NBA Player News

JRE has seen some starts this season due to the amount of injuries that New Orleans has dealt with, but coming off the bench in this game, he was able to put together arguably his best game of the season. He set season-highs for both points and rebounds and hit a big shot late in the fourth to nearly help the Pelicans get the win. He didn’t get the starting nod with Yves Missi sidelined, but JRE ended up playing 23 minutes to Daniel Theis’ 18. This was a good game, but it doesn’t make JRE a must-add off the waiver wire.

Drummond injured his ankle when he landed on the foot of a Pistons player while attempting to corral a rebound. After heading to the locker room for further treatment, he’s been ruled out for the rest of the night. Guerschon Yabusele’s importance to the 76ers increases, while Adem Bona and KJ Martin will play more minutes off the bench. Yabusele is the player to target if Drummond misses time and Joel Embiid (knee) remains sidelined.

The Wizards are without Kyle Kuzma, who has been ruled out with a rib injury. Sarr will shift to power forward, with Valanciunas making his first start since November 8 and third of the season. He’s maintained solid fantasy value despite coming off the bench, and the move to the starting lineup should boost Valanciunas in the short term.

Kuminga’s availability is more impactful in fantasy basketball, especially if Andrew Wiggins (ankle, questionable) cannot play on Saturday. While Payton will be in the rotation due to his defensive ability, rostering him in fantasy leagues doesn’t offer much offensive benefit.

Beal and Nurkic have been downgraded from questionable to out, opening up two spots in the starting lineup. Ryan Dunn and Mason Plumlee are the likely replacements, with the latter being the one more deserving of streaming consideration. Beal’s absence will also boost Royce O’Neale’s value, and he’s a better streamer than Dunn.

Russell’s fantasy value has decreased recently due to a move to the bench. If illness results in D’Lo sitting out Sunday’s game, more minutes would be available to Gabe Vincent. However, Vincent would not have much streaming value in most leagues.

Injured during the second quarter of Friday’s loss to the Thunder, Reaves was able to return to the game during the third. But he is still on the injury report for the first game of the Lakers’ back-to-back. Max Christie is the player most likely to fill the void if Reaves cannot play.

The Lakers have listed Davis as probable for this issue numerous times, with the star big man ultimately playing. Fantasy managers should operate under a similar assumption for Sunday’s game. Christian Koloko will figure more prominently in the rotation if Davis cannot play.

There was optimism that Cunningham would play after returning to the lineup on Friday in a win over the Pacers. Unfortunately, he was scratched about 15 minutes before Saturday’s tip time. Malik Beasley moves into the starting lineup, with Jaden Ivey sliding into the point guard role.

George has been cleared to play after fully participating in Friday’s practice. Surprisingly, Jared McCain is the player headed to the bench in favor of George. Managers who have the rookie rostered should not drop him, as the 76ers still need McCain’s scoring. Completing the starting lineup are Tyrese Maxey, Kelly Oubre Jr., Guerschon Yabusele, and Andre Drummond.

Nembhard has been out since mid-November, with the Pacers now 5-8 in games he’s missed this season. While Nembhard hasn’t been a marquee fantasy option, his presence in the lineup has positively impacted backcourt sidekick Tyrese Haliburton (who has been poor on the road this season). If Nembhard plays on Sunday, Quenton Jackson’s minutes will decrease.