NBA Player News

Lowry is in line to miss his 10th-straight game with right hip injury management. With Tyrese Maxey (back) already ruled out as well, Quentin Grimes could start again and is a safe bet to play heavy minutes. Jared Butler is also a candidate to have a solid role in the bench rotation.

While this transaction does not impact fantasy basketball, as Goodwin was already in the Lakers’ rotation, it does affect the NBA Playoffs. Two-way contract players are not eligible for the postseason, so addressing Goodwin’s status means he will be available.

Wheeler is the latest G League alum to receive an opportunity to prove himself in the NBA. The 6-foot-8 forward most recently played for the Maine Celtics, averaging 10.2 points and 5.7 rebounds in six appearances after being acquired from the Texas Legends. Wheeler’s addition to the 76ers’ roster is unlikely to impact fantasy basketball.

Murphy injured his right shoulder during a March 17 game against the Pistons, and a labral tear was discovered in the ensuing MRI. A timeline for his return is unknown, but the Pelicans announced Wednesday that the procedure was successful. Murphy had a career year in 2024-25, averaging 21.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.7 blocks and 3.0 three-pointers per game. With Brandon Ingram traded to Toronto at the February deadline, the Pelicans clearly view Murphy as a critical piece in the team’s rebuild.

Irving tore the ACL in his left knee during a March 3 game against the Kings, ending his 2024-25 season. According to the team, the procedure to repair the torn ligament took place on Wednesday and was successful. A timeline for a return to basketball remains unknown, and complicating Irving’s situation is that he can be a free agent this summer. Fantasy managers should operate under the assumption that he will not be ready when the 2025-26 season begins in October.

Booker has hit double figures in assists in three straight and five of his last seven appearances. While he has only shot 43.9 percent from the field over the past two weeks, the improved assist production is why the Suns’ guard has offered top-50 value during this stretch. Of course, the Suns and fantasy managers want to see Booker shoot the ball better than he has. However, subpar shooting has not kept him from offering solid overall value. The Suns play two more games during Week 21, starting with the Timberwolves on Friday.

Durant got his points on Wednesday and has scored 30 points or more in three straight games. However, he did not offer much else in the loss to the Celtics, which was terrible news for category league managers. The good news is that nights like Wednesday have not been the norm for the future Hall of Fame forward. Over the past two weeks, Durant has offered second-round value in eight- and nine-cat formats. With the Suns needing to go on a run to earn a play-in spot, they will lean on Durant and Devin Booker to lead the way.

Horford has started the Celtics’ last 11 games, most recently filling in for the injured Jayson Tatum (ankle) on Wednesday. The 38-year-old finished the victory with a complete stat line and his fifth double-double of the season in 26 minutes. Rostered in 31 percent of Yahoo! leagues, Horford has offered sixth-round value in eight-cat formats over the past month. That said, his fantasy value depends on the availability of Boston’s starters. The Celtics visit the Spurs on Saturday in their final game of Week 21.

Limited to nine points in his first game back from a knee issue that cost him three games, Brown looked much sharper on Wednesday. He finished the 30-point win one blocked shot shy of a complete stat line, and the four three-pointers were the most he’s made in a game since February 28. Over the past month, Brown has offered sixth-round value in eight-cat formats. The Celtics end Week 21 with a game against the Spurs on Saturday in the penultimate game of the team’s road trip.

Porzingis was outstanding in Wednesday’s 132-102 victory, only needing 29 minutes to record his second 30-point game of the season. The Celtics’ forward/center has offered first-round value in eight- and nine-cat formats over the past two weeks. The lone concern for Porzingis managers is his availability. However, the Celtics only play once more during Week 21, and the team’s four-game Week 22 does not have a back-to-back. That may bode well for Porzingis’ availability for the championship weeks of the fantasy season.

A double-digit scorer in five straight and six of his last seven outings, Braun finished Wednesday’s win with his fifth double-double of the season. A seventh-round player in eight- and nine-cat formats over the past two weeks, the third-year wing has been a pleasant surprise in fantasy basketball. The only negative for fantasy managers is they’ll only get one more game out of Braun during Week 21, with the Jazz visiting Denver on Friday.