NBA Player News

Valanciunas has been ruled out for a second straight game, joining Larry Nance (ankle) on the sideline. The absences mean Willy Hernangomez will get another start, and he’s worth streaming in this spot. Jaxson Hayes is worth a look in deeper leagues, as his minutes will also increase.

Flagg did not shoot the ball well on Thursday, but he’s now recorded at least five assists in six consecutive games. The increased assist production is one reason why the rookie has been a top-50 player in eight-cat formats over the past two weeks. The Mavericks play once more during Week 11, at home against the Rockets on Saturday, before playing three games in Week 12.

One game removed from scoring a season-high 25 points, Christie pumped in 19 more against the 76ers. While his season-long fantasy value has not been good, the Mavericks’ guard has been close to a top-100 player over the past week. Just as encouraging was Christie remaining in the starting lineup despite Anthony Davis’ return, with Daniel Gafford being bumped to the bench. For that reason, Christie will be worth considering for Dallas’ final game of Week 11 on Saturday.

After missing two games with a groin injury suffered on Christmas Day, Davis was back in the Mavericks’ starting lineup on Thursday. Interestingly, there was no minutes restriction, with the forward/center logging 37 minutes. Davis getting out of the game without issue is a positive, but that may have been a surprise for some fantasy managers. Daniel Gafford played 11 minutes off the bench, finishing with eight points, five rebounds and two steals.

Less than a year after he was dealt from Dallas to Philadelphia, Grimes hit five three-pointers on a night when the player he was traded for (Caleb Martin) played four minutes. When he’s on, Grimes can provide solid late-round value despite coming off the bench. Over the past two weeks, he has been a 12th-round player in eight-cat formats.

Embiid has now played at least 30 minutes in each of his last seven appearances. While that may not be a big deal for most players, it is for the former MVP, as he continues to labor through ankle and knee issues. The six assists that Embiid recorded on Thursday were two shy of his season-high, which was recorded in Tuesday’s win over the Grizzlies. He’ll look to end Week 11 on a high note when the 76ers visit the Knicks on Saturday.

Two nights removed from tallying 25 points and a complete stat line against the Grizzlies, Edgecombe had another good night in Dallas. Over the past two weeks, the rookie guard has provided top-50 per-game value in eight-cat formats. Edgecombe continues to exceed expectations, much to the delight of those who selected him in drafts. The 76ers end Week 11 with a game against the Knicks on Saturday.

Back in his hometown, Maxey recorded his eighth career 30-point, 10-assist game and second in as many appearances. The 76ers guard has been outstanding this season, providing top-5 per-game value in eight- and nine-cat formats. Even with the availability concerns of Joel Embiid and Paul George (14/7/2/1), the 76ers have managed to stay afloat, thanks in part to Maxey. Now, with those two healthy, the 76ers appear poised to be a factor in the East.

With Caris LeVert (knee) sidelined by a knee injury, Sasser has stepped up for the Pistons. He followed up a 19-point performance against the Lakers with 18 more on Thursday, and the overall stat line was solid. Rostered in one percent of Yahoo! leagues, Sasser is not someone who has to be rostered. But he is worth watching, especially if LeVert and Tobias Harris (hip) remain out.

For the first time in four games, Thompson managed to crack double figures in the points category. And he’s been a disappointment in fantasy basketball thus far, sitting well outside the top-150 in eight-cat per-game value. For a player who many fantasy managers were banking on for top-100 value, the season has reached an uncomfortable point. While few category league managers want to move on from a player with Thompson’s defensive potential, it will be challenging to get decent value back in a trade.

While Cunningham has recorded double-doubles in two straight and four of his last five games, turnovers have been an issue. After recording five in Tuesday’s win over the Lakers, he was responsible for seven on Thursday. The good news for managers in eight-cat formats is that turnovers aren’t a factor in those leagues. As for managers in nine-cat formats, Cunningham’s value takes a slight hit because of that category.