NBA Player News

Joseph, the Celtics second-round pick from the 2012 draft, injured his knee and did not return to the game. The Celtics have to be hoping that the injury is not serious, but we’ll have an update when one becomes available.

Riley has been playing big minutes for Washington for a while now, but he was pushed to the bench for this game. However, it ended up being one of his best performances of the year, and he ended up having one of his most efficient shooting performances of the season. Riley should continue to be productive as the season comes to a close, though he may not be able to maintain this level of efficiency moving forward.

Grant injured his right calf during the second half of Friday’s defeat, and there is some concern that he’ll miss time. Following the game, acting head coach Thiago Splitter said Grant felt a pop in his calf. He’ll be evaluated further on Saturday, and Sunday’s game against the Wizards could be off the board for Grant, at a minimum. If he misses time, Scoot Henderson (9/2/3/3 with one three-pointer) would have added importance to the Trail Blazers, even if he continues to come off the bench.

Avdjia did everything but make a three-pointer on Friday, helping compensate for another high-turnover night. The Trail Blazers’ playmaker was responsible for five turnovers against the Mavericks, and he’s been responsible for at least three in each of his last ten appearances. Given how much Avdija has the ball in his hands, the turnovers are somewhat understandable. And the task would become more difficult if Jerami Grant (calf) has to miss time.

Holiday finished Friday’s defeat with his first 20-point game in two weeks, with his scoring output having decreased during the second half of March. After scoring 20 or more in five of Portland’s first six games of the month, the veteran guard was limited to 15 or fewer in seven straight before Friday. With Jerami Grant leaving Friday’s game with a calf injury, the Trail Blazers may need more offensive production from Holiday going forward, which could raise his ceiling. But only if he can take advantage.

While Dwight Powell (four points, five rebounds, three assists and one steal in 21 minutes) served as the Mavericks’ starting center on Friday, Bagley was on the court for longer. And he was excellent, scoring a season-high 26 points and finishing one rebound shy of a double-double. Bagley finished with a complete stat line, a reminder of what he’s capable of despite coming off the bench on most nights. Dallas plays four games in Week 23, starting with a home-and-home against the Bucks on Monday and Tuesday.

Marshall has not provided much beyond points, rebounds and assists on most nights this season. That wasn’t the case in Portland, as he recorded a career-high five steals, providing fantasy managers with an excellent bonus. While the Mavericks are done for Week 22, they’ll play four games in Week 23, making Marshall a player worth rostering for championship week in Yahoo! default leagues.

Murray wasn’t able to match his 53-point performance from Wednesday’s win, but he was able to stay hot to help push Denver’s win streak to five games. It has been an incredible season for him, and he now ranks inside the top 10 in nine-category leagues over the course of the season. He’ll look to keep it going against the Warriors on Sunday to wrap up the week, though they only play two games next week, which will limit his fantasy impact.

Flagg has scored at least 21 points in three straight and six of his last eight games. Just as encouraging for fantasy managers has been that the rookie’s availability has not been an issue. Flagg has not missed a game since returning from a foot injury on March 5. Given where the Mavericks are in the standings, there may have been some fear among fantasy managers regarding a potential shutdown. Flagg continues to play, and on most nights, he has been an excellent fantasy asset.

Jokić recorded his fourth-straight double-double in this game, though this was the first one where he scored at least 30 points, and he was incredibly efficient while going about it. That was enough to give Denver a fifth straight win, and they’re getting closer to catching up to the Lakers for third place in the West. Jokić will look to stay hot in their final game of the week against the Warriors on Sunday, though they only play two games next week.

Konchar has been on a tear recently for fantasy managers. Over his last four games, he has averaged 13.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.8 blocks per game while shooting 62.5 percent from the floor. While the rest of the rotation in Utah is inconsistent, Konchar has been reliable enough to be worth rostering, especially managers that are looking for a boost in defensive stats.