NBA Player News

The 6’4" combo guard helped the Arizona Wildcats win back-to-back Pac-12 titles, averaging 13.1 points, 4.8 boards, 2.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.4 treys last season. The Brooklyn native did miss time last year due to a fractured bone in his right foot, but he didn’t need much time to recover with a 26-point game in his second game back from injury on Dec. 16. Arizona’s NBA-style defense should help and Alkins’ slashing style could help him draw contact as a bench option.

Poeltl, whose lower back has been an issue since the preseason, has missed five of Toronto’s last six games and played seven minutes in his lone appearance during that stretch. According to the team, he’ll miss at least one more week before being re-evaluated. “Poeltl is currently completing a program of intensive rehabilitation and strengthening. Following that period, he will be re-evaluated for a return to play, and his status will be updated as appropriate,” the Raptors said via press release. Sandro Mamukelashvili has replaced Poeltl in the starting lineup, and he is worth streaming until the 7-footer is cleared to return.

Hayes has missed the Lakers’ last two games with a sore left ankle. His return to practice on Monday makes it possible that he’ll be able to play in Tuesday’s game against the Pistons. While Hayes’ status does not affect fantasy basketball, his return would give the Lakers another post player to counter Detroit’s Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart.

Before Thursday’s loss to the Rockets, Hachimura missed two games with a groin injury. Lakers head coach JJ Redick said that the forward is “banged up” but did not specify what injuries he may be dealing with. Hachimura should be considered questionable for Tuesday’s game against the Pistons, with Jake LaRavia being the likely replacement if he can’t play.

Time Lord sat out on Sunday against the Celtics, and there’s a chance he sits out the second leg of Portland’s back-to-back set. If he’s out, Yang Hansen and Duop Reath should see additional run in the frontcourt backing up Donovan Clingan.

Grant will sit out again, which could open up additional opportunities for Murray if he plays. If Murray ends up sitting out, Sidy Cissoko could see a major jump in playing time. Cissoko is worth streaming in deeper leagues only.

Williams sat out Saturday’s loss to Sacramento, but he’ll return following a one-game absence. Fantasy managers should expect him to handle his usual allotment of minutes against Portland. Williams’ last appearance was on Christmas Day when he dropped a season-high 26 points against the Warriors.

Mitchell was forced out of action early in Sunday’s win over the 76ers, and he’s in danger of sitting out the second leg of Oklahoma City’s back-to-back set. Isaiah Joe, Alex Caruso, Cason Wallace and Aaron Wiggins are all candidates for increased run if Mitchell is forced to sit out.

Isaiah Hartenstein is out, and Ajay Mitchell is questionable, so both Caruso and Joe should see additional run against Atlanta. The three-and-D specialists are worth streaming in deeper leagues.

Jaylin Williams (heel) is also out, so big minutes should be available for Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams in the frontcourt. Hartenstein’s absence shouldn’t be too concerning to fantasy managers, as he’s sitting out the second leg of a back-to-back set, which was an expected outcome due to his lingering calf injury.

Young played through his quad injury on Saturday, but he’ll be forced to miss at least one game when he sits out on Monday. With Young unavailable, Nickeil Alexander-Walker should earn a spot start against the Thunder, making him worthy of streaming, albeit in a tough matchup.