NBA Player News

Both players missed practice on Saturday and have now officially been ruled out for Sunday’s game. Sam Merrill will be back after a one-game absence, and Isaac Okoro has a chance to return as well. They’ll fill most of the minutes that LeVert and Wade would normally see, though with the core four, doing most of the production, their upside as streamers is limited.

Mann gave the Clippers excellent production off the bench on Sunday, reaching double figures for the third time in five games. However, this recent uptick in production isn’t enough to make him a player worth rostering in most leagues. Mann remains well outside the top 200 in 8- and 9-cat formats heading into Week 7. Leave him on the waiver wire.

While Harden’s ability to get to the foul line repeatedly was a major factor in Sunday’s win, he also made some history. With his 3-pointer with 2:29 remaining in the second quarter, The Beard joined Stephen Curry as the only players in NBA history to make at least 3,000 3-pointers in a career. Providing top-5 value in 8-cat formats, Harden is closing in on 1st-round value in 9-cat. While many expected his production to improve this season, few expected Harden to be this good.

Sunday’s game was Powell’s first since November 18, so the Clippers took some precautions despite including him in the starting lineup. Powell did not start the third quarter and only played 24 minutes. However, he was highly influential when in the game, which has been the case throughout the season. Amir Coffey, who filled in for Powell when he was injured, finished Sunday’s win with 13 points, five rebounds, one assist, and three 3-pointers in 18 minutes off the bench. Coffey may retain some value to begin Week 7, as the Clippers have a Tuesday/Wednesday back-to-back.

Not only was Sunday’s start Monk’s first of the season, but it was also his first since the 2022-23 season. He was efficient in that role, shooting 50% from the field and knocking down five 3-pointers. Monk will start on Tuesday against Houston, which boosts his fantasy value, with Keegan Murray and Keon Ellis taking hits to theirs. Murray (eight points, six rebounds, one steal, and one block in 38 minutes) attempted nine shots, while Ellis (eight points, three rebounds, one block, and two 3-pointers) only played 17 minutes off the bench.

DeRozan was on the court after missing two games with muscle inflammation in his lower back, and he showed no ill effects against the Spurs. He led Sacramento in points while recording solid numbers in rebounds, assists, and steals. DeRozan is providing 3rd-round value in 9-cat formats and is also ranked within the top-50 in 8-cat. Provided he stays healthy, there’s no reason to doubt DeRozan’s ability to maintain this production level.

Sabonis didn’t record any steals or blocks on Sunday, the first game he’s failed to contribute defensively since November 10. However, the double-doubles continue to pour in, and Sabonis is ranked among the most productive players in fantasy basketball regardless of league format. He’s providing top-10 per-game value in 8-cat formats while ranking a few spots outside that threshold in 9-cat.