NBA Player News

Giannis recorded his 23rd double-double of the season on Saturday (17th with at least 30 points), but it wasn’t enough to keep the Bucks from losing to Portland at home. While a top-50 player in 9-cat formats, Antetokounmpo is providing top-5 value in roster builds that punt free throw percentage and turnovers. At this stage in his career, fantasy managers know what they will get from Giannis. The Bucks play three of their four Week 11 games on the road, beginning with the Raptors on Monday.

The Grizzlies were without Ja Morant for Friday’s game, which meant Bane had more time on the ball. He dished out 14 assists in a win for the second time in one week. Bane scored 20 points and only committed two turnovers, making for an excellent night at the office for the Grizzles guard. Over the past two weeks, he has provided top-15 per-game value in 8-cat formats. Memphis hosts Utah on Saturday, which could be another big night for Bane if Morant can’t play.

McCollum followed up his 45-point performance in Monday’s win over Utah with another solid performance on Friday. He’s scored 22 points or more in three straight, and McCollum has been a top-75 player over the last two weeks in 8-cat formats. That’s one round higher than his season-long value. As long as he isn’t shut down, McCollum should remain a reliable option in fantasy leagues, even if his ceiling is limited.

Murphy has scored 22 points or more in six of his last seven outings, and he’s been the Pelicans’ most valuable option in fantasy leagues. Over the past two weeks, Murphy has been a top-15 player in 8-cat formats. Brandon Ingram (ankle) still doesn’t have a concrete timeline for return, and Murphy has played so well that it may not matter when BI is cleared to return.

Missi was back in the Pelicans’ lineup after missing two games. And with Zion Williamson out, the rookie center could stay on the floor longer than he had been when the Pelicans star was active. Missi provided solid value on Friday, but the question is how he and Williamson will be able to mesh moving forward. With Zion expected to play in Saturday’s game against the Hornets, don’t be surprised if Daniel Theis plays as much as Missi, if not more, for spacing reasons.

Dejounte Murray has scored 26 points or more in two straight and three of his last four outings. However, Friday’s game was the first in which he shot 50% or better from the field since January 8 against Portland. Efficiency has been an issue for Murray, especially since his right elbow began giving him trouble earlier in January. However, he has been a top-30 player in 8-cat formats over the past two weeks despite shooting 40.4% from the field.

After coming off the bench for Tuesday’s loss in Denver, Yabusele started on Friday due to Andre Drummond joining Joel Embiid on the sideline. And the third-year power forward/center held his own against Jarrett Allen, recording his third double-double of the season. Rostered in 25% of Yahoo leagues, Yabusele has provided 10th-round value in 8-cat formats over the past two weeks. His value depends on the availability of Embiid and Drummond, but Yabusele should be rostered in deep leagues.

Maxey continues to put up the points, and he finished Friday’s victory with a complete stat line. The 76ers point guard’s efficiency has taken a hit this season, but he continues to provide reliable value, regardless of fantasy format. Over the past two weeks, Maxey has been a top-10 player in 8-cat formats. He’ll look to end Week 13 on a high note when Philadelphia faces Chicago on Saturday.