NBA Player News

Ryan was on a standard deal with the Knicks until Sunday, when he was waived to make room for Landry Shamet. The New York native didn’t have to wait long for his next opportunity, as the Knicks will reportedly sign Ryan to a two-way contract. To free up a spot, the Knicks are waiving guard Boo Buie. These moves will not impact fantasy basketball.

Irving put on a show on Christmas Day, nearly dragging the Mavericks to a win after Luka Doncic exited with a strained calf. The 39 points were the most in a game for Kyrie since November 10, when he scored a season-high 43 in a loss to the Nuggets. With Doncic looking at an extended absence, fantasy managers should expect a more aggressive Irving in the short term.

After recording eight double-doubles through the end of November, Gobert has recorded five in ten games this month. His fantasy value hasn’t been what many expected in the aftermath of the Karl-Anthony Towns trade, with the “Stifle Tower” providing 7th-round value in 8- and 9-cat formats. That said, while the ceiling hasn’t risen, Gobert’s fantasy floor remains secure.

A little “home cooking” is good for one’s basketball game, based on Randle’s performance against the Mavericks. The Dallas native finished Wednesday’s win two assists shy of a triple-double while also shooting 60% from beyond the arc. While Minnesota’s start to the season hasn’t been what many expected, Randle has been a solid fantasy option in 8-cat formats, providing top-75 per-game value.

Playing on Christmas Day for the first time as a pro, Edwards shined as the Timberwolves raced out to a big lead and then held on for the win. And this was a much-needed performance for “Anta Claus,” as he averaged 17.3 points on 35.7% shooting in Minnesota’s previous three games. The Timberwolves play two more games in Week 9, beginning with the Rockets on Friday.

Brown still is not physically able to return to game action, so he won’t play on Thursday. His continued absence has ensured that young players like Gradey Dick and Ochai Agbaji will be able to play starters’ minutes in their current roles.

Thursday’s game will be the fourth Poeltl misses due to his strained groin. Jonathan Mogbo should remain in the starting lineup, but Chris Boucher and Kelly Olynyk are better streaming options despite coming off the bench.

Shead was a late scratch for Monday’s loss to the Knicks, with his absence freeing up additional minutes for fellow rookie Ja’Kobe Walter. While he isn’t a “must-add” player yet, Walter will have added fantasy value down the line, as the Raptors do not look like a playoff team.

With KJ Martin (foot) sidelined by a stress reaction, Caleb Martin (no relation) moves into the starting lineup. KJ will be re-evaluated in two weeks, so Caleb deserves streaming consideration in deep leagues. That’s the lone change to Philadelphia’s starting lineup.