on Sunday.

Knecht was involved in the lone change to the Lakers’ starting lineup, replacing the ineffective Cam Reddish. The move paid immediate dividends, with the rookie scoring a team-high 20 points on the night. Knecht is rostered in 38% of Yahoo leagues, and that percentage should increase in the aftermath of Wednesday’s performance.