NBA Player News

It’s possible he’ll get out there for some limited run, but he’s a complete non-factor in fantasy hoops.

Added to the Kings’ injury report late Saturday night, LaVine is now officially out for Sunday’s game in Detroit. When Sacramento played two games in late December without LaVine and Keegan Murray (ankle), Keon Ellis was inserted into the starting lineup. However, the fourth-year guard has picked up DNP-CDs in each of the Kings’ last five games. For that reason, Nique Clifford may be the more likely choice to start, but he should only be rostered in dynasty leagues.

Collier has come off the bench in each of his last four appearances, reaching double figures in scoring in three of them. On Saturday, the second-year guard had an effective night as a scorer and playmaker, even with the Jazz getting blown out. With Keyonte George still logging starters’ minutes, Collier’s fantasy upside is limited. But that could change later in the season.

Two days removed from one of his worst performances of the season, Sensabaugh got back on track Saturday night. He’s scored at least 23 points in four of his last five games, providing excellent production despite coming off the bench. Sensabaugh’s production can be a roller coaster, but he’s someone worth rolling the dice on during the “silly season.”

Utah shot 7-of-25 from three as a team on Saturday, and George was at the center of those struggles. He missed all eight of his attempts, sinking his field-goal percentage as a result. Over the past two weeks, George has been a top-20 player in eight-cat formats, even with Saturday’s poor shooting. Utah begins a four-game Week 15 on Tuesday against the Clippers.

After joining Pete Maravich in the Jazz record books in Thursday’s loss to the Spurs, Nurkić made more history on Saturday. The veteran center became the first player in franchise history to record a triple-double in three consecutive games. Nurkić has played in each of Utah’s last four games, but the availability is a concern due to the Jazz prioritizing the development of their young players. As long as he’s playing starters’ minutes, Nurk’s presence limits Kyle Filipowski (9/4/3/1 with one three-pointer in 16 minutes) from a fantasy standpoint.

With Kel’el Ware (hamstring) out, Jović has essentially been Bam Adebayo’s backup in recent games. That’s required some adjusting on his part. After struggling in the first three games of the Heat’s west coast trip, Jović had one of his best games of the season on Saturday. He finished with his fourth 20-point game and first since December 29. With Ware already back in Miami, Jović will once again take on an expanded role on Sunday in Phoenix.

While he hasn’t lit up the scoreboard, Wiggins’ consistency has made him a reliable option in category leagues. Over the past two weeks, he’s ranked just outside the top-50 in eight-cat formats. Tyler Herro’s absence hasn’t led to a groundswell of scoring opportunities for Wiggins, but that isn’t particularly surprising, given Wiggins’ production throughout the season. The Heat end Week 14 with a game against the Suns on Sunday.

While Larsson has started the Heat’s last six games, his offensive production has been inconsistent. Given the trend in his first five starts, the second-year wing was due for a double-digit scoring effort after tallying six points in Thursday’s loss to the Trail Blazers. Larsson was up to the task, with the 20 points being the most he’s recorded in a game since December 26. With Tyler Herro (ribs) out indefinitely, Larsson is worth a look in deep leagues, despite the inconsistent offensive output.

Miami’s January 19 loss to the Warriors may have been the low point for Adebayo, who shot 1-of-13 from the field that night. He’s scored at least 25 points in each of the three games since, posting a double-double in each of the last two. Over the past two weeks, Adebayo has been a third-round player in eight-cat formats, even with that poor showing against the Warriors. Miami ends its Week 14 slate on Sunday in Phoenix.

Jakučionis took an inadvertent Ace Bailey elbow to the head while pursuing a rebound late in the fourth quarter, sending him to the floor immediately. The Heat rookie had to be helped back to the locker room by teammates Bam Adebayo and Norman Powell. Jakučionis finished with 12 points, five rebounds, one assist and two three-pointers in 17 minutes. If Jakučionis and Davion Mitchell (shoulder) can’t play on Sunday in Phoenix, Dru Smith will have added importance.