NBA Player News

Booker has missed two straight, and a missed practice means his status for Wednesday’s tilt with Denver is up in the air. Allen sat out Monday, and he’s in danger of missing a second straight contest. Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal will handle the scoring load if Booker is sidelined, and players like Royce O’Neale and Ryan Dunn could pick up the slack for Allen.

Trent will be out of the rotation after scoring just three points in 24 minutes against the Magic in his latest contest. AJ Green is in a prime spot to contribute to Milwaukee’s offense with his lethal shooting for a spell.

Rollins was available against the Magic on Friday but didn’t play. The Bucks point guard’s absence won’t impact fantasy basketball on Sunday.

With Deandre Ayton (calf) and Robert Williams (illness) sidelined, Clingan made his eighth start of the season Saturday. Bam Adebayo is a difficult matchup, but the rookie center provided value in the rebound and blocked shot categories. With the trade deadline about three weeks away, one would assume that Portland will try to move Ayton or Williams to free up consistent minutes for Clingan. Until that happens, the injury report will likely be used to sort out the logjam, as it was on Saturday.

Avdija finished Saturday’s defeat with his sixth double-double of the season and third in Portland’s last six games. He did have an injury scare during the third quarter, appearing to tweak his right leg on a drive to the basket. The good news is that Avdija remained in the game after the timeout and logged 37 minutes. With Jerami Grant sidelined with a facial contusion, Avdija should continue to play starters’ minutes for the foreseeable future.

Sharpe extended his streak of 20-point games to four on Saturday, but the efficiency wasn’t what fantasy managers would hope for. He shot 35% from the field and had one less turnover (six) than made field goals (seven). Over the past two weeks, Sharpe’s fantasy value is outside the top 150 in 9-cat formats, with turnovers (2.7 per game) being the culprit. And with limited production outside of points, rebounds, and 3-pointers, he has been a better option for points leagues than category leagues.

Simons has scored 22 points or more in seven of his last eight games, and the increased scoring production has boosted his fantasy value. Averaging 25.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 0.6 steals, and 5.0 3-pointers, the Blazers guard has been a top-25 player in 9-cat formats over the past two weeks. Simons’ season-long value is just outside the top 100, but that should change soon if he continues on his current path. Portland plays four games during Week 12, beginning with the Nets on Tuesday.

Adebayo, a double-digit scorer in eight of his last nine outings, recorded his 20th double-double of the season on Saturday. While this hasn’t necessarily been a bad season for the Heat center, Bam’s production has felt a bit underwhelming thus far. He’s providing 5th-round value in 9-cat formats, two rounds lower than his Yahoo ADP. Adebayo will look to continue his move up the rankings on Monday when Miami visits the Clippers.

Jovic has scored at least eight points in eight consecutive games, reaching double figures in the last five. Saturday’s performance was his best, as the 2022 first-round pick established season-highs in points (21) and rebounds (eight) while tying his previous high with four 3-pointers. Miami’s wings have been challenging to rely on in fantasy basketball, but Jovic may be worth the risk since he’s provided 6th-round value over the past two weeks. Miami plays four games during Week 12, starting with the Clippers on Monday.

Highsmith had an excellent night in Portland, matching his season-high with four 3-pointers and five steals while scoring at least 15 points in a game for the fourth time. Rostered in 3% of Yahoo leagues, his season-long fantasy value hasn’t been good. However, Highsmith’s opportunities have increased with Jimmy Butler suspended, and he has been an 11th-round player in 9-cat formats over the past two weeks. Deep-league managers needing 3-pointers and steals should consider streaming Highsmith during Miami’s four-game Week 12, mainly if Butler doesn’t immediately rejoin the team after serving his suspension.

Herro and the Heat used the 3-point line to significant effect on Saturday, with Miami outscoring Portland by 18 points (57-39). Herro shot 4-of-4 from the field in the second quarter alone, including three 3-pointers. Over the past week, the Heat guard has provided 3rd-round per-game value in 8- and 9-cat formats, with the latter aligning with his season-long production. With Jimmy Butler suspended and possibly having played his last game in a Heat uniform, Herro is well-positioned to benefit offensively. Miami begins a four-game Week 12 slate against the Clippers on Monday.