NBA Player News

After missing Memphis’ last two games, Kennard will be available to play against Utah. His role has been inconsistent, but he should see plenty of minutes, which will likely take some time away from Scotty Pippen Jr.

Clingan and Simons did not play in Friday’s win over the Nuggets, so the Trail Blazers used a smaller lineup to compensate for the former’s absence. Kris Murray and Scoot Henderson started against Denver and will likely retain their roles if Clingan and Simons remain out.

Tillman’s continued absence does not impact fantasy basketball, as he is not guaranteed rotation minutes.

Sunday’s game is the first of a back-to-back for the Celtics, who visit the Kings on Monday. With Derrick White absent from the injury report, this could be a spot where Boston looks to stagger the availability of its starting backcourt. Sam Hauser could potentially move into the starting lineup, as Jayson Tatum is also questionable for Sunday’s game.

Sunday’s game is the first of two in as many days for the Celtics, who visit the Kings on Monday. Given where the team is in the standings, fantasy managers should anticipate Tatum and Porzingis getting a night off at some point. Sam Hauser and Luke Kornet are the players most impacted by the starters’ availability, as they have replaced Tatum and Porzingis on prior occasions.

After sitting out Thursday’s loss to the Bucks, Finney-Smith and Vanderbilt will return to the Lakers’ rotation. Their returns mean Markieff Morris will likely fall out of the rotation entirely, which does not impact fantasy basketball.

Hachimura is available after missing 12 games with a left knee injury. Lakers coach JJ Redick said he will be on a minutes restriction for multiple games, beginning with a cap of 20-24 minutes on Saturday. Vincent started Thursday’s loss to the Bucks but will come off the bench since Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are available.

Doncic and Reaves were initially probable for Saturday’s game, so this was the expected outcome. They’ll occupy their usual places within the Lakers’ starting five, so managers need to have them in their active lineups before tipoff. LeBron James (groin) is a game-time decision, so the Lakers could be back to full strength on Saturday.

Martin has missed Utah’s last four games, while Springer has been inactive for four straight and nine of Utah’s last ten. Their absences have resulted in more playing time for players such as Johnny Juzang and Svi Mykhailiuk, but neither has been consistent enough to merit rostering, even in deep leagues.

Antetokounmpo and Trent were initially probable for Saturday’s game, so the status upgrades were expected. While nothing changes regarding Giannis’ fantasy value, Trent should receive a modest boost with Damian Lillard (calf) sidelined.

After missing two games for personal reasons, Markkanen’s absence on Sunday will be due to an illness. While Cody Williams may remain in the starting lineup, Brice Sensabaugh offers significantly higher fantasy upside, especially on the offensive end of the floor. Kyle Filipowski is also worth adding, even if he continues to come off the bench.