NBA Player News

Conley is back after missing three games with a toe injury. His return means the struggling Donte DiVincenzo moves to the bench, and standard league managers who have him rostered will have to consider moving on if the “Big Ragu” doesn’t turn things around soon.

Add Russell to the list of players the Nets are missing Saturday with the team ruling him out for the second half against the 76ers. Without Russell, Ben Simmons, Cameron Johnson and Cam Thomas, the Nets have lost all of their primary ball handlers and scorers. Brooklyn is already down 17 points at halftime and any hope for a comeback has surely been extinguished with Russell also going down.

Sochan was held out of Friday’s win in Denver due to lower back tightness. His return means Stephon Castle will head to the bench, where the rookie offers limited fantasy value.

Payton has been out of the Warriors’ lineup since Christmas, but he’s making progress in his recovery. The defensive stalwart has been cleared to resume on-court work and will be re-evaluated in another week. Payton’s absence impacts the Warriors more than it does fantasy basketball.

Jones isn’t in the Nuggets’ rotation when healthy, so his potential absence will not impact fantasy basketball.

Mitchell injured his toe during Friday’s win over the Knicks, and he did not return after exiting during the third quarter. He’ll miss at least one game, meaning more playing time for Cason Wallace and Isaiah Joe. While neither has been a consistently reliable fantasy option, they’re worth a look in deep leagues, as the Thunder are also without Alex Caruso.

Due to his hip injury, Caruso will miss a seventh straight game on Sunday. With Ajay Mitchell (toe) also out, Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Joe, and Cason Wallace may pick up a few additional minutes. While none have been consistently reliable fantasy options, whichever one starts will be worth a look in deep leagues due to the injuries.

Friday was the first game the Pistons played since Jaden Ivey broke his leg and Wendell Moore Jr. started in his place. Moore Jr. played just 15 minutes and failed to score in his starting debut. Detroit is going with Ausar Thompson into the starting lineup Saturday. The starting position only adds to the 21-year-old small forward’s fantasy value, though we’ll have to wait and see if he sticks with the starters going forward.

Beal is available for Saturday’s game, but the Suns will be without Tyus Jones (illness). Booker and Beal will shift up a spot in the rotation, with Dunn filling the void in the starting lineup. Look for Booker, Beal, and Durant to do much of the playmaking, with Monte Morris providing depth off the bench.

Fontecchio will miss a third consecutive game for personal reasons, and it’s unknown when he can rejoin his teammates. His absence does not impact fantasy basketball.