NBA Player News

After excelling in two starts before the All-Star break, Bol fell in the pecking order and played no more than 13 minutes in any of Phoenix’s last three games. He’s back in the starting lineup for Tuesday’s game, as the Suns use a bigger lineup, pushing Royce O’Neale to the bench. O’Neale is worth holding onto in deep leagues, but his value takes a hit with the move to the bench.

Johnson didn’t have the best shooting night on Sunday but made big plays to help the Nets secure a victory. He’s now scored more than 20 points in two straight games. Fantasy managers should expect him to continue getting opportunities as a featured option moving forward. Tuesday’s matchup against the Celtics could be tough, though.

Johnson was effective as a scorer and playmaker on Sunday. He got to the charity stripe plenty to help him eclipse 22 points in a second straight contest. The Nets sharpshooter is looking to build momentum in the back half of March after being underwhelming at the start of the month. He’ll look to continue build upon his recent success against the Celtics on Tuesday.

Thybulle, who struggled with knee and ankle injuries, made his season debut on Sunday. While he only played six minutes, the Trail Blazers wing didn’t take long to show why he can be valuable to fantasy managers. Thybulle recorded two steals during his first stint on the court, and his block of an Orlando Robinson three-point attempt in the final seconds preserved the victory. There’s no need to consider adding Thybulle due to the playing time, but seeing him on the court was good. Portland begins a four-game Week 20 against the Wizards on Monday; don’t expect to see Thybulle in uniform.

Clingan did not provide much value as a scorer on Sunday, but that has been the norm for the rookie center. However, he’s most valuable as a rebounder and defender, so fantasy managers should be pleased with the production. Clingan has grabbed nine rebounds or more in five straight and six of his last seven outings, with Sunday’s 14 caroms the most in a game since February 12. He has also recorded 10 blocked shots in his last three games. Fantasy managers seeking rebounds and blocks can do much worse than Clingan, who’s rostered in 32 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Camara’s name may not come up in conversations regarding the NBA’s most improved players, but the Blazers must be pleased with what they’ve seen from him. The second-year forward recorded his first 20-point game since February 22, but the all-around production has made him a reliable asset in fantasy basketball. Since the All-Star break, Camara has provided top-50 value in nine-cat formats. Portland begins a four-game Week 20 on Monday when the Wizards visit.

Simons rebounded nicely on Sunday after scoring six points on 2-of-11 shooting in Wednesday’s loss to the Knicks. He has been dealing with a sore right hand, but this did not appear to give Anfernee any trouble against the Raptors. Simons has not missed a game since January 19, which may indicate he’ll be available for Monday’s game against the Wizards. If he does not play, Scoot Henderson (5/5/5/1 with one three-pointer in 30 minutes) will be the replacement in the starting lineup.

Avdija and the Blazers erased a 16-point deficit on Sunday, ending a three-game losing streak. Deni recorded a solid stat line, with the point total boosted by an 8-of-9 night at the foul line. Among his four made field goals were what Avdija claimed to be his first career poster dunk. Since the All-Star break, the Blazers wing has been a seventh-round player in eight-cat formats. Portland plays four games during Week 20, starting with the Wizards on Monday.

With 8:41 remaining in the fourth quarter and the Raptors holding an 86-80 lead, Barnes was subbed out of Sunday’s game. He would not return, underlining the concern regarding elite fantasy players whose teams want to improve their draft lottery odds. Fantasy managers received solid production in the rebounds, assists and steals categories, but Barnes was also responsible for five turnovers. And with the Raptors visiting Phoenix on Monday, managers should plan for the likelihood that Barnes does not play. AJ Lawson (nine points, eight rebounds, six assists and one three-pointer) played 33 minutes off the bench against Portland, and he could move into the starting lineup if Barnes sits on Monday.

Okongwu rattled off his third straight double-double and thrived on both ends. The Hawks big man is averaging 14.5 points and 9.8 rebounds as a starter this season. He’ll face his former high school teammate LaMelo Ball against the Hornets on Tuesday.

Give the Raptors credit for a well-executed tank job on Sunday. Once Poeltl and Scottie Barnes were pulled from the lineup, the Trail Blazers mounted a rally and won by three. The next few weeks may be frustrating for those who have Poeltl rostered; even if he plays, there’s the chance that his minutes are cut like they were on Sunday. And with the Raptors visiting Phoenix on Monday, Orlando Robinson (10 points, four rebounds and two assists in 30 minutes) could be moved into the starting lineup.