NBA Player News

With Christian Braun back after a one-game absence, Westbrook returned to playing a role off the bench. However, he was still able to make an impact on this game, especially late in the fourth. He had a big block on Anfernee Simons that set up a dunk for Michael Porter Jr. that gave Denver a late lead. It wasn’t enough to help them win, and he wasn’t able to put up the same numbers that he did during his recent starts. However, Westbrook is playing far better than he did for either Los Angeles team and will continue to be an important reserve piece for the Nuggets.

Despite the injury, Grant played 42 minutes in Saturday’s win over the Mavericks. If Grant cannot play on Monday, Kris Murray will take on a more significant role in the Portland rotation. Murray would only be worthy of consideration in deep leagues.

Podziemski was injured during the second quarter of Saturday’s win over the Suns and did not return. Lindy Waters III picked up a few more minutes off the bench, but he is not in a position where he should be streamed in fantasy leagues. Moses Moody (knee) is on track to return, so he should be ahead of Waters in the pecking order once cleared.

Moody did not play in Saturday’s win over the Suns and has missed six of Golden State’s last eight games. His return would give Steve Kerr another option off the bench, but when healthy, Moody has not done enough to merit being rostered in most fantasy leagues.

Drummond was sidelined for their last two games, though he was initially listed as probable for their game on Saturday. With Joel Embiid questionable as well, Drummond could get the start if he suits up and Embiid doesn’t. However, that is the only scenario where he will be worth streaming.

Gordon has missed Philadelphia’s last three games after undergoing a procedure on his mouth. Reggie Jackson has played rotation minutes the last two, but his production has not been enough to impact fantasy basketball. There’s no need to roster Jackson or Gordon in most fantasy leagues.

Embiid has played in their last three games, but that doesn’t mean that he won’t be on the injury report. He has been a regular here for years, and if he isn’t able to suit up, Andre Drummond (toe) or Guerschon Yabusele will replace him in the starting unit.

Collins has missed the team’s last three games and is expected to miss a fourth straight on Monday. With both Collins and Keyonte George out for their last game, Jordan Clarkson and rookie Cody Williams were part of the team’s starting unit. George is questionable, which means one of them will return to the bench if he plays, though at least one will continue to start with Collins likely sidelined.

George has missed Utah’s last four games, resulting in more time on the ball for Collin Sexton. Jordan Clarkson started alongside Sexton on Saturday and could retain that role if George cannot play against the Nuggets. The move into the starting lineup slightly boosts his value, but Clarkson is only worth streaming consideration and not a “must-add.”

Eason was once again a game-time decision, and Sunday’s game will be the sixth straight on the sideline for the Rockets forward. Dillon Brooks’ return to the lineup will help Houston depth-wise, while Cam Whitmore should remain in the rotation with Eason and Jae’Sean Tate (illness) out. Whitmore and Amen Thompson will provide value off the bench, with the latter already rostered in most standard leagues.

Wallace (quad) and Dort (ankle) are back in the lineup after sitting out Saturday’s win over the Hornets. Their returns mean Ajay Mitchell and Aaron Wiggins head to the bench, offering minimal fantasy value as reserves. Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Hartenstein will occupy their usual places in the starting lineup.