NBA Player News

After missing two games last week with a left heel contusion, Doncic injured his calf during the second quarter of Sunday’s game. While he could walk back to the locker room without assistance, the Mavericks star did so gingerly. Spencer Dinwiddie filled in for Doncic during the two games he missed, but Quentin Grimes started the third quarter. Dinwiddie is the better streaming option if Luka misses time. Doncic finished Wednesday’s game with 14 points (5-of-9 FGs, 1-of-1 FTs), five rebounds, two assists, one steal, and three 3-pointers.

Banton is in danger of missing this game, but his role over the past month has been minimal. His status for this game won’t make much of an impact on their rotation.

Williams missed practice on Monday and has been sidelined for their last two games. If he is back, Donovan Clingan will lose out on some minutes, but with Deandre Ayton available, neither backup center will play enough to make much of a fantasy impact.

Avdija has been playing starters’ minutes with Jerami Grant (face) out over the last few weeks. Grant is set to miss Tuesday’s game and Avdija should continue to see a decent workload if he plays against the Nets. If the 24-year-old small forward is out, Portland could see its wing depth tested having to rely on Toumani Camara.

Ayton practiced fully on Monday after missing Saturday’s game, but he’ll be back in the lineup against the Nets. Donovan Clingan got the start in place of Ayton, but he’ll return to playing a reserve role with Ayton back.

Grant is set to miss his eighth straight game against the Nets Tuesday. With Deni Avdija (ankle) questionable, the Trail Blazers could be severely shorthanded on the wing. Portland could end up relying on Toumani Camara for serious minutes.

Claxton hasn’t missed a game since November, but if he is sidelined for this one. Noah Clowney would likely get the start at center, but he has already been part of the starting unit recently. Tyrese Martin or Jalen Wilson should fill the void in the starting unit, if Cam Johnson isn’t back.

The Nets have been without multiple starters for a handful of games now. Johnson’s eventual return whether it comes Tuesday or not will be a welcome sight for Brooklyn as well as fantasy managers. The 28-year-old small forward will be set to have a fairly large workload when he returns, cutting into Ziaire Williams and Jalen Wilson’s playing time.

Brooklyn has a back-to-back on Tuesday and Wednesday, so Simmons will likely be sidelined for one of those. D’Angelo Russell is also questionable, so there is a chance that Simmons and Russell alternate availability. Keon Johnson and Ziaire Williams would also get the chance to step up in Simmons’ potential absence.

Russell is in danger of missing a fifth straight game, which would result in Ben Simmons being the primary playmaker once again. Keon Johnson has also been productive with Russell out, and he should continue to be a strong option if D’Lo remains sidelined, though Johnson struggled in their last game.

James has only played a handful of minutes this season and hasn’t made an impact in fantasy hoops whatsoever. His absence won’t impact their rotation.