NBA Player News

Booker has been on a roll recently, scoring 29 points or more in four straight and six of his last seven games. Yet even with the scoring “explosion,” D Book has been ranked just outside the top 50 in 9-cat, per-game value over the last two weeks. The issue has been a lack of defensive stats and turnovers. While the former isn’t going to change much, Booker can certainly improve in the turnover department. He had four turnovers on Saturday, which wasn’t an issue due to the nature of the game. He led six Suns double-digit scorers, with Bismack Biyombo (17/13/1/0/5) having one of his best games of the season and Terrence Ross (15/7/4 with three 3-pointer) surpassing 8,000 points for his career. Phoenix will begin a four-game Week 23 in Utah on Monday.

Schröder was initially doubtful for Thursday’s game, so the downgrade in status is unsurprising. While his absence does not affect starter Russell Westbrook, there should be more on-ball opportunities for Malik Monk off the bench. He’s worth rostering in deep leagues, as the Kings will also be without Zach LaVine.

Already without Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks also won’t have AJ Green again due to a shoulder injury. Trent moves into the starting lineup for Thursday’s game, with Jericho Sims being moved to the bench. While he doesn’t possess the highest fantasy ceiling, Trent is worth a look in deep leagues due to the opportunity.

While White is dealing with some tightness in his right calf, the probable tag suggests that he will ultimately be available on Friday. With Tre Jones also probable, he is the likely replacement if White cannot play against the Hornets. Jones is only worth rostering when allowed to start.

Portland is without Donovan Clingan, Robert Williams III and Yang Hansen due to injury. Interim head coach Tiago Splitter has decided to go small to begin Thursday’s game, with Murray moving into the starting lineup. The other change is Sharpe, who returns to the lineup at the expense of Sidy Cissoko.

Right Achilles tendinopathy will keep Conley out of Friday’s game, opening up rotation minutes among the Timberwolves’ reserves. Bones Hyland may play more minutes, but he still cannot be trusted in most fantasy leagues.

Edwards is dealing with a sore right foot, hence his inclusion on the Timberwolves’ injury report. With Mike Conley already out, Minnesota would have to look elsewhere if Ant-Man cannot play. Bones Hyland has passed Robert Dillingham in the rotation recently, but this could also be a chance for Terrence Shannon Jr. to take on a more prominent role.

Initially questionable for Thursday’s game, Green has officially been ruled out. Kyle Kuzma should remain in the starting lineup, with Gary Trent Jr. providing additional depth off the bench.

Poole has been cleared to make his first appearance in a game since November 5. His return likely means fewer minutes for Bryce McGowens and Jose Alvarado, with the former taking the more significant hit to his playing time.

The Trail Blazers will be without their top three centers on Thursday, as Hansen, Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams III are all unavailable due to injury. Duop Reath should slide into the starting lineup, and he’s worth rolling the dice on in deep leagues due to Portland’s lack of available options.

With Donovan Clingan already out, Williams will join him on the sidelines for Thursday’s game. Portland will also be without Yang Hansen, leaving Duop Reath as the lone healthy center on the roster. While the Blazers can go without a center on occasion, Reath is worth streaming on a four-game night.