NBA Player News

This was the kind of game that Young managers have been waiting for. He came out red-hot as a scorer in Mexico City, scoring 33 points in the first half. Young was nowhere near as prolific after halftime, but the altitude (and Quin Snyder’s substitution patterns to help keep guys fresh) may have had something to do with that. Ultimately, Young tied Luka Doncic’s record for most points in a game played in Mexico City, and his sensational pass to Dejounte Murray (16/3/2/2 with three 3-pointers in 33 minutes) with 31 seconds remaining was the game-winning assist. Young entered Thursday shooting 33.6% from the field, but that number is going to improve over the course of the season. Ranked just outside the top 75 in 9-cat per-game value, Ice Trae has been a better option in 8-cat because of the turnovers.

For the second straight night, Towns picked up the slack offensively when some of his Knicks teammates could not get going offensively. Having scored at least 21 points in five straight, KAT’s 28 on Sunday were the most in a game for him since he dropped 37 on the Hawks on December 27. The Knicks play three games in Week 18, starting with a critical matchup with the new-look Cavaliers on Tuesday.

Gillespie was a must-roster player even with 11 games on Sunday because the Suns were missing Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks, Jordan Goodwin and Grayson Allen. Jalen Green only played 22 minutes. Gillespie predictably led the team in minutes with 33 and points with 18. His six turnovers gave back some of his value, but Gillespie will continue to see increased opportunities until the Suns are back at full strength. Phoenix has only two games upcoming in Week 18, starting with a matchup against the Celtics on Tuesday.

With Shaedon Sharpe (calf) still out, Grant has seen an uptick in usage. The 31-year-old small forward had his fourth game with at least 20 points this month. It hasn’t translated into much fantasy production, though, as Grant is outside of the top-150 in per game value over the last two weeks, according to Basketball Monster.

Clingan’s breakout season continued on Sunday with 23 points on 13 field goal attempts and 12 rebounds in the win over the Suns. The 21-year-old center had one steal and four blocks on the defensive end as well. Clingan has provided fifth-round per game value this season. The Trail Blazers have four games upcoming in Week 18, starting with a matchup against the Timberwolves on Tuesday.

Smith, who missed Chicago’s final three games before the All-Star break with a strained right calf, had to exit Sunday’s game due to tightness in the same calf. Clearly, that is a concern for the Bulls and for fantasy managers who hoped to rely on Smith during the silly season. Guerschon Yabusele has benefited the most from Smith’s early exit, and his fantasy value would increase if Smith has to miss time.