NBA Player News

Durant missed seven straight from November 10 - November 20, and the Suns went 1-6 in his absence. It’s a stinging blow for a talented team that just can’t stay healthy. Durant’s absence frees up more minutes for Grayson Allen and Ryan Dunn, though it will take a committee effort to fill his large shoes.

Clarkson is trending toward playing in a second straight contest after missing seven consecutive games with foot issues. He handled a full workload his last time out and there’s been no indication that he won’t again to kick off a new week.

Huerter has been available as of late but is set to miss his second game this month. Malik Monk will likely take on a heavier workload. Isaac Jones will be among the top reserve players to keep an eye on.

The 76ers will face the Hornets twice this week before wrapping things up against the Cavaliers on Saturday. Andre Drummond will capitalize on his opportunities to get at least three more starts at center in the meantime.

Mann hasn’t played since the Hornet’s overtime win against the Pistons on Nov. 21. Vasilije Micic will likely continue to be a key part of the rotation while Mann recovers.

After scoring 28 points or more in three of his previous four outings, Morant struggled in Los Angeles. In addition to shooting poorly from the field, the Grizzlies point guard recorded a season-high seven turnovers. There’s a three-round gap when comparing Morant’s 8- and 9-cat values, as he’s provided top-50 value in the former while sitting just inside the top 80 in the latter. Morant will look to bounce back on Thursday when the Grizzlies host Golden State.

Jackson extended his streak of 20-point games to four on Sunday, finishing the defeat one blocked shot shy of a complete stat line. The Grizzlies power forward/center has been excellent this season, providing top 20 per-game value in 8- and 9-cat formats. Jackson will look to continue this superb run on Thursday when Memphis hosts Golden State to begin a two-game Week 8.

Sunday’s game was the first for Edey since November 17, and the rookie didn’t check in until Jay Huff appeared to tweak his ankle during the second quarter. Edey would play 24 minutes, recording his third double-double of the season. The minutes are worth tracking, as Huff (three points, three rebounds, one steal, and one 3-pointer) played six minutes, and starter Brandon Clarke (five points, five rebounds, and one assist) 13, with Edey starting the second half. Edey will have increased fantasy value is this split holds. Memphis plays two games in Week 8, beginning with the Warriors at home on Thursday.

After scoring 18 points in his first game back from the pelvic contusion that sidelined him for five games, Reaves put up another 19 on Sunday. However, the assist tally stood out, as the eight helpers are a season-high for the Lakers guard. Reaves will enter Week 8 as a top 100 player in 8-cat formats while ranking a few spots outside that threshold in 9-cat. The Lakers play two games in Sacramento next week, with the first scheduled for Thursday.

James was back in the Lakers’ lineup after a two-game absence, getting nine days off to aid in the recovery of his left foot. He looked sharp to begin Sunday’s game and finished with a complete stat line. However, James shot 4-of-11 from two, well below his 2-point percentage (56.0%) for the season. The upcoming schedule will give LeBron more time to rest, as the Lakers won’t play again until Thursday in Sacramento.

Davis was outstanding on Sunday, matching his season-highs in points (40) and rebounds (16) and recording a complete stat line. Regardless of who was assigned to defend the Lakers’ star, the Grizzlies could not find an answer. Unfortunately, there was an injury scare, as Davis returned to the locker room during the third quarter with an apparent left shoulder injury. AD would return early in the fourth to continue his dominance of the visitors. The Lakers play two games in Sacramento during Week 8, with the first scheduled for Thursday night.