NBA Player News

Mane hasn’t been a rotation player when healthy, so his status will be of no consequence as far as fantasy basketball is concerned.

This wasn’t an efficient shooting night for Suggs, but it was certainly a productive outing. He recorded at least 10 assists for the third time in his last seven games and continued to be a defensive stat monster. Over his last four games, he has averaged 4.0 steals and 2.5 blocks per game. Health has been an issue for him, but Suggs is a fantasy beast when he’s on the floor. He’ll look to keep that going after the All-Star break.

Bane got off to a scorching hot start to this game, scoring 15 points on five triples in the first quarter. He ended up matching his career high for three-pointers in a game, though he only three more over the final three quarters, which wasn’t enough for Orlando to get the win. Still, Bane has scored at least 20 points in four straight games entering the All-Star break and will look to pick up where he left off after some time off.

KPJ’s play dwindled in January, but his first four games back after missing time with an oblique injury have been excellent. He has averaged 21.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 8.8 assists and 2.3 steals per game, which has helped the shorthanded Bucks remain competitive. As long as Giannis Antetokounmpo remains out, KPJ should be productive as a high-usage player, and he was able to record his second triple-double of the season in this game.

Thomas only played 13 minutes against Orlando on Monday, but he took on a larger role in the rematch and was far more productive. His role dwindled over the final weeks of his Nets’ tenure, but in his second game with Milwaukee, he had his highest-scoring game since October. If Thomas is able to continue to play this well after the All-Star break, he may be able to secure a long-term deal this summer and be a strong option for fantasy managers down the stretch.

Dieng’s first game with the Bucks was just a five-minute in a blowout loss, and he wasn’t able to do much. However, his role expanded in his second game with the team, and he set a new career high for three-pointers in a game. He’s still only 22 years old, and he holds plenty of upside. He could end up playing a larger role for the Bucks over the final two months of the season, which could lead to more productive outings like this one.

Sims was part of a bigger starting unit for the Bucks with Ryan Rollins (foot) sidelined, and that strategy worked out well for the Bucks. He recorded a double-double and didn’t miss a shot on his way to setting a new career high for scoring. It was also enough for the Bucks to get a win. They play again in Oklahoma City on Thursday, and if Rollins remains out, Sims should be in line for another start.

For the first time since January 11-12, Maxey has scored 30 points or more in consecutive games. With Joel Embiid (knee) once again out, the 76ers’ point guard did not have enough help offensively. Maxey now heads to the All-Star Game, where he’ll be a starter for the first time. After the break, the 76ers play three games, starting with the Hawks on February 19.

Miller didn’t have his most efficient performance, but it was enough to get the win. It was also his highest-scoring game since December and just his fourth 30-point game of the season. With Miles Bridges set to be suspended for three more games, Miller should continue to take on a few extra shots per game, which could lead to more big performances after the All-Star break.

The emotions of playing his first Knicks home game may have gotten the best of Alvarado in Tuesday’s loss to the Pacers. There were no such issues for the Brooklyn native on Wednesday, as he took over during the third and fourth quarters. Alvarado shot 8-of-10 from beyond the arc, dropping 26 points while showing why he’s nicknamed “Grand Theft Alvarado” with the five steals. And he recorded that stat line in just 19 minutes. With Miles McBride (core) possibly out until the postseason, Alvarado isn’t a bad pickup in deep leagues, even if nights like Wednesday won’t become the norm.