NBA Player News

After getting a rest night against Philadelphia on Wednesday, SGA was back in the lineup to play against Charlotte. It has been the case all season, but this was just another example of a team not having an answer for SGA. He only played 30 minutes and could’ve certainly had a bigger night if the score wasn’t as lopsided as it was. OKC will wrap up the week against the Clippers on Sunday which should be a competitive enough matchup for SGA to see a full workload. However, OKC has already clinched the best record in the conference, so managers shouldn’t feel safe about SGA’s role for the rest of the season.

The Nuggets remain without Nikola Jokic (ankle), but they will employ a traditional center in the lineup after going small in Friday’s loss to Portland. Jordan moves into the starting lineup, pushing Russell Westbrook to the bench. Despite starting, the veteran center offers limited streaming value. Westbrook still has value, especially for fantasy managers punting turnovers.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr said before Saturday’s loss to the Hawks that the Warriors hope to get Curry back during their six-game road trip. Tuesday’s contest is the second, and the two-time MVP is rejoining his teammates after not traveling to Atlanta. How his body responds over the next two days will determine Curry’s availability. If he can return on Tuesday, that will likely bump Quentin Post to the bench.

Hachimura returned to the Lakers’ rotation on Saturday after missing nearly one month with left knee tendinopathy. He logged 18 minutes, two fewer than the limit Lakers coach JJ Redick stated before the team lost to the Bulls. Hachimura will likely take on a similar workload if he’s allowed to play against the Magic, and he’s likely to come off the bench again.

Murray and Braun were initially probable for Sunday’s game. They’ll be in their usual places within the Nuggets’ starting lineup, joining Russell Westbrook, Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon.

Gordon was initially probable for Sunday’s game, so the expectation was that he would play. However, as the Nuggets are again without Nikola Jokic, he’s likely to remain the starting center. Playing the center position has raised Gordon’s fantasy ceiling, and he’s worth rostering in standard leagues until the Joker returns.

Cleveland won Sunday’s game by outscoring Utah 37-19 in the third quarter, but Mitchell was only needed for 21 minutes. That may be the most significant concern for fantasy managers still competing in their leagues. Cleveland has a comfortable lead in the Eastern Conference. While the team still has the opportunity to claim the NBA’s best record, it may prioritize getting its key players additional rest ahead of the postseason. The Cavaliers play four games during Week 21, but a midweek back-to-back could limit Mitchell to three appearances.