NBA Player News

Dennis Schroder’s absence did not help Simmons’ production despite him getting more time on the ball. Unfortunately, injuries and availability concerns have sapped most of his fantasy value. And Simmons will not play in Monday’s game against the Warriors, the first of four the Nets play in Week 6. Schroder is expected to be available and take on the primary playmaker responsibilities.

Schroder has averaged 8.2 points and 4.2 dimes across 18.1 minutes in six games with Detroit, so his potential absence won’t cause much of a fuss amongst fantasy hoops enthusiasts. Marcuss Sasser may earn some extra playing time

Fontecchio will miss a second straight game due to a dislocated finger, and his next chance to return will be Friday when the Pistons host the Nuggets. Fontecchio’s absence won’t cause much of an impact in the world of fantasy hoops, as his production has been minimal this season when available.

James had a rather nondescript first three periods of Tuesday’s game, as he appeared intent on allowing Luka Doncic to take over against his former team. But in “winning time,” LeBron flipped a switch. Shooting 7-of-9 from the field in the fourth quarter, scoring 16 points with five rebounds, two assists and one three-pointer. James has scored 25 points or more in four straight games and has provided top-10 value in eight-cat formats since Doncic made his Lakers debut on February 10.

Reaves has now scored 20 points or more in four of his last six games, with three of those performances occurring with Luka Doncic on the court. Since the trade, Reaves has provided third-round value in nine-cat formats, averaging 20.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.0 blocks and 2.5 three-pointers per game. Based on how he’s played, fantasy managers have nothing to worry about regarding Reaves’ value in a lineup that includes Doncic and LeBron James.

Doncic faced the Mavericks for the first time since he was traded in early February. He got off to a good start offensively on Tuesday, racking up nine points, seven rebounds and four assists in the first quarter. The point total may not have been as gaudy as most anticipated, but Doncic did record his first triple-double as a Laker. Luka has provided third-round value in eight-cat formats since the trade but was under a minutes restriction in his first two appearances.

Thompson was relatively quiet during the first three quarters and then heated up during the fourth. He scored 11 of his 22 points in the final frame, but the Mavericks were unable to get over the hump. The 22 points are the most Thompson has scored in a game since February 6, when he dropped 25 on the Celtics. Given how shorthanded the Mavericks are, with Anthony Davis among the absentees, they’ll need more consistent production from Klay. If he can provide that, fantasy managers will also benefit.

Before Tuesday’s game, Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said Powell would be limited to 10-12 minutes in his first game back from a hip injury. He played 16 minutes and replaced Kessler Edwards (four points and three rebounds in 13 minutes) in the lineup to begin the third quarter. Powell did not provide much value outside of rebounds, and that isn’t enough to make him worth streaming while the Mavericks are shorthanded in the frontcourt. However, consistent rotation minutes won’t be an issue for Powell as long as he remains healthy.

Irving was magnificent on Tuesday, and he has now scored 30 points or more in four of his last five outings. Since February 5, the Mavericks guard has been a top-10 player in eight- and nine-cat formats. With Anthony Davis (groin) out, even more of the offensive workload has fallen on Irving’s shoulders. And to the delight of fantasy managers, he’s answered the call. Dallas plays twice more during Week 17, starting with the reeling Hornets on Thursday.

On the other side of Luka Doncic facing his former team for the first time was Christie, a second-round pick of the Lakers in 2022. Overall, he’s played well since being traded to Dallas. However, Christie has scored 12 points on 5-of-18 shooting in his last two appearances. In his first seven games as a Maverick, the third-year guard averaged 17.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.1 steals and 2.4 three-pointers, shooting 51.9 percent from the field and 84 percent from the foul line. Christie will look to snap out of his mini-slump when the Mavericks host Charlotte on Thursday.

Simpson moved into the starting lineup Tuesday with LaMelo Ball (ankle) out again. The 22-year-old point guard has played at least 30 minutes in three straight games now. Simpson hasn’t been particularly effective in any of those games and Charlotte has lost all three outings. It doesn’t appear that he’s much of a fantasy asset at the moment, but he’s certainly getting a bunch of minutes lately.