NBA Player News

THJ’s role is to be a source of floor spacing for them, but he has struggled in recent weeks. It culminated with a full Tony Snell performance in their last game, but he was able to bounce back in this one. In fantasy hoops, THJ is only a source of 3-pointers, but he hasn’t been consistent enough this year to justify a roster spot. If he gets hot, then you can stream him for a stretch, but as of now, he should be left on the waiver wire.

Clowney replaced Dorian Finney-Smith (calf) in the starting lineup and had another good game. He scored 20 points on 10 shots and went 6-of-9 from behind the 3-point line. Clowney is only worth streaming when Finney-Smith is out, but could have more value later this year as the Nets pivot to using more young players.

Houston being without Dillon Brooks and Tari Eason has led to Whitmore playing rotation minutes recently, and he’s reached double figures in three straight games. Thursday’s game was a combination of Whitmore playing well and the Pelicans being a bad basketball team, especially with some key players out of the lineup. Give Whitmore credit for making the most of his current opportunity, but fantasy managers should not overreact.

Thompson’s rebounding and defensive production make him a valuable player for the Rockets and fantasy managers, especially with Dillon Brooks (ankle) sidelined. Over the past two weeks, the second-year wing has provided 7th-round value in 8-cat formats, and he’s been a top-50 player over the past week. While Brooks and Tari Eason being out has increased Thompson’s importance, he’s risen to the challenge.

Sengun failed to record any defensive stats on Thursday, but he did produce his 20th double-double of the season. By comparison, the Rockets center had 29 throughout the 2023-24 campaign. Sengun is providing 4th-round value in 9-cat formats, which is not on par with his Yahoo ADP (27), but it certainly isn’t poor.

While VanVleet has shot the ball poorly this season, he’s done well in Houston’s first two games of Week 9. He’s shot 16-of-31 from the field in wins over Charlotte and New Orleans, hitting 10 3-pointers. VanVleet’s fantasy value has taken a hit this season due to the poor shooting, but the production in other categories has ensured that fantasy teams haven’t been sunk entirely.

Green and the Rockets met little resistance in New Orleans, leading by as much as 30 before coasting to the win. Green has been a top 100 player in 8-cat formats this season, which aligns with his Yahoo ADP (91). Thursday’s performance was much-needed after Green scored eight points in Monday’s win over the Hornets. Houston has two more games on its schedule for the week, beginning with the Timberwolves on Friday.

Johnson’s 29 points were a game-high as the Nets beat the Bucks with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard out. With the Nets missing Cam Thomas, Johnson has stepped up as the primary scorer for Brooklyn. He only took 13 shots from the field, but got to the foul line and made all nine of his free throw attempts. Fantasy managers can continue to expect Johnson to operate as the focal point of the Nets’ offense going forward.