NBA Player News

The Lakers attempted to prove that an injury that Deng suffered while with the team prevents him from playing competitive basketball, but the strategy failed. A big issue was the fact that Deng played in 22 games for the Timberwolves during the 2018-19 season, after his time with the Lakers had concluded. Deng is owed his salary for the next two seasons, which will be a $5 million cap hit for the Lakers.

The second meeting in three days between the Mavericks and Spurs was dominated by Castle, who made some history. The second-year guard became the first player in franchise history to record a 40-point triple-double with points, rebounds and assists. Castle joins David Robinson as Spurs players with a 40-point triple-double; The Admiral recorded his with points, rebounds and blocks. While Castle recorded six turnovers, their impact was muted by his all-around production. The Spurs play four games in Week 17, starting with a Tuesday/Wednesday back-to-back before the All-Star break.

George missed the last three games with a right ankle sprain, only to return Saturday and re-aggravate the injury in the first half of the game against the Magic. Isiah Collier started the second half for the Jazz and is a must-add player in all formats while George’s health status is up in the air.

Embiid was initially listed as questionable for Saturday’s game against the Suns, but the big man hasn’t missed a game that wasn’t on a back-to-back since late December, so his availability isn’t a total surprise. The 31-year-old center is looking like his former MVP self, coming off posting a 35/7/7 line in Thursday’s loss to the Lakers.

Avdija will miss a second consecutive game due to his back injury, which means Jerami Grant will continue to start. The question is who will step in as the fifth starter, as Shaedon Sharpe (calf) is also out. Caleb Love could be the next man up, and he would be worth streaming in deep leagues if allowed to start.