NBA Player News

Lessort was the 50th overall selection in the 2017 draft. He is expected to spend at least one season overseas, as the Sixers preference is to stash him there and avoid using a roster spot on yet another big man.

One thing that basketball fans know and understand about Poole is that he’s going to get shots up. After attempting 19 in his first game back from a quad injury on Friday, he tied with Zion Williamson for the most shot attempts on the team in Sunday’s victory. The Pelicans have stuck with Jeremiah Fears as the starting point guard, and that should not change anytime soon. However, based on his shot volume, Poole doesn’t need to start to put up numbers.

Available after a six-game absence, Williamson was under a minutes restriction on Sunday. For that reason, he came off the bench, with Saddiq Bey (10/6/1/2) remaining in the starting lineup. The reserve role did not negatively impact Williamson, who provided solid value in multiple categories in 27 minutes. Of course, fantasy managers were also watching to see how Zion’s return would affect Derik Queen. The rookie didn’t have his best night, finishing with four points, eight rebounds, six assists, one block and five turnovers in 25 minutes. However, to blame Queen’s showing on Williamson’s return would be a severe overreaction. With the Pelicans off until Thursday, they’ll have some welcome practice time to figure out the rotation.

Fears recorded his seventh 20-point game of the season on Sunday, and his efficiency has improved recently. Over the past two weeks, the rookie has averaged 16.5 points on 45.7 percent shooting from the field. Turnovers have been an issue for Fears, who committed three against the Bulls, which is why he’s been more valuable in eight-cat formats and turnover-punt roster builds. The Pelicans are scheduled to play two games in Week 9, beginning with the Rockets on Thursday.

Since returning from an elbow injury that sidelined him for two games, Murphy has scored at least 20 points in six straight appearances. With Zion Williamson back in the rotation, the Pelicans’ scoring was more balanced on Sunday, with six players scoring in double figures. Murphy has led the way throughout the season, and there’s no reason to believe that won’t remain the case moving forward. New Orleans doesn’t play its next game until Thursday as part of a two-game Week 9.

Randle spearheaded Minnesota’s offensive effort with Anthony Edwards (foot) missing his second straight contest. He knocked down a pair of three-pointers and finished one rebound shy of a double-double in this one. The 31-year-old scoring machine has delivered fifth-round fantasy value over the past two weeks, averaging 23.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 0.5 steals over six games during that span. It’s a bust week coming up for the Timberwolves as they host the Grizzlies, Thunder and Bucks.

Schröder returned to Sacramento’s lineup following a seven-game absence due to a hip injury. The 32-year-old veteran point guard is an afterthought in most fantasy leagues given his sporadic usage with the Kings, but he’s capable of heating up for the occasional 20-point effort. He figures to be on the move once the trade deadline rolls around, especially if Sacramento falls out of playoff contention.

McDaniels eclipsed 20 points despite going 1-for-7 from downtown by getting to the line for a season-high six free throws. The 25-year-old continues to play a significant role for Minnesota as he’s topped 17 points in four of his last six contests since December 1. He’ll continue to shoulder a significant portion of the offensive workload with Anthony Edwards (foot) on the shelf.