NBA Player News

Wagner has scored 20 points or more in seven straight games, his longest streak since late January. The Magic forward has provided sixth-round value in eight-cat formats over the past two weeks, which aligns with most fantasy managers’ expectations for him before the season began. However, Wagner’s season-long value remains within the top 50 in eight- and nine-cat formats. The Magic start a three-game Week 22 on Monday against the Clippers.

Friday’s game will be the sixth straight Simons has missed, and the seventh straight missed by Henderson. The Trail Blazers have turned to Dalano Banton to take over the starting point guard duties. Despite the efficiency issues, he’s worth rostering in active fantasy leagues due to the opportunity.

Grant remains out for Friday’s game, and it would be surprising if he played on Sunday. Shaedon Sharpe has been his replacement in the starting lineup, but he’s questionable for Friday. If Sharpe also sits, Rayan Rupert and Kris Murray are the most likely options to fill the void.

Jackson had a good night offensively, scoring 23 points and shooting 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. However, he only grabbed one rebound, a poor tally for a 6-foot-11 player, even if Jackson has never been a prolific rebounder. That said, Thursday’s performance was a departure from the recent norm, as JJJ has averaged 6.7 rebounds per game over the past two weeks. He’ll look to bounce back on Friday when the Grizzlies visit the Nuggets.

Bane has surpassed 20 points in just two of his last six games, but that hasn’t prevented him from providing elite fantasy value. Over the past two weeks, the Grizzlies guard has provided top-20 value in eight- and nine-cat formats. Bane was excellent against the Timberwolves, scoring 28 points and dishing out nine assists. The improved playmaking is something for fantasy managers to take notice of heading into next season, especially with the injury history of backcourt partner Ja Morant.

Morant has scored at least 30 points in three of his last four outings, his most productive stretch of the season. However, his stat line on Thursday included five turnovers, and he’s had at least four in four of the six games he’s played since returning from a hamstring injury suffered in late March. If the Grizzlies are to avoid the play-in tournament, they’ll need a more efficient Morant in their final two games, not to mention help from other teams in the Western Conference.

Gobert didn’t miss a shot from the field on Thursday, and he was also productive in the rebound and assist categories. Over the past two weeks, he has provided third-round value in eight- and nine-cat formats. And the schedule sets up well for Gobert to finish the regular season with a flourish, as the Timberwolves host the Nets and Jazz. Two shorthanded teams focused more on player development and improving their draft lottery odds than winning games.

Randle’s double-double was his first since March 7, and the 31 points are the most he’s scored in a game since November 17. He’s finishing the season well, providing top-50 value in eight-cat formats over the past two weeks. The Timberwolves have a forgiving schedule to end the regular season, as they host the Nets on Friday and the Jazz on Sunday.

On Thursday night, Edwards put on a show, putting together one of his most efficient performances of the season. He also made some history, with the 44 points being the most any Timberwolves player has scored against the Grizzlies. Edwards has scored at least 34 points in three of his last five games and has a good chance of making it four out of six. Minnesota hosts the shorthanded Nets on Friday, and they still need wins (and some help) to avoid the play-in tournament.

Sharpe played 35 minutes in Wednesday’s overtime loss to the Jazz and scored a career-high 37 points. If he does not play against the Warriors, Kris Murray, who logged 22 minutes off the bench on Wednesday, will have more opportunities to play.

Avdija has missed the last two games and appears likely to miss a third on Friday. His absence has freed up a place in the starting lineup for Matisse Thybulle, who most recently recorded 12 points and six assists in Wednesday’s loss to the Jazz. He’s worth a look in active deep leagues, especially for managers needing steals.