NBA Player News

As has been the case on multiple occasions, Pippen flourished when allowed to start for an injured Ja Morant. While the turnover count (five) was a bit high, the overall production from the Grizzlies backup was excellent. Memphis plays four games in Week 9, beginning with the Clippers on Monday. Managers who added Pippen for Saturday’s slate should hold onto him until it’s certain that Morant will play.

Russell was limited to 16 minutes off the bench in Monday’s loss to the Pistons, a troubling development for a player who has disappointed regarding fantasy value. And he’s a left-handed shooter, so there’s no guarantee that D’Lo will be able to play through his thumb injury. If he sits, Gabe Vincent will play additional minutes off the bench.

While Davis has consistently appeared on preliminary injury reports, he has not missed a game since November 6. Look to see him on the court on Christmas Day.

James may officially be questionable for Wednesday’s game, but it’s tough to envision him not playing on Christmas Day. Expect to see him on the court in San Francisco.

O’Neale took a hit to the groin during Monday’s loss to the Nuggets, but he did return to the game and logged 29 minutes. With Devin Booker (groin) sidelined, O’Neale should remain in the starting lineup, and he is worth streaming in deep leagues.

Allen remains in the league’s concussion protocol, so he will not be available for Tuesday’s game. Ryan Dunn played 30 minutes off the bench in Monday’s loss to the Nuggets and should be in for a similar workload, as the Suns will also be without Devin Booker (groin). However, Royce O’Neale remains a superior streaming option to Dunn.

Initially listed as dealing with a sore groin, Booker’s injury is now considered a strain, and he will not play against the Nuggets. Royce O’Neale did not offer much production in Monday’s loss to Denver, but he should be streamed as long as Booker remains out.

Bol will miss a third consecutive game with a knee contusion, but his status does not impact fantasy basketball. He isn’t guaranteed to be in the rotation once cleared to resume playing.

Murray did not play in Monday’s win over the Suns, Denver’s second game in as many nights. Russell Westbrook received the starting nod and played relatively well. He’s worth streaming while Murray sits and will have value in points leagues even after the Nuggets’ starting point guard returns.

Payton was held out of Monday’s loss to the Pacers, robbing the Warriors of one of their best individual defenders. However, his availability does not impact fantasy basketball, as GP2 has been more critical to the Warriors than to fantasy managers.

Wednesday’s game will be the third Garza has missed with a sprained ankle. He’s only appeared in nine games this season, so the Timberwolves center’s absence will not impact fantasy basketball.