San Antonio

Spurs

Cissoko is available after missing Tuesday’s loss to the Clippers due to a stint in the league’s concussion protocol. His return will not impact fantasy basketball.

Cissoko was injured during the fourth quarter of the Spurs’ second game in Paris, a loss to the Pacers on January 25. His availability does not impact fantasy basketball, as Cissoko isn’t in the rotation when healthy.

Castle has scored 20 points or more in four of his last seven games, but the increased scoring output hasn’t done much for his fantasy value. Over the past two weeks, the rookie guard is ranked just outside the top 150 in 8-cat formats. The good news for fantasy managers is that Castle remains in the starting lineup while Jeremy Sochan (seven points, four assists, two steals, and one blocked shot) comes off the bench. However, Sochan logged 26 minutes on Wednesday, the most for him since returning from a back injury. The lineup change may occur soon, cutting into Castle’s value.

Ranked just outside the top 100 in 8-cat formats for the season, Vassell’s production has increased recently. Over the past two weeks, he’s averaged 18.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.2 blocks, and 3.4 3-pointers per game while shooting over 46% from the field. That production has been good for 6th-round value, three rounds better than his season-long production. Managers who have Vassell rostered may be a bit nervous, given the recent De’Aaron Fox/San Antonio rumors. Still, there’s no guarantee he’s traded to San Antonio (or the Kings will make a move before the February 6 deadline).

Wembanyama extended his double-double streak to six games, and he’s accounted for at least five “stocks” in eight of his last ten. Over the past two weeks, the Spurs sensation has “only” been a top-10 player in 9-cat formats. Wembanyama continues to live up to the hype but hasn’t reached his full potential. He may not have been voted in as a starter for the upcoming All-Star Game, but it would be shocking if Wembanyama weren’t named a reserve on Thursday.

Cissoko has yet to play 10 minutes in a game this season. His absence won’t have an impact on the team’s rotation or fantasy basketball.

After scoring nine points in Thursday’s win over the Pacers, Castle was more productive on Saturday. In addition to the 17 points, the rookie guard contributed six rebounds and six assists in his 32 minutes on the court. However, the efficiency remains a sore spot. Castle shot 10-of-29 from the field in San Antonio’s two games in Paris, and he committed seven turnovers (two on Saturday). That’s going to happen, especially for a rookie. More concerning for Castle managers is a potential change to the starting lineup, as Jeremy Sochan played both games against the Pacers after missing nearly three weeks with a back injury. He’ll eventually move back into the starting lineup; the question is when.

Dominant in Thursday’s win over the Pacers, Wembanyama was held in check for most of Saturday’s rematch. Yet, he still recorded a double-double, his 21st of the season and fifth in as many games. Only Nikola Jokic has provided greater fantasy value this season than Wembanyama, who continues to meet every expectation laid out for him. While the Spurs don’t play again until Wednesday, they play three games during Week 14.

Even with Saturday’s blowout defeat, Barnes had a good week in Paris. Counting Thursday’s win over the Pacers, he tallied 45 points and 14 rebounds in the two games, shooting 18-of-24 from the field. While the production may pique the interest of some fantasy managers, this is not who Barnes has been throughout the season. Rostered in 13% of Yahoo leagues, the Spurs forward remains ranked outside the top 200 in 8-cat formats, per Basketball Monster. Leave Barnes on the waiver wire, especially with San Antonio off until Wednesday (three games during Week 14).

Mamukelashvili fouled Thomas Bryant from behind as the Pacers’ backup center attempted a dunk with 1:35 remaining in the fourth quarter. Mamu finished with three points (1-of-3 FGs, 1-of-2 FTs), three rebounds, two assists, and two steals in 12 minutes off the bench.