NBA Player News

After scoring 26 points in consecutive games at the beginning of Week 19, Thompson fell into a mini-slump, scoring 19 points on 7-of-25 shooting against the Spurs and Rockets. The veteran sharpshooter found his groove on Sunday, shooting nearly 67 percent from the field and scoring 21 points. Thompson’s situation isn’t the best due to the Mavericks’ many injuries, but he’ll have no problem getting up shots. The problem for fantasy managers is the schedule, as Dallas plays two games during Week 20 and 10 total during weeks 20 through 22.

Robinson is dealing with lower back pain, hence his inclusion on the Heat injury report. This season, he has primarily been a specialist, providing value for managers needing points and three-pointers. If Robinson cannot play on Tuesday, Haywood Highsmith will pick up additional minutes after logging 36 off the bench on Sunday.

Castle has only missed one game during his rookie season, but there is a chance that he misses a second one against Detroit. He has been starting for San Antonio, so if he sits, Julian Champagnie will likely make a return to the starting lineup. Jeremy Sochan and Keldon Johnson would also likely be in line for extra minutes and shots.

Not selected in the 2023 NBA Draft, Bagley has spent the past two seasons with the 76ers’ G League affiliate. Averaging 11.3 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, the small forward has earned a 10-day contract with the 76ers. Bagley’s addition to the 76ers’ roster is unlikely to impact fantasy basketball.

Tillman remains sidelined with a left knee joint sprain. However, his absence will not impact fantasy basketball, as he is not guaranteed rotation minutes when healthy.

Horford started at center on Sunday, but he will be sidelined for the second leg of Boston’s back-to-back. However, this lines up with Kristaps Porzingis not being on the injury report after sitting out on Sunday. Porzingis should slot right in as the starting center, with Luke Kornet filling out the backup minutes.

Porzingis and Holiday are available after sitting out Sunday’s win over the Trail Blazers. The former will slide into the spot in the starting lineup left vacant by Al Horford, who is unavailable. As for Holiday, his return will likely push Payton Pritchard to the bench. Pritchard is a player who fantasy managers in standard leagues should continue to roster, even if he comes off the bench.

While Hauser played in Sunday’s win over the Trail Blazers, hitting eight three-pointers and scoring 24 points, Brown has missed Boston’s last three games. Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis are all available for Monday night, and their presence in the lineup will account for Brown’s absence if he’s unable to play. If Hauser can play, he may remain in the starting lineup.

Both Cade and THJ were out against New Orleans on Sunday, which allowed Dennis Schroder and Malik Beasley to enter the starting unit for that game. That will likely be the case again if Cunningham and Hardaway Jr. are sidelined against San Antonio. Marcus Sasser and Ron Holland also had spectacular games off the bench on Sunday and will certainly have some upside if Detroit is shorthanded once again.

Gordon could be the Nuggets’ center with Nikola Jokic out Monday, but he has a legitimate chance to miss the game himself given his questionable listing. If Gordon were to be unavailable, DeAndre Jordan would likely start in his place as a traditional center and have some streaming appeal in deep leagues.

Murray and Braun are on track to be available for Monday’s game, which is good news for a Nuggets team that will not have Nikola Jokic. Once cleared, they’ll occupy their usual places in the starting lineup.