NBA Player News

The Celtics appeared to make a grave mistake by leaving Anthony Edwards open for a 3-pointer with two-point lead and a minute and a half remaining in the fourth quarter, but Edwards missed. Jayson Tatum got the long rebound and Brown drained a 3-pointer to put the Celtics up by five, essentially sealing the win for Boston. Brown played a complete game. He chipped in with a steal and a block and only had one turnover in 36 minutes. Brown led the game with 29 points and seven made 3-pointers. Boston has three games in Week 6, starting with the Clippers on Monday in the second game of a back-to-back.

Saturday’s performance was arguably Kessler’s best of the season, as he recorded a double-double and gaudy defensive stats. The eight “stocks” are the most he’s had in a game. He matched his season-high with five blocks and established a new high with three steals. Add in the 34 points and six assists he’s tallied in the last two games, and Kessler is in a good place heading into Week 7. Utah plays three games during the first portion of the extended slate, beginning with the Thunder on Tuesday.

Collins was also back in the lineup after missing Wednesday’s loss to the Nuggets, which meant a return to the bench for Micah Potter (six points, three rebounds, one steal, and two 3-pointers in 13 minutes). Collins has exceeded expectations regarding fantasy value, providing top-25 value in 9-cat formats. Managers have an exciting choice ahead of Week 7: attempt to sell high on Collins or hope he isn’t at risk of being shut down later in the season.

Back with the Jazz after missing Wednesday’s loss to the Nuggets due to the birth of his third child, Markkanen showed no ill effects from the knee injury suffered on Tuesday against the Spurs. He struggled with his shot on Saturday, but there isn’t much reason for concern. Markkanen’s providing top 75 value in 9-cat formats, and while that isn’t on par with his Yahoo ADP (30), he hasn’t been a fantasy bust.

Gafford has been consistently productive for the Mavericks, whether he’s started or off the bench. He’s providing 7th-round value in 9-cat formats, one round better than sidekick Dereck Lively II (six points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two blocks in 23 minutes) and well ahead of his Yahoo ADP (105). Gafford remains rostered in 81% of Yahoo leagues and with good reason.

Washington’s productivity has improved recently, with the Mavericks forward recording double-doubles in five straight and six of his last seven games. Over the past two weeks, PJ has provided 3rd-round per-game value in 8- and 9-cat formats. It’s important to remember that Washington’s production over the last week has coincided with Luka Doncic’s absence due to a wrist injury. Ranked just outside the top-50 in 9-cat formats, Washington can crack that threshold if he remains consistent.

Grimes has established a new season-high point total in consecutive games. After putting up 21 in Wednesday’s win over the Knicks, he finished Saturday with 24 points. However, despite the recent scoring outbursts, he’s ranked well outside the top 200 in 9-cat formats over the last week. And with Luka Doncic (wrist) getting close to returning (it could occur as soon as Sunday), Grimes’ fantasy shelf life is almost up.

Once again playing without Luka Doncic (wrist), the Mavericks took care of business in Utah with Irving leading the way. He’s scored 23 points or more in four straight games, with Dallas winning the last three, providing 3rd-round value in 8- and 9-cat formats over the past week. Irving’s providing top-20 per-game value for the season, slightly higher than his Yahoo ADP (26). The Mavericks visit the Blazers on Sunday to end their Week 6 slate, and Doncic could be back in the lineup.

Green finished Saturday’s defeat with a complete stat line, but percentages have been an issue regarding his season-long value. Shooting 43.3% from the field and 60.4% from the foul line, the Warriors forward is providing 11th-round per-game value in 9-cat formats. He’s undoubtedly valuable to managers needing assists and defensive stats, but Green certainly has his warts regarding fantasy value.

Wiggins has scored 16 points or more in seven straight games, providing 5th-round value in 9-cat formats over the last two weeks. He’s providing 8th-round value for the season, a solid bounce back after a brutal 2023-24 campaign. Golden State, which has already clinched its NBA Cup group, plays four games during the first segment of Week 7, beginning with the Nuggets on Tuesday.

Jackson-Davis was productive in the rebound and blocked shot categories, but the playing time wasn’t enough to justify rostering him in most leagues. Not only did TJD only play 15 minutes, but Kevon Looney (nine points, six rebounds, and one assist in 16 minutes) started the second half. Golden State’s depth has made it difficult to justify holding onto Jackson-Davis in most leagues, but he’s still rostered in 51% of Yahoo leagues.