NBA Player News

Conley will miss a second consecutive game, meaning Nickeil Alexander-Walker remains in the starting lineup. NAW didn’t play well in Thursday’s loss to Toronto, but Minnesota’s lack of options at point guard makes him a must-stream. Donte DiVincenzo’s fantasy value will also be boosted with Conley sidelined.

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.

Grimes has been on a tear over the Mavs’ last three games. He has been part of the starting lineup during his last five appearances and in seven of his last nine. However, over his last three, he has averaged 24.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 4.7 threes while shooting 59.5% from the floor. He was dealt from Detroit in exchange for Tim Hardaway Jr. this summer, and he has thrived in his new home. Grimes may not remain in the starting unit when Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson get healthy, but he’s earned a larger role off the bench, and he’ll continue to put up big numbers until they’re back.

Fox has failed to score at least 21 points just once in his last 16 outings and has been a 3rd-round player in 8-cat formats over the past month. If there’s been an issue for him, it’s been turnovers, as he’s averaging 3.5 per game. Fox only committed two against the Spurs, ending a streak of three consecutive games of four or more. The Kings play six games during Week 7, beginning with the Rockets on Tuesday.

On Sunday, Paul hit double digits in assists for the first time since November 21, doing so for the ninth time this season. By comparison, he had 11 double-digit assist games throughout the 2023-24 campaign. While the move to San Antonio may not have gotten Paul closer to competing for an NBA championship, it’s made him more relevant in fantasy basketball than he was as a Warrior.

Johnson got back on track Sunday night after scoring 26 points on 8-of-23 shooting in his prior three games. He offers a limited ceiling in fantasy basketball with the lack of production outside of points, rebounds, and 3-pointers. Rostered in 28% of Yahoo leagues, Johnson has been ranked well outside the top 200 over the last two weeks. Don’t expect that percentage to increase too much on the strength of one solid performance.

Vassell matched his season-high on Sunday, with the 21 points being the most he’s scored in a game since his debut on November 9 against the Jazz. While he can be a highly valuable fantasy asset, availability has been Vassell’s worst enemy. He’s only played in six games this season, coming off the bench in each. Vassell and the Spurs are scheduled to play six games in Week 7, beginning with the Suns on Tuesday.

Rostered in 22% of Yahoo leagues, Champagnie has been especially good over the last two weeks. Averaging 14.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.8 steals, 1.0 blocks, and 2.7 3-pointers per game, he’s been a top-50 player during this period. Champagnie remains ranked just outside the top 100 in 9-cat formats and is worth the risk in deep leagues as long as he continues to start. However, that could change soon with the pending return of Jeremy Sochan (thumb).

With Dereck Lively sidelined, Gafford made his return to the starting unit. He saw a slight bump in minutes up to 27, but he ended up having one of his worst rebounding performances of the season, and he didn’t even block a shot. Gafford has been a strong option in 9-cat leagues despite being limited in a reserve role, so it was disappointing that he didn’t pop off in a great opportunity. However, one performance shouldn’t be discouraging, since he may get another start on Tuesday against Memphis if Lively misses another game with this knee hyperextension.