NBA Player News

McCollum has scored 32 points or more in consecutive games for the first time this season, and his 35-point mark on Monday was one shy of his season-high. Unfortunately for fantasy managers, the recent scoring flurry has helped push McCollum’s season-long value into the top 75. With Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson sidelined, CJ has greater importance to fantasy managers.

The 76ers are again without Kelly Oubre Jr. (hand), but Kyle Lowry isn’t the player replacing him in the starting lineup. Philadelphia will go “big,” with Yabusele starting and Lowry being bumped to the bench. While Embiid’s presence in the lineup limits Yabusele’s upside, he’s worthy of streaming consideration in deep leagues.

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.