NBA Player News

It’s unclear how much longer Cunningham will be sidelined, but this will be a third straight absence for him following his early exit last Thursday. Malik Beasley should continue to start in his place and provide plenty of 3-pointers, while Jaden Ivey should see a usage boost.

Brown remains sidelined, with Monday’s game being the seventh he’s missed due to his back injury. The Clippers have yet to reveal a return timeline, which is concerning. That said, Brown’s absence does not impact fantasy basketball.

Mykhailiuk will miss a second consecutive game with a groin injury, which will not significantly impact fantasy basketball. His absence has freed up minutes for some of Utah’s less-experienced players, including Brice Sensabaugh.

Clarkson has been dealing with foot and heel issues for most of this season, limiting his effectiveness on the court. If he cannot play on Monday, more minutes will be available on the perimeter, with Isaiah Collier and Johnny Juzang among the options available to help fill the void. Neither will be worth streaming in most leagues.

Wiggins is back after a two-game absence with an ankle injury, and his return pushes Gary Payton II to the bench. The other change is Looney, who replaces Draymond Green in the starting lineup. Green will still play plenty, and this lineup change will likely negatively impact Trayce Jackson-Davis more.

Traore’s absence will not impact fantasy basketball, as he is not in the Lakers’ rotation when healthy.

Rostered in 19% of Yahoo leagues, Boston is the one Pelicans player with value who can still be found on most waiver wires. He’s reached double figures in six of his last seven games, and Sunday’s output was his highest since November 8 (26 vs. Orlando). With the Pelicans playing three games in four days to end Week 8, beginning with Houston on Thursday, Boston will be worth a look in deep leagues.

Murphy didn’t have the best night shooting the basketball, but the complete stat line should provide solace to those who have rostered him. Over the past two weeks, he’s offered 3rd-round value in 8- and 9-cat formats, most recently benefitting from Brandon Ingram’s absence. While some who have Murphy rostered may look to “sell high” and entertain trade offers, others may be fine with holding onto him.

After shooting the ball well in his first three games back from injury, Jones has tailed off in that regard. He’s gone 9-of-27 over the last two, but the good news for fantasy managers is that “Not on Herb” provides value in other areas. The rebounds, assists, and steal contributions were certainly welcomed in category leagues, and Jones heads into Week 8 (Yahoo leagues) as a top 100 player in 9-cat formats.

While Murray shot the ball well and produced solid rebound and assist numbers, 9-cat managers took a beating in the turnover category. The Pelicans point guard was responsible for eight of his team’s 17 turnovers on the evening, establishing an unfortunate season-high. Over the past two weeks, Murray has averaged 4.7 turnovers per game, the difference between top 20 (8-cat formats) and top 70 (9-cat) value. New Orleans plays three games in Week 8, beginning with the Rockets on Thursday.

Acquired from the Heat on Friday, Bryant’s return to the state when he played in college has given him a new lease on life. The former Hoosier only played 11 minutes on Sunday, but he should only play more as the familiarity with the Pacers’ system strengthens. Bryant isn’t a player who needs to be added immediately, as the Pacers don’t play again until Thursday, but he’s worth tracking in deep leagues.