NBA Player News

Simons’ sprained right hand didn’t appear to be an issue on Saturday, as he scored a team-high 25 points while shooting 50% from the field. He’s shooting just 39.5% from the field over the last two weeks, which has decreased Simons’ fantasy value. Portland continues its road trip in Memphis on Monday, the first of four games they’ll play in Week 6.

With Jock Landale (ankle) sidelined for at least two weeks, the Hawks needed additional depth in the frontcourt. They’re reportedly signed Bradley to address that issue. The veteran center appeared in 38 games for the Pacers earlier this season, averaging 4.0 points and 2.8 rebounds in 10.9 minutes per game. In a corresponding move, the Hawks have waived Caleb Houstan.

One game removed from his first double-double of the season, Vassell ended his Week 23 with another solid performance. The 18 points are the most in a game for him since March 25, when the Spurs’ wing scored 19 in a win over the Grizzlies. Vassell shot 3-of-8 from beyond the arc on Saturday, and he’s now 6-of-16 over his last two games. San Antonio plays four games without a back-to-back in Week 24, which is good news for Vassell managers whose leagues will remain active.

Champagnie’s six three-pointers were the most in a game for him since February 26, when he hit that many in a win over the Nets. The Spurs’ wing also provided value in the rebound category, closing Week 23 with a solid performance. For managers whose leagues have one more week, the Spurs play four games, and they still have a slim chance of catching Oklahoma City for the 1-seed in the West. That should ensure Champagnie of playing starters’ minutes at the beginning of Week 24.

While Castle did not record any defensive stats in Saturday’s overtime defeat, his work on that end of the floor helped limit Jamal Murray to 15 points. And the second-year guard had a good day offensively, as he scored 20 points on 50 percent shooting and dished out nine assists. While Castle’s season-long fantasy value has been low, he has been an improved option for category league managers since the All-Star break.

Wembanyama posted a massive stat line on Saturday, but it wasn’t enough to lead the Spurs to a win in Denver. The overtime defeat does not officially end San Antonio’s chances of catching Oklahoma City, but they now trail the Thunder by four games in the loss column. Wembanyama shot the ball well from the field and the foul line on Saturday, and he has corralled 18 rebounds in consecutive games. Add in the assists and blocks, and the MVP candidate likely helped some fantasy managers win their championship week matchups.

For the second time in four games, Murray reached double figures in assists. He didn’t do as much scoring on Saturday, which is a credit to San Antonio’s Stephon Castle, but the Nuggets’ offensive balance carried the day in their overtime victory. All five starters scored at least 15 points on the day. Murray and the Nuggets play four games in Week 24, starting with the Trail Blazers on Monday.

Johnson has now made multiple three-pointers in seven consecutive games, providing the consistent production in that category that was absent for significant stretches earlier this season. Better late than never for those who stuck with the Nuggets wing throughout this season. For those whose leagues run through the end of the regular season, Denver plays four games in Week 24, starting with the Trail Blazers on Monday.

Braun’s points tally has increased in each of his last four games. Saturday’s effort was his first of 20 points or more since March 18, when the Nuggets’ guard dropped 26 in a loss to the Grizzlies. Braun did more than score against the Spurs, recording a complete stat line in 39 minutes of play. These are the kind of all-around performances that Denver will need from Braun moving forward, even if he doesn’t surpass 20 points consistently.

If Saturday’s overtime thriller was a harbinger of what’s to come in the playoffs, NBA fans are in for a great spring. Jokić outdueled Victor Wembanyama in a matchup of two of the candidates for league MVP, with the three-time winner of the award finishing two boards shy of a triple-double. The Joker shot 52 percent from the field and did not commit a turnover in the Nuggets’ final game of Week 23. Fantasy managers rostering Jokić may have received a league-winning performance on Saturday.

The 76ers have made two changes to their starting lineup, one caused by Joel Embiid (oblique) being out. He’s been replaced by Drummond instead of Adem Bona, while Oubre has replaced Dominick Barlow in the starting five.