NBA Player News

Williams set a new season-high for minutes in this game, which allowed him to record his second straight double-double and turn in a strong line. He set new season-highs for points, rebounds and steals while tying his season-high for blocks. Though managers had to wait a long time on him, Williams has shown that he was worth the wait. He’ll only get better as his minutes increase, and he has already been a top-40 player over the past two weeks in 23.6 minutes per game. They only have two more games this week, but Williams should continue to be an excellent fantasy option.

An illness kept Anthony out of losses to Toronto and Portland, with Anthony Black replacing him in the starting lineup. The second-year guard may get a third start if Anthony remains out, but this will not significantly impact fantasy basketball.

Thompson is questionable for Saturday’s game after sitting out the last two games with a sprained left ankle. The Mavericks turned to different starters in the two games Thompson missed, with Olivier-Maxence Prosper starting against Minnesota on Wednesday and Kessler Edwards receiving the nod for Thursday’s game against Oklahoma City. Neither Prosper nor Edwards is worth the risk regardless of who starts if Thompson sits.

Hardy has missed Dallas’ last three games with a sprained right ankle. While his absence has not significantly impacted fantasy basketball, it has left the Mavericks down another guard with Luka Doncic (calf) already sidelined. Naji Marshall and Quentin Grimes can absorb the minutes that would have gone to Hardy if he remains out.

Edwards is not guaranteed to be available for Saturday’s game against the Nuggets. With Donte DiVincenzo already out, Minnesota will be in a tough spot if Edwards misses a game for the first time this season. Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Rob Dillingham would take on more prominent roles within the rotation, with the former likely starting.

Fox is dealing with a sprained right thumb, hence his inclusion on the injury report for Saturday night. Keon Ellis will move into the starting lineup if he cannot play, raising his fantasy ceiling. Also receiving a boost would be starter Malik Monk, as he would take on more playmaking responsibilities with Fox out.

In addition to Joel Embiid, the 76ers are without Andre Drummond for Friday’s game. Yabusele will start, with rookie Adem Bona serving as his backup. Yabusele is worth streaming and, given Embiid and Drummond’s injury woes, worth holding onto for the foreseeable future.

The Hornets are without LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, opening up two spots in the starting lineup. Micic and Martin will fill the resulting voids, and both are worth streaming on a three-game night in the NBA.

Aldama joins Jake LaRavia as Grizzlies rotation frontcourt players who will not play in Friday’s game. Brandon Clarke, GG Jackson, and even Jay Huff may see increases in playing time. None are worth the risk in most fantasy leagues.

Initially questionable for Friday’s game, Morant will not play, according to Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins. While Scotty Pippen Jr. has been the replacement multiple times, Desmond Bane was shifted into the point guard role the last time Morant missed a game. If that happens, Luke Kennard could move into the starting lineup, boosting his value.

Suffering from a sprained right wrist, LeVert will remain sidelined for a third straight game. With Evan Mobley (calf) also out, Max Strus has moved into the starting lineup. He can provide points and 3-pointers, but the production recently has been inconsistent.