NBA Player News

The Pistons remain without Cade Cunningham, but Duren is back after sitting out Saturday’s loss to the Nets. Due to his return, James Wiseman heads to the bench, considerably lowering his fantasy ceiling. Sasser continues to start for Cunningham and is worth holding onto throughout the final week of the regular season.

Landale will be back after a one-game absence. Santi Aldama started in his place, but more often than not recently, Aldama has come off the bench, while Landale has started. That will likely happen against Charlotte, though even if it doesn’t, both players should play enough to provide standard league value.

Sochan could miss Wednesday’s game, but even when he’s been available recently, the former top-10 pick hasn’t seen the floor often. His potential absence won’t have much of an impact on the team’s rotation.

Contract details weren’t disclosed, though the extension is believed to be for four years. The 55-year-old front office executive has been the Clippers’ president since 2017 and took home the Executive of the Year award in 2020. Frank has navigated through some difficult issues already this season. The team drew criticism for his decision to send Chris Paul home in early December as well as the allegations that the organization circumvented the NBA’s salary cap rules by arranging a no-show job for superstar Kawhi Leonard. Frank and the Clippers have come out on the other side winning 15 of their last 18 games, making it the right time to announce his extension that had been in the works for awhile, according to Vardon.

Livingston signed a two-way deal with Cleveland at the beginning of the season, but he only suited up in three games and played more than 5 minutes in just one of those. He’ll continue to spend his time in the G League, though he’ll have to look elsewhere for a two-way deal.

Hunter has missed Cleveland’s last two games, but he is expected to return to take on Los Angeles. However, with Sam Merrill (illness) also probable, and Jaylon Tyson playing well, Hunter will likely continue to play a role off the bench that won’t be large enough for him to make an impact for fantasy managers.

Middleton missed Saturday’s game against Charlotte, which allowed Will Riley to start in his place and log 23 minutes. Middleton will be back, which will push Riley back to the bench, eliminating the streaming value he held.

Risacher has been out for the better part of the last month with a knee injury. That absence will extend to Wednesday’s game against the Celtics. With Risacher still out, Corey Kispert and Vit Krejčí will continue to see extra minutes, though neither are worth rostering in most fantasy leagues.

Edwards missed Monday’s game against Golden State, and there is a chance he remains out against Dallas. Mike Conley started in his place, but Bones Hyland was far more productive off the bench. Hyland would be the better streaming option if Edwards remains out.

Merrill has missed the last six games with a hand injury, but is poised to make his return Wednesday against the Lakers. The 29-year-old shooting guard could be more involved in small-ball lineups with Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (calf) sidelined.

Boucher will be available after missing Monday’s game against Portland. He hasn’t been part of the rotation, but with Neemias Queta (illness) listed as doubtful, he could fill some of the backup minutes down low.