NBA Player News

To say Hardaway needed a night like Sunday would be an understatement. Since scoring 20 points in a February 5 loss to the Cavaliers, he has averaged 6.2 points per game (six outings) on 28.9 percent shooting from the field. While Hardaway has maintained his place in the Pistons starting lineup, he has been more valuable to his new team than to fantasy managers. Rostered in six percent of Yahoo! leagues, THJ remains ranked outside the top 250 in eight-cat formats. Despite Sunday’s solid effort, there’s no need to consider adding him in most leagues.

Gill is back after sitting out Monday’s loss to the Raptors. While the veteran forward will likely play rotation minutes off the bench, he’s unlikely to be productive enough to merit being rostered in fantasy leagues.

Dowtin and Grimes will start Wednesday’s game, with Jared Butler and Chuma Okeke coming off the bench. While Grimes is already rostered in most standard leagues, Dowtin is worth streaming in deeper formats when allowed to start.

Ducas’s continued absence does not impact fantasy basketball, as he is not in the Thunder rotation when he is healthy. As for Wiggins, more minutes have become available to Isaiah Joe and Alex Caruso, with the latter being worthy of a look in standard leagues. Joe is an option for deeper formats, but the potential return of Cason Wallace would lower his ceiling.

James and Hachimura have been cleared to play, and the latter will be in the starting lineup. Hachimura is still under a minutes restriction, so fantasy managers should not expect too much from him regarding playing time. Dorian Finney-Smith heads to the bench, where his already low fantasy value takes a hit.

While Williams has missed Oklahoma City’s last seven games, Wallace was held out of Tuesday’s win over the Kings. Who replaces J-Dub in the starting lineup has varied, with matchups factoring into Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault’s decision. Alex Caruso and Isaiah Joe have added fantasy value due to the absences, and Kenrich Williams was tabbed to start in Sacramento. Wallace’s availability also impacts Caruso and Joe, especially with Aaron Wiggins sidelined.

Initially questionable for Wednesday’s game, Harden is available and will occupy his usual place in the starting lineup. Fantasy managers can slot him into their lineups as they usually would.

The Bulls could be without two starters for Thursday’s game, as Giddey and Vucevic are questionable. Giddey needing to miss a game would likely result in more playing time for Dalen Terry, who has not been productive enough to merit being streamed in most leagues. As for Vucevic, Zach Collins or Jalen Smith would start if he’s unable to play. Either replacement for Vooch would be worth streaming.

White is considered probable for Thursday’s game, which suggests he will ultimately be available. That would be great for those rostering him, as the Bulls’ guard has been on an absolute heater over the past month. Look for White to take on his usual role as the team’s primary perimeter scorer.

Ball has not played since February 28, but that may change as soon as Thursday night. His absence opened up a place in the starting lineup for Tre Jones, who was recently sidelined by a sprained foot. Kevin Huerter has moved into the starting five, and his playing time will likely decrease if Ball returns.

The Cavaliers are in firm control of the top spot in the East and have taken opportunities to rest members of their “core four occasionally.” Mobley will sit out Thursday’s game, and his absence coincides with Donovan Mitchell’s return after not playing on Tuesday. De’Andre Hunter, Sam Merrill, Isaac Okoro and Dean Wade are four options to fill the void left by Mobley, with Hunter offering the highest upside. As for Tyson, his continued absence does not impact the Cavaliers’ rotation.