NBA Player News

Sochan has enjoyed a breakout third season, which resulted in another strong performance from him in this game. This was his second-highest scoring game of the season and his highest since returning from an extended absence with a thumb injury. Sochan is somehow still undervalued in Yahoo leagues and is available in 36% of leagues. Over the past two weeks, Sochan has been able to provide top-50 in 9-cat leagues. He’ll look to keep it going in Brooklyn on Friday before they close the week in Minnesota on Sunday.

This is business as usual, as Horford hasn’t been expected to play in the second leg of back-to-bacs. Neemieas Queta and Luke Kornet will likely split the bulk of the center minutes while Horford is out.

Brown missed the Celtics’ last game while Porzingis has missed four consecutive games. Payton Pritchard will be asked to take on more offensive responsibility if Brown sits. Neemias Queta and Luke Kornet split backup center minutes at center.

Robinson-Earl will return from at two-game layoff ahead of the weekend. He had a few solid stat lines in his injury-riddled December, but his return to the hardwood doesn’t make him worth streaming.

The No. 13 pick from the 2024 NBA Draft is set to make his pro debut. The Providence product will get a chance to contribute to Sacramento’s backcourt rotation, but there’s plenty of competition ahead of him. Fantasy managers shouldn’t expect much from the rookie early on.

Camara has reached double figures in points in consecutive games for the sixth time this season, but he’s a player who is more valuable to his team than to fantasy basketball leagues. The second-year forward has been ranked well outside the top 150 over the past two weeks, worse than his season-long value. Camara’s rebounding has improved (8.2 RPG over the last two weeks), but the defensive stats and scoring have slipped. While he may have added value after the trade deadline, Camara is not a player who should be rostered outside of deep leagues.

While Sharpe doesn’t have much trouble scoring, he doesn’t provide consistent production in other categories, so his fantasy value remains low in category leagues. Thursday’s game was the third out of four in which he recorded five rebounds, but there wasn’t much value beyond that category and points. A 10th-round player in 8-cat formats over the past two weeks, Sharpe’s season-long value places him outside the top 150.

After racking up a shocking 10 turnovers in Monday’s loss to the 76ers, Avdija cleaned things up on Thursday. In addition to recording his third double-double of the season, the Blazers wing only committed two turnovers. With Jerami Grant missing time with a facial injury, Avdija has been able to start, and he’s provided 7th-round value in 8-cat formats over the past two weeks.

Simons has scored 22 points or more in three straight games, and his improved scoring has made him close to a top-50 player over the past week. While his season-long value in 9-cat formats remains disappointing, Simons is closing in on top-100 value in 8-cat formats. The possibility of a shutdown later in the season remains a concern, so the last week may provide an opportunity for some Simons managers to “sell high.”

Reaves did not have the best night shooting the basketball, but he’s been on a roll with the assists. The Lakers guard has dished out 10 or more in four straight games, which is the longest streak of his career. Over the past two weeks, Reaves has provided top-25 per-game value in 8-cat formats, and top-75 value for the season. The Lakers play two more games in Week 10, beginning with the Hawks on Friday.

With Anthony Davis (ankle) sidelined for Thursday’s game, the Lakers needed someone to step up alongside LeBron James. Enter Christie, who had the most productive night of his NBA career. Not only did he score a career-high 28 points, but this was also Christie’s first 20-point game. Rostered in 12% of Yahoo leagues, he has provided top-75 per-game value over the past two weeks. Christie should remain a starter for the foreseeable future, making him a player worth adding.