NBA Player News

While Jalen Suggs is available to play after exiting Sunday’s win over the Nets with an injury, Queen has been ruled out (along with Anthony Black). The absences mean more rotation minutes for Cole Anthony, who had fallen in the pecking order before Suggs’ injury.

With Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Al Horford all out due to injury, Hauser was moved into the starting lineup for Wednesday’s game. He provided what fantasy managers hoped he would: points and 3-pointers. The four rebounds and one steal were nice bonuses, but Hauser is effectively a deep-league specialist. Holiday, Porzingis, and Horford should be available for Thursday’s game against the Lakers, so there’s no need to hold onto Hauser.

Bamba has started the Clippers’ last two games, as Ivica Zubac has been out with an eye injury. After putting up 10 points, seven rebounds, and two 3-pointers in Monday’s loss to the Bulls, he offered minimal value against the Celtics. Kobe Brown played 38 minutes off the bench, finishing with four points, 11 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two blocked shots. He proved more valuable than Bamba in this matchup but is rostered in even fewer Yahoo leagues. Zubac is expected to be available for Thursday’s game against the Bulls, likely playing while wearing protective glasses. There’s no need to consider streaming Bamba or Brown, even if Zubac cannot play.

With Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford out, Kornet received the starting nod for Wednesday’s game. While he did record one steal and one blocked shot, the lack of rebounding production was the most significant issue for the few who streamed Kornet. Porzingis and Horford should be available for Thursday’s game against the Lakers, so there’s no need to consider adding (or holding onto) Kornet.

Curry didn’t have a big scoring night Wednesday. He only took 11 shots as Andrew Wiggins and Buddy Hield attempted more shots and each made five 3-pointers. Curry was content to help create for his teammates as he dished out 12 assists on his way to a double-double. The 36-year-old point guard hasn’t been available for both legs of a back-to-back since November, making it likely that he’ll miss Thursday’s game against the Bulls.

Wiggins led the Warriors in shot attempts and scoring Wednesday. He was hot from behind the 3-point line as he made 5-of-11 3-point attempts. The 29-year-old small forward got to the free throw line five times and made four of his attempts. Wiggins could be in for another heavy workload Thursday against the Bulls with Stephen Curry unlikely to play the second game of a back-to-back.

Monk’s most noteworthy play of the entire game was when he had a breakaway dunk that didn’t stay down through the net because it bounced off his head. Otherwise, the 26-year-old point guard had a solid performance with 20 points and nine assists. Monk also contributed on the defensive end as he totaled three steals and a block. He’s performed as a top-50 fantasy player over the last two months.

Sabonis didn’t have a big assist total, but he was just two rebounds shy of a 20-20 game. The 28-year-old power forward has scored at least 20 points in seven of his last eight games and has had at least 18 rebounds four times in that stretch. Sabonis is simply one of the elite players in fantasy and that was on display again Wednesday.

DeRozan’s 32 points were a game-high. The 35-year-old small forward has now scored at least 32 points in two of his last three games. He’s provided sixth round fantasy value overall on the season, but fantasy managers have to be happy that he’s seen his production increase since the Kings made a coaching change.

Aldama had to leave Wednesday’s game due to illness. He played 19 minutes off the bench and finished with two points (1-of-7 FGs), five rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one blocked shot. If Aldama misses time beyond Wednesday, fellow reserve Jay Huff may play a few more minutes, but only if Jake LaRavia (back) remains out.

Looney started Wednesday’s game but only played nine minutes. His early exit resulted in more minutes for Quinten Post, who moved into the rotation behind Trayce Jackson-Davis. Jackson-Davis is the only Warriors center worth rostering in most leagues, whether he starts or not.