NBA Player News

After appearing in just five games for the Thunder last season, there’s suddenly a lot of playing time available in OKC with Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka out of the picture. “Of course. Obviously, losing Kevin opens up a lot of minutes,” Huestis said. “I’m just trying to be somebody who can step in and contribute, help the team win in whatever capacity that is.” Huestis will be competing with Andre Roberson, Kyle Singler, Anthony Morrow and Ersan Ilyasova, so there’s certainly a path to minutes in OKC for the 24-year-old combo forward. For now, he’s only worth monitoring in very deep leagues.

Sabonis has appeared in just one of the Kings’ last three games, and he’s logged only 19 games this season due to lingering injuries. In Sabonis’ absence, Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell should continue to soak up minutes. The pair of backup centers has “silly season” appeal, as Sacramento has no incentive to play Sabonis down the stretch of a lost season.

Dončić suffered the left hamstring injury in Thursday’s win over the 76ers, and McMenamin notes that there is optimism the injury is not serious. Fantasy managers can breathe a sigh of relief for now, but the extent of Dončić’s injury is still unknown. Until we get more clarity on the situation, the Lakers will fill his vacated minutes by committee with Jake LaRavia, Rui Hachimura and Luke Kennard logging some additional minutes.

Charlotte waived KJ Simpson in a subsequent move. Evbuomwan will offer forward depth, but he’s not likely to see enough run to be worth a look in most fantasy leagues.

Kuzma is dealing with left calf soreness, and it will cost him at least one game. Bobby Portis (hip) is questionable, and if he’s able to take the court, he should replace Kuz in the starting lineup. If Portis ends up sitting out, Pete Nance could join the first unit, and new addition Ousmane Dieng could see some run as well.

Duren left Thursday’s loss to the Wizards early due to right knee soreness, and he’s in danger of sitting out the second leg of the Pistons’ back-to-back set. If Duren is out, Isaiah Stewart could remain in the starting five after starting in place Tobias Harris on Thursday. Harris (hip) is expected to take the court, and he and Stewart could hold things down in the frontcourt.

The veteran sat out Thursday’s loss to the Wizards, but he’ll be back for the second leg of the Pistons’ back-to-back set. Fantasy managers should expect him to handle his typical workload.

Anunoby’s status doesn’t bode well for his availability, and if he’s sidelined, Mohamed Diawara could join the starting five. More minutes should be available for Landry Shamet, and Josh Hart should handle an increased workload.

With Towns expected to sit this one out, Mitchell Robinson should be in line for a spot start, and Ariel Hukporti will back him up. Robinson is worth streaming for managers in need of rebounds and blocked shots.

The Nuggets can’t catch a break this season, as another key player will miss extended time. Watson sustained a right hamstring strain, and he won’t return until the first week of March at the earliest. Spencer Jones (head), Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. could all be in line for extended run until Watson returns.

Conley was dealt to the Bulls and Hornets ahead of the trade deadline, but Conley will stay put in Minnesota after getting waived by Charlotte. Conley wasn’t a viable fantasy option before the deadline, and that’s even more true now after the Wolves brought in Ayo Dosunmu to the backcourt.