NBA Player News

The “Dancing Bear” was excellent on Wednesday, notching a season-high point total and providing solid value across his stat line. Rostered in 8% of Yahoo leagues, Yabusele’s fantasy value has not been great. However, he’s worth the risk if the 76ers are without Joel Embiid (knee). Philadelphia only plays once more in Week 6 (Saturday vs. Detroit), so the benefits of holding onto Yabusele will be minimal. But it’s worth a thought, which was not the case at the start of the season.

Schroder is set to return from a one-game layoff while Fontecchio missed the Pistons’ previous two games after suffering a finger injury. Both players should assume their usual backup roles.

Ball didn’t play against the Warriors on Tuesday but is back on the injury report after being taken off it on Wednesday. KJ Simpson started against the Dubs and could be in line for another start if Ball can’t go.

Nurkic notched a DNP-CD on Tuesday against the Warriors and has now been ruled out with an illness. It appears like Moussa Diabate will serve as Mark Williams’ primary backup on Thursday.

Beal has averaged 24.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game since returning from the All-Star break but the Suns aren’t winning. Grayson Allen could get a bump in exposure if Beal sits on Thursday.

Hukporti tore his meniscus in his first-ever start on Wednesday. His absence shouldn’t affect fantasy basketball, as Karl-Anthony Towns is dealing with a minor knee injury and Mitchell Robinson is nearing his 2024-25 debut. Precious Achiuwa could log a spot start or two in the back half of the week.

Anthony didn’t return after hurting his knee against the Cavaliers on Tuesday but went through shootaround Thursday. He’s been starting at point guard lately but could be replaced by Anthony Black if he’s not healthy enough to play.

Gordon has had an underwhelming first season with the 76ers. The sharpshooter has been efficient from deep but is set to finish the year averaging less than 11.0 points per game for the first time in his career. It appears he won’t get to play again unless Philadelphia makes a playoff push.

While Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo did what was expected of them in Miami’s 131-109 victory, the Heat also received solid production from Robinson and Davion Mitchell (20 points, six assists, two steals, and five three-pointers). Robinson shooting 6-of-13 from three isn’t stunning, but the six assists were the most he’s had in a game since January 17 (seven vs. Denver). However, this performance doesn’t change much for Robinson’s fantasy outlook, as he has been ranked well outside the top 150 in eight- and nine-cat formats over the past two weeks. Unless you need a three-point specialist who can provide added assist value every so often, there’s no need to add Robinson after Wednesday’s effort.

After shooting 1-of-6 from three in a February 22 loss to the Jazz, Brooks was 9-of-16 in wins over the Bucks and Spurs. The inconsistent offensive production is why he’s rostered in just 22 percent of Yahoo! leagues. Regarding fantasy value, the output over the past month (15th-round in eight-cat) has aligned with his season-long production. And that’s with Fred VanVleet and Jabari Smith Jr. missing extended periods due to injury. Brooks is more valuable to the Rockets than he is to fantasy managers.

Green added another 20-point game to his tally, extending his run to 11 such stat lines in his last 14 outings. Fantasy managers will also benefit from the rebound and assist totals in Wednesday’s victory, but the continued lack of defensive production limits Green’s ceiling in category leagues. Over the past month, he has provided 11th-round value in eight-cat formats. He remains a better player to have rostered in points leagues than category leagues due to the efficiency, even if that wasn’t a problem against the Spurs.