NBA Player News

Brooklyn will be without Dennis Schroder and Dorian Finney-Smith for this game, which allows Martin and Wilson to start. Wilson is back after a one-game absence, while Martin is coming off a career-game in a win over the Suns. Managers shouldn’t expect him to go for 30 points and eight 3-pointers again, but it is good to see him be rewarded for having a big game.

Porzingis and Holiday sat out Friday’s loss to the Cavaliers, leaving Joe Mazzulla with two holes to fill within the Celtics’ starting lineup. Sam Hauser and Al Horford received the starting nods against Cleveland and will likely retain those roles on Sunday. While the fantasy upside of both players is limited, they’re worth streaming when allowed to start.

Brown scored 37 points in 34 minutes on Friday, but there is a chance that he is sidelined against Denver. Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis are both doubtful, so Sam Hauser and Torrey Craig will likely both start if Brown is sidelined. However, Payton Pritchard will see a boost in minutes and provide a scoring boost off the bench.

Curry was initially listed as doubtful, so his absence doesn’t come as a surprise. Damion Baugh and DaQuan Jeffries should split the backup guard minutes, but with LaMelo Ball available, they won’t hold won’t be much upside in fantasy basketball.

Nurkic has been ruled out for a second straight game, which means that Moussa Diabate will continue to fill out the backup center minutes behind Mark Williams. Diabate played 13 minutes off the bench on Thursday.

Ball and Salaun were initially questionable for Saturday’s game. While the former is back after a one-game absence, the latter missed the final two games of Charlotte’s road trip. Ball’s return coincides with KJ Simpson being sent to the G League, so Elfrid Payton will take on the backup point guard responsibilities. Salaun will be part of the rotation, but coming off the bench limits his fantasy value.

Bradley, the 28th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, is back in the Association. Most recently, he’s been with the G League’s College Park SkyHawks, averaging 14.0 points, 10.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocked shots per game. Bradley most recently played in the NBA during the 2022-23 campaign, appearing in 12 games for the Bulls. With Myles Turner and Thomas Bryant healthy, Bradley is unlikely to get the minutes needed to impact fantasy basketball.

Both wings missed Friday’s game against Brooklyn, which allowed Kris Murray and Shaedon Sharpe to slide into the starting lineup. If Avdija and Grant remain out, both Murray and Sharpe should start again, with Sharpe as the better streaming option.

Sunday’s game will be the fifth straight that Williams has missed with a sprained left knee. With Deandre Ayton (calf) also out, the Trail Blazers will again rely on Donovan Clingan and Jabari Walker to fill the void. While Clingan has been the more popular pickup in fantasy leagues, Walker can provide deep-league value off the bench.

Saturday’s game against the Hornets will be the fifth Brogdon has missed with a sprained left ankle, having suffered the injury before the All-Star break. Keefe’s statement didn’t offer a specific timeline beyond saying he expects Brogdon to play at some point. The veteran guard has been more impactful in the Wizards locker room than in fantasy leagues, and that won’t change when he returns.

Battle and Temple will remain out for Sunday’s game, with the latter away from the team for personal reasons. The absences will not impact fantasy basketball.