Houston

Rockets

Eason, who’s arguably having his best year so far, has missed four straight games. Cam Whitmore has taking advantage of his absence as of late and could continue to be a rotation player for Houston if Eason misses more time.

Brooks is set to miss a third straight game on Friday. Amen Thompson has thrived as a starter and will likely continue filling in until Brooks is healthy enough to return.

Houston being without Dillon Brooks and Tari Eason has led to Whitmore playing rotation minutes recently, and he’s reached double figures in three straight games. Thursday’s game was a combination of Whitmore playing well and the Pelicans being a bad basketball team, especially with some key players out of the lineup. Give Whitmore credit for making the most of his current opportunity, but fantasy managers should not overreact.

Thompson’s rebounding and defensive production make him a valuable player for the Rockets and fantasy managers, especially with Dillon Brooks (ankle) sidelined. Over the past two weeks, the second-year wing has provided 7th-round value in 8-cat formats, and he’s been a top-50 player over the past week. While Brooks and Tari Eason being out has increased Thompson’s importance, he’s risen to the challenge.

Sengun failed to record any defensive stats on Thursday, but he did produce his 20th double-double of the season. By comparison, the Rockets center had 29 throughout the 2023-24 campaign. Sengun is providing 4th-round value in 9-cat formats, which is not on par with his Yahoo ADP (27), but it certainly isn’t poor.

While VanVleet has shot the ball poorly this season, he’s done well in Houston’s first two games of Week 9. He’s shot 16-of-31 from the field in wins over Charlotte and New Orleans, hitting 10 3-pointers. VanVleet’s fantasy value has taken a hit this season due to the poor shooting, but the production in other categories has ensured that fantasy teams haven’t been sunk entirely.

Green and the Rockets met little resistance in New Orleans, leading by as much as 30 before coasting to the win. Green has been a top 100 player in 8-cat formats this season, which aligns with his Yahoo ADP (91). Thursday’s performance was much-needed after Green scored eight points in Monday’s win over the Hornets. Houston has two more games on its schedule for the week, beginning with the Timberwolves on Friday.

Eason is missing his fourth straight game Thursday. His leg injury is particularly concerning since he missed most of last season with a stress reaction in the same leg. Cam Whitmore will likely remain in the Rockets rotation with Eason out Thursday.

Eason has missed three straight and five of Houston’s last seven games, the first two of which were due to a stint in the league’s concussion protocol. The current injury management situation is concerning because Eason missed most of last season with a stress reaction in the same leg. Cam Whitmore played 27 minutes off the bench in Monday’s win over the Hornets, and he should remain in the rotation if Eason cannot return against New Orleans.

Thursday’s game will be the second Brooks misses due to his ankle injury. Amen Thompson replaced him in the starting lineup for Monday’s win over the Hornets, and that should remain the case against the Pelicans. Thompson is already rostered in most standard leagues; the promotion makes him worth a look in shallow formats.