NBA Player News

Castle has scored 20 points or more in four of his last seven games, but the increased scoring output hasn’t done much for his fantasy value. Over the past two weeks, the rookie guard is ranked just outside the top 150 in 8-cat formats. The good news for fantasy managers is that Castle remains in the starting lineup while Jeremy Sochan (seven points, four assists, two steals, and one blocked shot) comes off the bench. However, Sochan logged 26 minutes on Wednesday, the most for him since returning from a back injury. The lineup change may occur soon, cutting into Castle’s value.

Marshall has averaged 10/6/4 over the last two weeks. Those numbers won’t turn many heads, but he could be in line to see his role and production spike with injuries mounting in Dallas. Marshall is worth a look for fantasy’s silly season.

Springer did not return after playing 14 minutes in the first half, a disappointing end for a player who agreed to a three-year deal on Sunday. With his contract guaranteed for the rest of the season, Springer should have opportunities to show what he can do, provided he’s healthy. Utah hits the road for its final three games of Week 18, starting with the Wizards on Wednesday in a battle of two of the NBA’s worst teams.

After sitting out Sunday’s loss to the Pelicans, Kessler returned to the Jazz lineup and played 28 minutes. Averaging just over 30 minutes per game for the season, he’s played 26 and 28 minutes in his last two appearances. The decrease isn’t significant, but it’s something else that fantasy managers will need to track heading into the playoffs. Kessler has been a top 40 player in nine-cat formats since the All-Star break, but the questionable availability (through no fault of his own) limits the impact.

Monday’s game was Sexton’s second since returning from a sprained ankle, and the minutes remained limited. Having played 17 minutes on Friday against the Timberwolves, he played 20 against the Pistons. In addition to the availability, the playing time once he’s on the floor is a concern for those who have Sexton rostered. The Jazz don’t have another back-to-back until Saturday/Sunday, but the team has shown on multiple occasions that they’re willing to sit their veterans at any time.

With Walker Kessler returning to the Jazz lineup on Monday, Filipowski was relegated to the bench. However, that did not prevent the rookie from providing reliable fantasy value, scoring a season-high 25 points and grabbing eight rebounds. Filipowski did not record any defensive stats, but fantasy managers received their money’s worth in points, rebounds and three-pointers. Given Utah’s place in the standings, Filipowski won’t lack opportunities as the season approaches its conclusion. He should be rostered in more than 17 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Thompson was one of two Pistons starters to not miss a shot from the field on Monday, with Jalen Duren being the other. A double-digit scorer in three straight and five of his last six appearances, Ausar’s 17 points are the most he’s had in a game since February 12 (19 vs. Chicago). While his season-long fantasy value remains outside the top 100 in eight- and nine-cat formats, Thompson has been a top 50 player since the All-Star break. He should be rostered in more than 66 percent of Yahoo! leagues, as he was after play on Monday.

Despite not having backup center Isaiah Stewart for Monday’s game, the Pistons didn’t skip a beat, and Duren was one reason for that. Recording his fourth double-double in five games, he was also responsible for two steals and four blocked shots. Since the All-Star break, Duren has provided top-20 value in eight- and nine-cat formats, sitting just outside the first round in 12-team leagues in the latter. This is the player many fantasy managers hoped Duren would be before this season began, and he’s bounced back from a slow start.

With Tobias Harris (personal) away from the team, Beasley made his first start since February 7 on Monday. While cold from deep, shooting 3-of-14, Malik extended his run of games with at least three three-pointers to 11 straight and 19 of his last 20 appearances. Rostered in 43 percent of Yahoo! leagues, Beasley has provided top-100 value in nine-cat formats since the All-Star break. Monday night wasn’t great, but fantasy managers needing value with Harris out would be wise to consider Beasley.

While Cunningham shot 50 percent from the field on Monday, he missed seven of his eight three-point attempts. Inside the arc, the Pistons’ All-Star point guard was elite. Other than the three-pointers, the only issue for Cunningham was the six turnovers. However, high-turnover nights have not occurred as often this season, one reason the Pistons are the most improved team in the NBA. Detroit will end its West Coast trip with three more games during Week 18, starting with the Clippers on Wednesday.

Jones made his Mavs debut Monday and immediately made an impact. He led the team in scoring, rebounding, blocks and minutes on a night where Dallas’ starting five combined to score 23 points. With Kyrie Irving and Jaden Hardy added to the ever-growing injury list alongside nearly every big man in the rotation, Jones could see big minutes moving forward. He’s worth a look in deeper leagues.