NBA Player News

At the beginning of the year, Jaylen Brown said that when they played teams like the Pistons, they’d let Pritchard go for 30 and still win the game. That’s pretty much what happened in this game. Though he fell short of getting to 30 points, Pritchard was able to record his first double-double of the season off the bench. He has scored at least 20 points in six of their last eight games and will continue to be a reliable fantasy option, even though he is a reserve. Jayson Tatum was out for this game, and Pritchard always seems to step up a bit more when Boston is missing one of their stars.

Simmons may not provide much value as a scorer, but the ability to facilitate has been key in the aftermath of the Nets trading Dennis Schroder to the Warriors. Thursday’s game is the first of a back-to-back for Brooklyn, so fantasy managers should expect Simmons to sit either then or Friday against the Spurs. Shake Milton will figure more prominently in the rotation if Simmons cannot play.

Finney-Smith has missed Brooklyn’s last two games, with Noah Clowney replacing him in the starting lineup. While the second-year forward did not play well on Saturday, Clowney hit four 3-pointers and scored 19 points in Monday’s loss to the Heat. He isn’t a must-stream player if Finney-Smith remains out, but Clowney will have value later this season as the Nets pivot toward playing their younger guys more.

Giddey has missed Chicago’s last three games, with Patrick Williams replacing him in the starting lineup. Williams has not provided much fantasy value, whether starting or coming off the bench. If Ayo Dosunmu (Achilles, questionable) cannot play on Thursday, he may be the player Giddey replaces if cleared.

Ball did not play in Monday’s loss to the Bucks, joining Josh Giddey (ankle) on the sideline. While Giddey could be back on Thursday, Ball appears likely to miss a second straight game. His absence alone does not significantly impact fantasy basketball.

Dosunmu played 34 minutes in Monday’s loss to the Bucks. While he didn’t shoot the ball well, he did dish out 11 assists. Dosunmu has logged heavy minutes recently, especially with Josh Giddey (ankle) sidelined, providing reliable fantasy value. Dalen Terry and Talen Horton-Tucker may pick up additional minutes if Dosunmu cannot play on Thursday, but neither would be worth streaming.

Caruso injured his hip during Monday’s win over Washington, but his absence won’t significantly impact fantasy basketball. Oklahoma City has multiple players, including Cason Wallace and Ajay Mitchell, who can absorb the minutes that would usually go to Caruso.

Carlson’s status does not impact fantasy basketball. In addition to having Isaiah Hartenstein, the Thunder welcomed back Jaylin Williams on Monday. He’ll serve as the backup center moving forward.

Sarr did not play in Monday’s loss to the Thunder, resulting in Jonas Valanciunas starting and logging 29 minutes. The veteran center, already rostered in most standard leagues, will take on a similar workload if Sarr remains out.

Coulibaly did not play in Monday’s loss to Oklahoma City, the second game he’d missed this season. Malcolm Brogdon moved into the starting lineup and played 26 minutes. He’ll likely retain that role if Coulibaly cannot play on Thursday, and the veteran guard would be worth rostering in deep leagues.

Carrington was injured during Monday’s loss to the Thunder, walking back to the locker room slowly during the fourth quarter. The impact of his potential absence also depends on Bilal Coulibaly, who is questionable for Thursday after not playing against Oklahoma City. Kyshawn George and Corey Kispert will play more minutes if Coulibaly cannot play.