NBA Player News

“Born Ready” should change his name to “Still Ready” after last season’s performance. Following a two-year hiatus from NBA action, Stephenson returned to play six games for Atlanta and 40 for Indiana in which he averaged 9.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists. Stephenson had some highlight moments, including a 20-point first quarter in his first game back in Indiana, setting a franchise record for first-quarter points and an NBA record for first-quarter points off the bench. In his only start, Stephenson went off for 24/9/8 against Atlanta. Indiana should take a look at bringing him back to provide a veteran presence in a locker room full of youngsters.

While Bassey scored nine points in the first half, his role in the Warriors’ rotation grew more important in the second half. Draymond Green was ejected two minutes into the third quarter, giving Bassey more minutes. In 15 second-half minutes, he accumulated 10 points, six rebounds and one assist. Bassey’s 19 points are a career high, and more nights like this would go a long way toward making his contract fully guaranteed come January 10.

Podziemski recorded his second 20-point game of the season on Monday, finishing one point shy of his high (21 vs. the Lakers on Friday). Like Stephen Curry, Podz was most effective during the third quarter, scoring 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting from the field. The negative for fantasy managers is that Podziemski didn’t provide much value beyond the points and three-pointers. They’ll hope for more on Thursday when the Warriors host the Heat.

While he didn’t have his best night shooting the basketball, Curry extended his streak of games with at least 31 points to three. The Warriors star was at his best in the third quarter, shooting 6-of-9 from the field and scoring 18 points. Outside that period, the Suns kept Curry in check, but he still went home with a stat line that many fantasy managers will take without hesitation.

The last few games had been rough for Reaves, but he was able to get back on track in this one. The turnovers still weren’t great, and he now has 24 over his last four outings. However, he was far more efficient as a scorer, which helped the Lakers secure a second win in as many days. Reaves has been a high-level second option behind Luka Dončić this season, though the turnovers need to be cleaned up for him to match his production from last year.

It has been an unreal start to the season for Dončić, and Monday’s performance was just another chapter. He has scored at least 35 points and knocked down at least six three-pointers in each of his last five appearances, while going for at least 40 in four of those outings. The one game he didn’t score 40, he had 37, which was also the only game during this stretch where he shot below 50 percent from the floor. Dončić set a new season high for assists in this game as well. He has been an elite offensive engine, and he’ll look to stay hot against the Kings on Wednesday.

Kessler has finally started dominating the glass. He has recorded three straight double-doubles and has at least 15 points and 15 rebounds in each of his last two outings. Kessler has been exactly what the Lakers have needed, and it has worked out well for fantasy managers as well. With Luka Dončić running the offense, Kessler should continue to be a fantasy star.

While Mitchell had a spectacular game, volume was an issue. He didn’t miss a shot from the floor, but he only took five shots. Mitchell has had an excellent start to the year, but his lack of shot attempts prevented him from having a better night. However, he continues to dish out the dimes at a high rate, which has been the driving factor behind his top-75 value to start this season.