NBA Player News

Collins’ and Kessler’s absences will open up additional minutes for the likes of Omer Yurtseven, Brice Sensabaugh and Taylor Hendricks, though none of those players offer tremendous fantasy appeal. Dunn’s absence should free up some extra playing time for Jason Preston and Talen Horton-Tucker.

Banchero wasn’t able to match his efficiency from Tuesday’s win, but he was able to pour in more counting stats. He came close to recording a triple-double for the first time since December. Unfortunately, this type of inefficiency will continue to limit his output in category leagues, though he did finish this game without a turnover. He’ll look to wrap up the week with a strong performance against the Pistons on Sunday.

Bane has been on quite the heater as of late. He has shot at least 60 percent from the floor in six of his last seven games, which includes four 30-point games during that stretch. He has also provided plenty of steals during that stretch, with two steals in five of his last six outings. Bane has been a fantasy superstar in recent weeks, and he should remain hot as one of the focal points of the Magic offense moving forward.

Following a three-game absence with a back injury, Suggs was back in the lineup to take on Houston. However, he wasn’t in his normal role; he came off the bench and logged just 13 minutes, leading to little production. Suggs is a fantasy stud and has had some monster games in February, so he should get back to that as he logs more games. His next chance to suit up will be against the Pistons on Sunday.

Durant went nuclear in this game, setting new season highs for both scoring and shot attempts in the win. Since the All-Star break, KD has averaged 27.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.8 assists and three triples per game, and he has shot at least 50 percent from the floor in each of his last three games. He’ll look to stay hot in Miami on Saturday to wrap up the week.

After knocking down a career-high seven three-pointers as a starter on Wednesday, Sheppard was back to playing his role off the bench in this game with Amen Thompson (quad) healthy. However, he was still able to make a huge impact on both ends of the floor. Along with the points and triples, Sheppard provided four “stocks” in the win. This game was another example of the fantasy superstar that he can be in a larger, more consistent role.

Daniels did a little bit of everything in this game, including finishing with at least 10 assists for the sixth time this season. He also matched his season high for steals. His scoring is down this season, but over his last three games, he has averaged 8.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 8.7 assists and 2.7 steals per game. Daniels’ game is built for category leagues, and he’ll continue to provide plenty of boards, assists and steals for the rest of the year.

Against his former team, Kispert got off to a scorching hot start, knocking down his first seven shots of the game. He cooled off after that, but he ended up setting a new career high for scoring in this game. Kispert was able to get revenge on the team that drafted him, but this shouldn’t change how managers view him. Leave him on the waiver wire.

Giddey’s nine assists were the most in a game for him since returning from the hamstring injury that sidelined him for eight games. Add in the efficient shooting and solid night on the glass, and fantasy managers had some things to work with on Thursday. Giddey played 28 minutes against the Trail Blazers, and it feels like he’s unlikely to get back into the 30s again this season. Rob Dillingham (5/2/5/3 with one three-pointer) played 23 minutes off the bench, and his opportunities may increase as the Bulls play out the string.

Richards was excellent against Portland, recording his first double-double of the season in 27 minutes off the bench. He played so well that Bulls head coach Billy Donovan inserted him into the lineup to begin the third quarter, with Guerschon Yabusele (six points, five rebounds, one assist and one block) being moved to the bench. With Jalen Smith (calf) out for the foreseeable future, Richards would be worth the risk in deep leagues if he can hold onto that starting center role.

Injuries to Anfernee Simons and Jaden Ivey have essentially preserved Jones’ minutes, and he’s still capable of providing value when allowed to surpass 25 minutes. The Bulls’ guard logged 27 minutes against the Trail Blazers and replaced Collin Sexton (10 points, three assists, one steal and two three-pointers) in the lineup to begin the third quarter. While unlikely to be a factor in 12-team leagues, Jones is still holding on in some deeper formats.