NBA Player News

Houston parted ways with Stephen Silas less than three weeks ago, and they’ve found their next leader. Udoka took Boston to the NBA Finals in his first season and had them finish as a top ten team both offensively and defensively. However, they moved on from him after they found out he had an inappropriate workplace relationship. He’ll look to lead Houston to more wins after three straight poor seasons for the Rockets.

Clowney, who drained 4-of-8 from downtown, was at the epicenter of Brooklyn’s unrelenting three-point barrage as they went 19-of-43 to shoot a staggering 44.2 percent as a team from long range. Their entire starting lineup reached double figures and they raced out to a commanding 17-point halftime lead and extended that advantage to nearly 30 points by the outset of the fourth quarter. Amazingly, Clowney missed all five of his shots from inside the arc. The 21-year-old has been hot-and-cold this season from a fantasy standpoint, but he’s in the midst of a strong stretch over the past two weeks. The Nets are back in action on Thursday when they host the Heat before closing out a two-game week with a home tilt against the Raptors.

On the heels of an impressive win over the Celtics earlier this week, the Giannis Antetokounmpo-less Bucks looks completely discombobulated without their franchise cornerstone in this one as they fell behind by nearly 30 points in the second half of a one-sided affair. Milwaukee is just 2-8 without Antetokounmpo, who remains sidelined with groin and calf issues. It was Kyle Kuzma and Bobby Portis that led the way during Friday’s victory, but they were relatively quiet in this one with Trent going off for a team-high 20 points. He did most of his damage from beyond the arc, draining 4-of-8 from three-point range. The Bucks will attempt to get back on track when they kick off a two-game week on Thursday against the Raptors before facing the Timberwolves in a road matchup.

Wolf came rocketing back to earth in this one, going 0-for-7 from downtown, after exploding for 17 points over 27 minutes earlier this week against the Mavericks. His lackluster shooting performance came on a night where Brooklyn drained 19 three-pointers and shot nearly 45 percent from downtown. The 21-year-old offers fringe fantasy appeal at the moment given the Nets’ crowded rotation, but an increase in minutes would give him some increased relevance.

While the doubtful tag suggests that Clarke won’t be available on Monday, the fact that he has a chance to play is a step in the right direction. With Zach Edey (ankle) out for at least four weeks, there will be room for Clarke in the rotation once he’s able to play.

While Harden is dealing with a left calf contusion, there were no reports regarding him being limited during Sunday’s practice. If he’s unable to play on Monday, the Clippers will rely even more on Kawhi Leonard offensively, while Bogdan Bogdanović could move into the starting lineup.

Booker is back in the Suns’ lineup after a four-game absence, but it isn’t Gillespie who will be pushed to the bench. He remains with the starters, while Royce O’Neale will be asked to come off the bench. While he can still provide deep-league value in that role, O’Neale has a lower ceiling when used as a reserve.

Sunday’s game will be the Lakers’ first since losing Austin Reaves to a mild calf strain in Wednesday’s loss to the Spurs. Smart will fill the void in the starting lineup, and he may be able to provide deep-league value playing off of Luka and LeBron. That’s the lone change to the starting lineup.

While Yang will be available for Sunday’s game, the rookie is not guaranteed to play rotation minutes. Starting center Donovan Clingan is available, as is backup Robert Williams. At best, Yang is a player to roster in dynasty leagues.

The Time Lord is back after sitting out Thursday’s loss to the Pelicans. However, with Donovan Clingan (leg) also available, Williams will slot into the backup center role, limiting his fantasy potential.

Clingan is back after a three-game absence due to a lower left leg contusion. He’ll occupy his usual place in the Trail Blazers’ starting lineup, and Portland will have all three of its centers available. Robert Williams III and Yang Hansen are also cleared for Sunday’s game.