NBA Player News

Ayton will miss a second consecutive game due to illness, and the rotation’s appearance on Sunday will depend on multiple factors. Robert Williams III (conditioning) is questionable, while Donovan Clingan may still be restricted in his second game back. If the Time Lord plays, Jabari Walker’s minutes will decrease. Clingan should be rostered regardless of his playing time, especially for managers needing rebounds and blocks.

Back in action after sitting out Thursday’s win over the Warriors with a shoulder injury, Smart played nine minutes off the bench on Saturday before injuring his finger. Smart shot 3-of-5 from the field and 1-of-1 from the foul line, finishing with nine points, two assists, one steal, and two 3-pointers. His absence means more minutes for Luke Kennard, who will have some value in deep leagues if Smart misses time and Ja Morant (back) remains sidelined.

DeRozan has been in a mini-slump since scoring 29 points in the Kings’ December 12 win over New Orleans. Over the past three games, he’s shot 15-of-41 from the field, which is 36.6%. However, despite being ranked just inside the top 150 in 9-cat formats over the past week, DeRozan is a top-40 player for the season. He’ll be fine, possibly turning things around as soon as Sunday’s game against the Pacers.

Sabonis finished Saturday’s loss one rebound shy of his third 20-board game of the season and continues to record double-doubles. Saturday’s game was the third in which the Kings center has recorded at least 15 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists. Sabonis has provided 1st-round fantasy value this season, much to the delight of those who have him rostered.

Fox’s name has surfaced in recent trade rumors, but he has not explicitly said he wants out. He played like that on Saturday, scoring 31 points on excellent shooting from the field and the foul line. Although the four turnovers were disappointing, Fox’s overall stat line overrides that negative. Fox’s situation will be one to watch moving forward, especially if he concludes that he’ll have a better chance of sustained team success elsewhere.

Saturday’s game was the first for Lyles since November 25, and his return gave the Kings much-needed depth behind Domantas Sabonis. Lyles didn’t offer much value and is unlikely to be a viable option in most fantasy leagues, but he’s a key bench option for the Kings. Sacramento ends its Week 8 slate with a game against the Pacers on Sunday.

Russell’s production as a reserve has been inconsistent, but Saturday’s performance was a reminder of what he’s capable of when engaged. Despite being ranked well outside the top 150 in 9-cat formats, D’Lo remains rostered in 82% of Yahoo leagues. Saturday’s performance may keep a few managers from pulling the plug outright.

Davis did not provide much value as a scorer on Saturday, attempting seven shots on the night. However, the rebounds, assists, and blocks helped compensate for that in Saturday’s win. In two games against the Kings, Davis grabbed 35 rebounds and blocked nine shots, which is elite production in those categories for one of the most productive players in fantasy basketball. On Monday, the Lakers begin a three-game Week 9 slate at home against the Pistons.

After putting up limited scoring numbers in his first two games back, LeBron was outstanding on Saturday. He shot over 50% from the field, leading the Lakers in points, assists, and steals. The 3-point shooting (1-of-8) remains problematic, but fantasy managers are likely fine punting that category if LeBron’s overall production is as good as it was on Saturday. The Lakers play three games during Week 9, beginning with the Pistons on Monday.

While Sheppard returned to action on Thursday, he only played 16 minutes off the bench in Indiana’s win over the Suns. Fantasy managers should expect Sheppard to shoulder a similar workload if he’s available for Sunday night. That isn’t enough to justify rostering him in most fantasy leagues.

Bol’s absence will not impact fantasy basketball, as he is not in the rotation on most nights.