NBA Player News

Harris was ruled out in the second half with right Achilles tendinopathy. The 32-year-old power forward missed the last two games with an Achilles issue and now wasn’t able to finish the game against the Thunder Wednesday. It’s difficult not to be concerned about Harris’ availability going forward. With the Pistons looking ahead to the playoffs, he could take games off even if he’s close to 100 percent healthy. Malik Beasley figures to move into the starting lineup if Harris is unable to start the Pistons next game, which comes Friday against the Raptors.

Claxton will be available after sitting out Tuesday’s loss to the Raptors for rest reasons. His return means Drew Timme will head to the bench, with the rookie losing some fantasy value. However, Timme will continue to play rotation minutes, especially with Day’Ron Sharpe (knee) still sidelined.

While Keon will get a rest day on Tuesday, Cameron will miss a fourth straight game with a back injury. Trendon Watford will likely remain in the starting lineup, while Keon’s absence frees up additional minutes for Dariq Whitehead and Maxwell Lewis. One of those two will likely move into the starting five, raising their streaming value to managers whose leagues remain active.

V-Dub has missed three straight games due to an illness, but his appearance at practice bodes well for his availability on Tuesday against the Hornets. If he’s able to go, expect him to handle his normal allotment of minutes.

Morant was a late scratch on Saturday, and though he didn’t practice on Monday, Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo expects him to return following a one-game absence. Morant’s return will likely send Scotty Pippen Jr. back to the bench.

Murray sat out Sunday, and he’s in danger of missing a second straight contest due to a back injury. If he’s unavailable, Trey Lyles could remain with the first unit. Ellis’ appearance on the injury report could be precautionary for the second leg of Sacramento’s back-to-back set, and if he’s unavailable, Malik Monk could slot back into the starting five. Devin Carter would also be a candidate for additional minutes.

Bam’s addition to the injury report on Monday afternoon puts his status to take the court against Philly in doubt. If he’s unable to go, Kyle Anderson could replace him in the starting five at power forward, while Kel’el Ware could pick up some additional minutes in the frontcourt.

Curry made the wrong kind of personal history on Sunday. The three points are the fewest he’s scored in a game in which he’s attempted at least 10 shots in his NBA career. The Rockets used multiple defenders on Curry throughout Sunday’s game, and they were able to shut him down. Houston’s success may be bad news for the Suns, who will host the Warriors on Tuesday. That’s the first of four games Golden State will play during the final week of the regular season.

After scoring 54 points across his prior two appearances, Podziemski was not as prolific against the Rockets. That’s unsurprising, as Houston boasts one of the best defenses in the NBA. Podziemski still shot 50 percent from the field and made four three-pointers. Over the past two weeks, Podziemski has provided fourth-round value in eight- and nine-cat formats and has meshed well within the Warriors’ starting lineup since the addition of Jimmy Butler.

After playing just two minutes in Friday’s win over the Nuggets, Payton was far more involved in the Warriors’ rotation on Sunday. He provided surprising offensive production, with 16 points being the most he’s scored in a game since March 17. Add in the rebounds, steals, and three-pointers and this was an excellent night to stream Payton. The Warriors play four games during Week 23, starting with the Suns on Tuesday.

With Stephen Curry having a historically poor night, Hield was one of the Warriors who attempted to shoulder some of the workload. The 20 points were the most he’s scored in a game since March 10, when he hit that number in a win over the Trail Blazers. Hield remained a player rostered in deep leagues, but his value has taken a significant hit from the All-Star break onward. Sunday’s performance was a welcomed one for those who kept the faith.