NBA Player News

Avdija had at least 27 points and at least 15 rebounds for the third time in his last five games. The 24-year-old small forward has been nothing short of incredible over the last two weeks. Avdija has provided seventh-round fantasy value since the All-Star break. He should be rostered in all leagues at this point.

While Smith is on the Hornets’ initial injury report for Wednesday, the probable tag suggests he’ll be available to play. The second-year guard has some off the bench the last four games, serving as DaQuan Jeffries’ backup. That’s unlikely to change if Smith is available on Wednesday.

The Celtics aren’t officially the two-seed in the East for the upcoming playoffs, but it would take a Herculean effort to pass Cleveland. So, veterans like Porzingis and Holiday may receive the occasional rest day as the regular season winds down. Sam Hauser and Luke Kornet would have a shot at moving into the starting lineup if Holidan and Porzingis don’t play on Wednesday, and Payton Pritchard’s fantasy ceiling would also be raised.

Kornet was sidelined on Monday, but with both Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford available, he likely wouldn’t have played a significant role if he was available. However, with Horford (toe) doubtful and Porzingis (conditioning) questionable, Kornet should at least play a significant role off the bench and could slide into the starting lineup.

Brown missed Monday’s game against Boston, which allowed Xavier Tillman to start, though he barely played a role. Al Horford ended up playing extended minutes, but he is listed as doubtful. Sam Hauser will likely replace Brown in the starting lineup if he is sidelined for another game.

The Celtics don’t have a back-to-back to navigate, but they do have to concern themselves with Horford’s lingering toe injury. The doubtful tag suggests he will not play on Wednesday, meaning Al’s next opportunity to suit up would be on Friday against the Suns. Luke Kornet would have added importance, especially if Kristaps Porzingis is downgraded from questionable to out.

O’Neale’s appearance on the Suns’ injury report has the potential to be more impactful than many would expect. Kevin Durant (ankle) is out for at least one week, and with Bradley Beal (hamstring) also questionable, Phoenix may be light on wing options if O’Neale cannot play. Grayson Allen’s role would be of heightened importance, and he’s worth streaming if asked to play starters’ minutes.

Carter will remain sidelined for a second-straight game with the shoulder injury that he suffered against Orlando on Saturday. However, he played a total of five minutes over Sacramento’s two games prior to his shoulder injury. With Malik Monk back, Carter’s availability will have little impact on the team’s rotation.

The Bulls list no fewer than nine players on their injury report, so the team could be thin at a number of positions. If Smith and Phillips sit, Patrick Williams and E.J. Liddell could absorb additional minutes.

Nearly all of Chicago’s backcourt is banged up, out, or expected to sit out Tuesday. Coby White figures to see monster minutes and usage, while Talen Horton-Tucker could see a big spike in playing time depending on the absences.

Jerome is likely to sit out another game, which means Craig Porter Jr. could see an uptick in playing time. CPJ isn’t a recommended streaming option, though.