NBA Player News

It was announced early on Monday that Embiid would return this week, but fantasy managers will have to wait at least one more game to have him back in lineups. Philadelphia will continue to fill his spot at center through a platoon effort. If Maxey is out for a second straight game, Cam Payne could draw another start. In five starts for Philly this season, Payne has averaged 16.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 0.8 steals and 3.2 triples. He’ll be a worthwhile streamer if he’s back in the starting five on Tuesday.

While Reaves had a productive second half, shooting 6-of-9 from the field, his subpar first half sunk the Lakers’ guard’s field-goal percentage. However, Reaves has been a top-50 player since the trade deadline, so there isn’t too much for fantasy managers to be worried about. If there is a question to be asked, it’s what Reaves’ availability will look like for the end of Week 18. The Lakers have a back-to-back on Saturday and Sunday, with Sunday’s game against the Kings possibly being one where they look to rest Reaves.

James has scored at least 20 points in five of his last six games, with Tuesday’s performance representing a step forward after he struggled with his shot in Sunday’s loss to the Celtics. Since the trade deadline, James has been close to a top-25 player in eight-cat formats, providing excellent value for fantasy managers. The Lakers visit the Suns on Thursday, the first of three games they’ll play to conclude Week 18.

Dončić appeared to have an opportunity to give the Lakers the win in the final seconds, but he hesitated and passed the ball to LeBron James, who was left to toss up a turnaround three just before time expired. While Dončić did not have a good night shooting the ball, as he was 2-of-10 from three and 4-of-9 from the foul line, he finished with 15 assists and just two turnovers. Luka and the Lakers have a good schedule to end Week 18, with three games over the final four days.

Ayton was excellent during the first half, putting up 17 points and nine rebounds as the Lakers made a concerted effort to involve the 7-footer offensively. That didn’t happen as often during the second half, and while Ayton finished with a solid stat line, it could have been better. And that’s been an issue throughout the season, which has limited Ayton’s fantasy value. The Lakers end Week 18 with three games over the final four days, starting with the Suns on Thursday.

Bane struggled for the first three quarters of Tuesday’s game, scoring ten points on 3-of-11 shooting from the field. He flipped a switch in the fourth, scoring 12 points and knocking down two three-pointers. Since the trade deadline, Bane has provided top-10 per-game value in eight-cat formats, according to Basketball Monster. The Magic play two more games in Week 18, starting with the Rockets on Thursday.

Carter got off to an excellent start, scoring 15 points in the first half. While he did not factor into the Magic offense as much after halftime, he was responsible for the game’s most important shot. Carter’s putback with 6.7 seconds remaining gave Orlando a 110-109 lead that it wouldn’t relinquish, and it was his first 20-point game since January 30. WCJ has reached double digits in rebounds in three straight and four of his last five games, important production for a player who does not bring much to the table defensively.

Banchero enjoyed one of his most productive nights of the season on Tuesday, and he was at his best during the third quarter. The Magic forward scored 17 points in the period, shooting 6-of-7 from the field. The 36 points were one shy of Banchero’s season-high, and he’s scored 30 or more in seven games. Banchero and the Magic head home for their final two games of Week 18, starting with the Rockets on Thursday.

With Deni Avdija (back) sidelined, Murray entered the starting unit. This was only his third game back after missing over six weeks with a back injury, but he was still able to set a new season high for scoring. Murray is a solid rotation piece, but he hasn’t been able to make much of a fantasy impact throughout his first three seasons. He’ll hold some upside if Avdija remains out, but he shouldn’t be considered a must-roster player, even in deep leagues.

Clingan did a little bit of everything in this game, including his second straight double-double and plenty of defensive production. He has been dominant recently, and he ranks inside the top 10 in nine-category value over the past two weeks. He has been a dominant source of rebounds, blocks and field goal percentage, but the assists, stelas and three-pointers have been solid as well. With three more games this week, Clingan should remain productive, especially against the Bulls on Thursday and against the Hawks on Sunday.

Gobert was back after serving a one-game suspension on Sunday, and he picked up right where he left off. He had 22 points and 17 rebounds in his previous game, and while he didn’t do as much scoring, he was able to set a new season high for rebounds. Gobert isn’t the same player that he used to be, but he’s still capable of making a big impact for fantasy managers, just like he did in this game.