NBA Player News

CP3’s time in Phoenix was over, and he’ll get yet another home in Washington. It’s unclear if the Wizards plan to keep him, but at this point in his career it would be surprising if Paul wanted to play for a team not seriously chasing a championship. No matter where he ultimately ends up playing next season, Paul’s ability to score, assist and hit threes gives him a solid fantasy floor.

Curry exited Friday’s game during the second quarter, and the Warriors announced at the beginning of the fourth that he won’t return due to a sore left adductor. Gary Payton II and Malevy Leons may pick up a few more minutes with Curry sidelined, but neither will be worth the streaming risk moving forward.

While much is made of Williamson’s lackluster three-point production and free-throw percentage in terms of his fantasy value, his limited defensive production has also been an issue in March. That was not the case on Friday, however, as the Pelicans’ forward recorded two blocked shots. In six appearances this month, Williamson has totaled three steals and two blocks. Given his athleticism, there may be some fantasy managers who hoped that some of that ability would translate to the defensive end of the floor. But at the very least, availability has not been a concern for Williamson, as he’s missed one game since mid-December.

While the Rockets managed to win the game, they never came up with a suitable answer to Murray defensively. Enjoying his most productive game of the season, the Pelicans’ guard shot 8-of-10 from the field in the first half. Murray shot 6-of-8 in the second half, finishing with his first 30-point game of the season. The Pelicans don’t play again this week, and their four-game Week 21 includes a back-to-back. As a result, Murray managers may have him for three games.

Thompson’s stat line on Friday was arguably his best since the All-Star break. The Rockets’ guard/forward finished two assists shy of a triple-double, and he’s scored 20 points or more in four of his last five appearances. Since March 1, Thompson has provided third-round value in eight-cat formats. After a relatively slow start to the season, Amen has upped the production at the right time, with the fantasy playoffs in many leagues right around the corner.

Durant made the biggest shot of Friday’s game, as his mid-range jumper with 7.6 seconds remaining gave Houston a one-point lead. The future Hall of Fame forward would make two free throws to seal the victory, capping his first 30-point game since March 2. Houston’s Week 20 schedule is complete, and the Rockets are scheduled to play four games in Week 21.

Bailey was injured during the first half of Friday’s game, logging seven minutes before exiting. EJ Harkless was inserted into the lineup to begin the third quarter.

Horford played five minutes before exiting due to tightness in his right calf. The veteran center’s exit likely means more playing time for Quinten Post, especially with Draymond Green (back) out and Kristaps Porziņǵis under a minutes restriction.

Murray aggravated his sprained left ankle during a February 25 game against the Rockets and has not played since. With the update provided by the Kings on Friday, he’s unlikely to be an impact option for fantasy managers again this season. Nique Clifford is as close to a must-add as a player can be going into the silly season, and Precious Achiuwa is also worth a long look in 12-team leagues. Daeqwon Plowden has cracked the rotation, but Clifford and Achiuwa should be the priorities of fantasy managers.

Guerschon Yabusele is available after sitting out Thursday’s loss to the Lakers, but he won’t be in the starting lineup. Richards receives the nod, which gives him a higher fantasy ceiling. The other four starters are unchanged, but Giddey’s playing time could decrease after logging 40 minutes on Thursday.

Booker was one of two Suns to surpass 30 points on Friday, with Jalen Green’s 34 leading the way. Book has now scored 30 points or more in four of his last five appearances, getting hot at the right time for fantasy managers. Since March 1, he has been a top-20 player in eight-cat formats, according to Basketball Monster. The Suns are done for Week 20, but they’ve got five games in Week 21.