NBA Player News

While injuries have limited Caruso’s impact on the Thunder since returning to the franchise via trade this offseason, there’s no doubting the value placed on the reserve guard. The extension ensures Caruso will be part of the franchise’s plans for the foreseeable future, but it does not impact his fantasy value. Caruso remains a deep-league option due to concerns about availability.

Middleton is still working his way back from bilateral ankle surgery so even with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard out, the Bucks couldn’t count on Middleton to play close to 40 minutes or take 30 shots despite inserting him into the starting lineup. He still had one of his better games since returning as he scored 21 points on 13 shots and made 3-of-6 attempts from behind the 3-point line. The 33-year-old small forward has seen a positive trend in his performance lately and should continue to progress as the season goes along, though he’s not ready to take on a full complement of minutes just yet.

Clowney replaced Dorian Finney-Smith (calf) in the starting lineup and had another good game. He scored 20 points on 10 shots and went 6-of-9 from behind the 3-point line. Clowney is only worth streaming when Finney-Smith is out, but could have more value later this year as the Nets pivot to using more young players.

Murray finished Thursday’s loss with as many turnovers as assists (three), and there’s quite the distance between his 8- and 9-cat fantasy value. A 4th-round player in the former, Murray is a 7th-round player in 9-cat due to an average of 3.9 turnovers per game. A broken hand suffered in the season opener didn’t do Murray any favors, nor did New Orleans’ many injuries.

Murphy did not have to miss any games after spraining his ankle during Sunday’s loss to the Nuggets, as the Pelicans had not played since. He led New Orleans in scoring, and that’s a role Murphy should continue to fill with Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson out. Fantasy managers have to hope he stays healthy, as the Pelicans have been hit hard by injuries this season.

Houston being without Dillon Brooks and Tari Eason has led to Whitmore playing rotation minutes recently, and he’s reached double figures in three straight games. Thursday’s game was a combination of Whitmore playing well and the Pelicans being a bad basketball team, especially with some key players out of the lineup. Give Whitmore credit for making the most of his current opportunity, but fantasy managers should not overreact.

Thompson’s rebounding and defensive production make him a valuable player for the Rockets and fantasy managers, especially with Dillon Brooks (ankle) sidelined. Over the past two weeks, the second-year wing has provided 7th-round value in 8-cat formats, and he’s been a top-50 player over the past week. While Brooks and Tari Eason being out has increased Thompson’s importance, he’s risen to the challenge.

Sengun failed to record any defensive stats on Thursday, but he did produce his 20th double-double of the season. By comparison, the Rockets center had 29 throughout the 2023-24 campaign. Sengun is providing 4th-round value in 9-cat formats, which is not on par with his Yahoo ADP (27), but it certainly isn’t poor.

While VanVleet has shot the ball poorly this season, he’s done well in Houston’s first two games of Week 9. He’s shot 16-of-31 from the field in wins over Charlotte and New Orleans, hitting 10 3-pointers. VanVleet’s fantasy value has taken a hit this season due to the poor shooting, but the production in other categories has ensured that fantasy teams haven’t been sunk entirely.

Green and the Rockets met little resistance in New Orleans, leading by as much as 30 before coasting to the win. Green has been a top 100 player in 8-cat formats this season, which aligns with his Yahoo ADP (91). Thursday’s performance was much-needed after Green scored eight points in Monday’s win over the Hornets. Houston has two more games on its schedule for the week, beginning with the Timberwolves on Friday.