NBA Player News

Vassell’s fantasy value has slipped recently due primarily to his shooting accuracy. Over the past two weeks, he has shot 39.1% from the field. A 12th-round player in 9-cat formats during this period, Vassell has been two rounds better for managers punting field goal percentage. However, he did come up with the steal that sealed Friday’s win, and Vassell was also responsible for six rebounds and six assists. Given his overall skill set, it shouldn’t take too much effort to turn things around.

Robinson missed Wednesday’s game against the Cavaliers as he’s still not ready to play both halves of a back-to-back. With the Knicks having multiple days off before Saturday’s matchup against the Hawks, expect the 27-year-old center to be available. Precious Achiuwa will fill in if Robinson is out.

Payne has missed New York’s last four games with a sprained ankle. With Jalen Brunson and Miles McBride also out, Delon Wright and Tyler Kolek have handled the point guard responsibilities. If Payne and Brunson are available on Saturday, there won’t be much to gain from rostering Wright or Kolek in most leagues.

Brunson hasn’t played since the beginning of March after spraining his ankle in an overtime game against the Lakers. The 28-year-old point guard is now questionable Saturday against the Hawks. Brunson will return to the starting lineup when he’s ready, cutting into Delon Wright and Tyler Kolek’s minutes.

While McBride did participate in Friday’s practice, he is not ready to return from his strained groin. He’ll sit out Saturday’s game, but the Knicks will return home to host the Suns on Sunday. With Jalen Brunson and Cameron Payne questionable, the team’s point guard rotation could receive much-needed depth and talent on Saturday.

Rozier will be available on Saturday after missing Thursday’s loss to the Grizzlies. He’ll give the Heat additional perimeter depth, but Rozier has been a significant disappointment in fantasy basketball this season. He’s still rostered in 49 percent of Yahoo! leagues, which is too high considering the lackluster production.

Payton II has missed about a week with a torn ligament in his left thumb. The 32-year-old shooting guard missed Thursday’s game against the Lakers, but has been upgraded to questionable Friday and the Warriors are hoping he’s able to return. Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters everyone on the injury report would be available against the Nuggets. Payton II offers minimal fantasy value when healthy.

Curry continues to deal with a pelvic contusion while Butler has a forearm injury. While both players are listed as questionable, which implies a legitimate chance to miss the game, Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters that everyone will be available against the Nuggets.

While Highsmith has not significantly impacted fantasy basketball, his playing time has recently increased due to Andrew Wiggins’ hamstring injury. If Highsmith cannot play on Saturday, his playing time will likely be absorbed by Duncan Robinson and Kyle Anderson. While Robinson is more of a points and triples specialist, Anderson can offer decent value to deep-league managers punting points.

Wiggins’ continued absence has opened up a spot in the starting lineup, while Love’s has not significantly impacted fantasy basketball. Pelle Larsson has replaced Wiggins in the starting lineup, and the rookie is worth streaming in deep leagues. Haywood Highsmith’s playing time has increased off the bench, but Larsson is the player who deep-league managers should be targeting.

Herro is dealing with a right thigh contusion and has a legitimate chance to miss Saturday’s game given his questionable listing. The 25-year-old point guard is coming off a 35-point performance on the second night of a back-to-back Thursday. Herro’s absence would be a major loss with Terry Rozier likely to fill in.