NBA Player News

Knecht played 23 minutes off the bench in Tuesday’s loss to the Suns, and his production has slipped since Rui Hachimura returned to the starting lineup. However, fantasy managers who have the rookie rostered should hold onto him, as there may be changes to the Lakers’ rotation after their disappointing performance in Phoenix. If Knecht cannot play against San Antonio, fellow reserve Max Christie may pick up additional minutes.

Sheppard began filling in for Nesmith as a starter sporadically last season and both players appear to need significant recovery time before appearing in another game. Benedict Mathurin will continue enjoying his expanded role in a career year in the meantime.

Nembhard is set to play for the first time since early November. The Pacers combo guard will start, but his minutes will be monitored in the contest. Fantasy managers shouldn’t expect too much from him in his first game back after nearly a one-month layoff.

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.