NBA Player News

McCollum produced his third 30-point game of the season on Friday, with the 32 points being four shy of his high (36 vs. Sacramento, 12/12). Unfortunately, that wasn’t enough to end the Pelicans’ losing streak, now at nine games. McCollum is providing 8th-round value in 9-cat formats, but due to the injuries and poor play, this feels like a lost season for the Pelicans. Fantasy managers have to hope there won’t be a point when the team decides to shut down veterans like McCollum.

Merrill did not play in Friday’s win over Dallas, with Max Strus and Georges Niang absorbing some of the available minutes. Merrill isn’t a great fantasy option when healthy, even with his perimeter shooting ability. He would need to start to be worth the risk in deep leagues.

Embiid actually played in the 76ers’ last game Thursday against the Warriors, though he didn’t play earlier in the week against the Kings. The 30-year-old center isn’t 100%, but he’s going to give it a go against the Nets Saturday. Embiid should have no problem getting his numbers with Brooklyn missing multiple starters.

After being forced to exit Wednesday’s game against the Bulls, Coulibaly did not play in Friday’s loss to the Pelicans. Kyle Kuzma returned to the starting lineup and played well, shooting 7-of-8 from the field and finishing with 14 points, seven rebounds, one assist, and one steal in 28 minutes. Kuzma should remain with the starters for Sunday’s game if Coulibaly cannot play.

Poole has been playing through this hip injury for more than a week now. There’s always a chance that it gets to be too much for the 25-year-old shooting guard to continue to play through, but for now expect Poole to continue to play without limitations.

Jeffries was held out of Friday’s loss to the Pistons, and when healthy, he’s offered minimal value in a reserve role. His status for Sunday’s game does not impact fantasy basketball.

Miller has missed six of Charlotte’s last seven games with a sprained left ankle. Seth Curry has filled the void in the starting lineup, but the veteran guard has been ranked outside the top 200 in 9-cat formats over the past two weeks. Unless it’s an act of desperation, there isn’t much to gain from streaming Curry if Miller remains out.

The probable tag suggests Green is on track to play against the Cavaliers. With Cleveland’s rotation including Donovan Mitchell, his defensive ability will be vital for the Hornets. Unfortunately, Green has not taken advantage of the absences of LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, as he’s provided minimal offensive production.

Ball has missed the last three games with his various ailments and is listed as questionable for Sunday against the Cavaliers. Vasilije Micic would continue to start in his absence and be worth streaming in deeper formats, though the team and fantasy managers would be happy to have LaMelo back.

Initially doubtful for Saturday’s game, Oubre has officially been ruled out. Kyle Lowry should get another start, but there isn’t much to be gained from streaming the veteran point guard. Leave Lowry on the waiver wire.