NBA Player News

The Celtics have not disclosed the personal matter Wilcox is dealing with, but it sounds like he’ll be a true game-time decision. Wilcox has been the first big man off the bench without Jermaine O’Neal in the lineup, and if he can’t play, it would be a big blow to Boston’s rotation. Greg Stiemsma would likely see an increase in minutes if Wilcox can’t go, while JaJuan Johnson could also garner some playing time. However, neither are recommended short-term plays.

Murphy popped up on the injury report on Sunday with a sore right hand, and while he played through it, he shot 7-of-22 in that game. In the two games since, he has shot 3-of-20 and 2-of-14. This is either an otherworldly shooting slump or his hand is still bothering him. He’s been able to contribute in other categories, but Murphy’s efficiency as a high-volume shooter has led to his fantasy dominance. He’ll look to get back on track in Philadelphia on Saturday.

Queen had been quieter over the past few games for New Orleans, but he was able to have a strong performance in this one. He approached triple-double territory and had his first 20-point game since December. Queen has oozed upside as a rookie and will continue to pour in the counting stats, though it may come inconsistently. He’ll look to stay hot in Philadelphia on Saturday to wrap up this week.

Bey has enjoyed an excellent season after missing all of last year with a torn ACL, but this recent stretch is taking things up a notch. Over his last four games, Bey has averaged 24.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.8 steals and 3.5 triples per game on efficient shooting splits. This is arguably the best season of his career since he is more efficient than he was during his seasons in Detroit. Bey remains a must-roster player, and with how well he’s played, he may be a coveted target at the trade deadline.

Despite a rough shooting night, Jackson was able to turn in a well-rounded stat line, which included him matching his career high for steals. He matched Cam Spencer as the leading scorers for Memphis, with seven players scoring in double figures in the loss. Jackson struggled to start the season, but he has had some stellar performances over the past six weeks, even if his shooting percentage has dwindled recently. Unfortunately, the Grizzlies have lost four games in a row, but Jackson will look to get them back on track on Saturday against the Timberwolves.

Sharpe was the lone bright spot for the Trail Blazers in this one. While Portland lost by 30, he was the only Blazer with more than 15 points. Sharpe had 26 points on 16 attempts and made four three-pointers. He’s provided seventh-round per game value over the last two weeks. The Trail Blazers close out the week against the Cavaliers on Sunday.

Do you think Towns heard the rumors that he could be made available in a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo? The 30-year-old center has been a man possessed over the last two games. He’s had 42 rebounds combined in the last two contests. Towns has also seen his minutes tick up after not appearing in the final four minutes against the Kings earlier this week. He’s provided sixth-round per game value over the last two weeks. Towns will look to keep it going against the Lakers on Sunday.

Anunoby has now had at least 23 points and at least two made three-pointers in three of his last four games. The 28-year-old small forward is perhaps more known for his defense, but he has an excellent offensive game that includes a solid outside shot. Anunoby has been instrumental in the Knicks’ current five-game winning streak. He’s provided fourth-round per game value over the last two weeks. Anunoby and the Knicks will look to stay hot against the Lakers on Sunday.

The Knicks appear to be done messing around. New York has now won five games in a row since a 2-7 stretch. Brunson continues to lead the way and is so consistently good it’s almost boring. The 29-year-old point guard has scored at least 20 points in 11-of-13 games in January. He’s provided 11th-round per game value over the last two weeks. The Knicks close out the week with a matchup against the Lakers on Sunday.

After missing Wednesday’s game against the Hawks due to an illness, Queta was back in the lineup for this game. He was inefficient as a scorer once again, which has been atypical for him this year. He has shot below 40 percent in three straight games, but his percentage over the course of the year is 63.3. However, he was able to make up for it with well-rounded production in other categories. Queta has enjoyed the best season of his career this year, and he should be considered a must-roster player.

Barnes is know for his varied skillset, which is an absolute boon in fantasy. In real life, though, the Raptors could probably use some more pure scoring out of him. Barnes hasn’t scored at least 20 points in four consecutive games and the Raptors are 2-2 in that stretch. Against the Magic on Friday, only Brandon Ingram eclipsed 20 points as the Raptors blew a 13-point lead entering the fourth quarter. Barnes has provided third-round per game value over the last two weeks. Toronto will have a chance to get back in the win column against the Jazz on Sunday.