NBA Player News

With Jalen Suggs out, Anthony took advantage of his opportunity for more minutes with a career game. After Suggs suffered the injury against the Thunder on Thursday, it was Anthony Black who had the better game with 23 points off the bench. Black started Saturday, but Anthony finished with 28 minutes off the bench compared to Black’s 18 minutes. The 24-year-old point guard had 35 points and was just two rebounds and one assist shy of a triple-double. It’s a unique situation with the Magic down Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Suggs, though Suggs should return in the near future. There’s probably not enough minutes to go around with Black and Anthony as backups once Suggs returns for either to be fantasy viable.

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.

Given how bad Bagley’s knee injury appeared to be during Monday’s loss to the Thunder, the “sprain” designation is excellent news. On the surface level, his absence will not impact fantasy basketball. However, with Alexandre Sarr (back) questionable for Thursday, the lack of both bigs could push Anthony Gill into the rotation. He would not be worth streaming.

Kuzma, who has not appeared in a game since November 27, remains without a timeline for return. That spot in the starting lineup should remain Justin Champagnie’s until Kuzma returns, and he’s worth streaming in deep leagues.

Miller rejoined the team for on-court activities at the beginning of the week, a step in the right direction after missing three games. His return would push Cody Martin to the bench. Martin played 32 minutes in Monday’s loss to the Rockets.

Okongwu has missed Atlanta’s last three games, and that number will be pushed to four on Thursday. Larry Nance Jr. will continue to serve as Clint Capela’s backup, and he is worth streaming until Okongwu can return.

Bogdanovic did not play in Monday’s win over the Timberwolves, freeing up minutes for Garrison Mathews. Mathews went off on Minnesota, hitting seven 3-pointers and scoring 25 points off the bench. If Bogdanovic cannot play on Thursday, Mathews will be worth a look in deep leagues.

Young was also questionable for Monday’s game against the Timberwolves, but he logged 31 minutes in the victory. If cleared, he should be in for a similar workload against the Bulls, who are second in the NBA in pace and 23rd in defensive rating. Young could be in for a big night if his heel doesn’t trouble him. If he cannot play, Vit Krejci is the likely replacement in the starting lineup, but don’t expect too much from him fantasy-wise.

Thompson continued his climb of the NBA’s all-time 3-pointers list on Christmas Day, passing Reggie Miller to move into fifth place. With three other shooters in the top 5 (Stephen Curry, James Harden, and Damian Lillard) also active, Ray Allen’s total of 2,973 made 3-pointers may be Thompson’s most realistic target before his career ends. Klay and the Mavericks hit the road for their final two games of Week 9, visiting the Suns on Friday and Portland on Saturday.

Under normal circumstances, Grimes would not be on the fantasy radar. However, he started the third quarter of Wednesday’s game after Luka Doncic suffered a strained calf. Grimes’ rebound tally was encouraging, but Spencer Dinwiddie remains the superior streamer with Doncic sidelined, despite playing poorly against the Timberwolves. Dinwiddie missed all seven of his field goal attempts, finishing with two points, one rebound, two assists, and one steal in 14 minutes. Dallas finishes Week 9 with a road back-to-back against the Suns (Friday) and Trail Blazers (Saturday).