NBA Player News

Mitchell shot 5-of-10 from the field after halftime, nearly pulling the Cavaliers across the finish line in Sacramento. While his performance did not result in a Cleveland victory, fantasy managers certainly benefitted from having Mitchell in their lineups. Mitchell’s eight-cat value since the All-Star break hasn’t been what many expect from him, but he’s capable of going on a run to help some managers win their leagues over the next few weeks.

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.

Porter recorded his 15th double-double on Wednesday, surpassing his 2023-24 campaign tally (14). Over the past two weeks, the Nuggets forward has offered fourth-round value in nine-cat formats, three rounds better than his season-long production. To a certain extent, Porter’s fantasy ceiling was raised recently by Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon (7/2/1 with one three-pointer in 19 minutes) missing time due to injury. MPJ being as productive as he was on Wednesday with those two in the lineup was a positive development for those who have him rostered. Following the game, he noted that his hamstring had been the issue rather than his back. Hopefully, Porter will get back to full strength by the postseason.

Jokic made up for lost time on Wednesday, recording his 30th triple-double of the season after missing five games with a left ankle injury. He shot 64 percent from the field and committed just three turnovers in his 38 minutes on the court. With Jokic back in the lineup, DeAndre Jordan only played three minutes and Zeke Nnaji picked up a DNP-CD.