NBA Player News

Clingan moves into the starting lineup for Sunday’s game, replacing Jabari Walker. However, fantasy managers should not expect the rookie to play starters’ minutes, as he remains restricted in his second game back from a sprained MCL. With Clingan’s minutes increasing and Robert Williams (conditioning) cleared to play, Walker’s minutes will take a significant hit.

Booker had already been ruled out for Saturday’s game, which means that he will also sit out Monday’s game in Denver. A re-evaluation will give a better timeline for when he could return, though the next chance that he will have to play will be on Wednesday, with the Nuggets coming to town. Royce O-Neale and Grayson Allen should both see extra minutes in his place.

Morant was listed as doubtful on the initial injury report, but he has now officially been ruled out. Scotty Pippen Jr. should get the starting nod at point guard in his place, where he has been effective this season.

George was initially listed as questionable for this game, but the odds of him playing have decreased significantly. The Jazz have also called Isaiah Collier up from the G-League, which gives an even stronger indication that George won’t suit up. Collier and Jordan Clarkson should be the primary playmaking options, though Patty Milles may also play a role.

DFS wasn’t initially on the injury report, but there is now a chance that he is sidelined for this game. Jalen Wilson should make a return to the starting unit if Finney-Smith is forced to sit out.

Craig wasn’t on the initially injury report, but there is now a chance that he is sidelined for this game. However, he didn’t see the floor despite being healthy for their last game, so his potential absence will not impact fantasy basketball.

From an accuracy standpoint, Robinson didn’t have the best night, shooting 3-of-11 from three. However, the six assists were a positive for managers who have him rostered. That matched his season-high, but Robinson has a long way to go before he becomes anything more than a specialist in most fantasy leagues. Rostered in 11% of Yahoo leagues, he only has value where there’s a clear need for points and 3-pointers.

Adebayo took an inadvertent elbow from teammate Jaime Jaquez Jr. during Friday’s game, with the resulting cut requiring seven stitches. The Heat center did return, finishing with his 206th career double-double to move into second on the franchise’s all-time list (Rony Seikaly holds the record with 221). Adebayo still hasn’t reached his Yahoo ADP (32) but is closing in on top-50 value in 9-cat formats.

Jaquez’s stat line was nondescript, with his starting the third quarter being more notable. The Heat lost Jimmy Butler (illness) during the first half, and he also sprained his left ankle. If Butler cannot play in Saturday’s game against the Magic, Jaquez may be Erik Spoelstra’s choice to fill the resulting void in the starting lineup.

Herro has scored 23 points or more in four straight and five of his last six outings, with the improved scoring factoring into his being a top-25 player over the past two weeks. For the season, Herro continues to exceed his Yahoo ADP (81), providing 3rd-round value in 8- and 9-cat formats. With Jimmy Butler leaving Friday’s game due to an illness, Herro may have added value for Saturday’s game in Orlando.