NBA Player News

Lopez ended two separate dry spells during Saturday’s NBA Cup semifinal, much to the delight of fantasy managers. In addition to blocking two shots after three straight games without one, the veteran center reached double figures in points for the first time since November 30. With decreased production in those categories, Lopez is ranked outside the top 200 over the past two weeks. He’ll look to build on Saturday’s effort when the Bucks play in Tuesday’s NBA Cup final.

Middleton had been questionable with an illness, but he seems healthy enough to suit up. It remains to be seen how many minutes ge does play, but he could push Bub Carrington to the bench if the Wizards wanted to play a bigger lineup.

This will be Coulibaly’s fourth straight missed game. The 21-year-old has only played in 25 games this season as he’s battled multiple injuries. Bub Carrington should continue to start with Justin Champagnie playing the sixth man role off the bench.

Giddey has missed the last 11 games with a hamstring strain, with the Bulls going 6-5 in his absence. The 23-year-old has been tremendous this season, averaging almost a triple-double. His return would likely push Tre Jones back to the bench and cut into Ayo Dosunmu’s usage.

Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley said Suggs “came up OK after yesterday’s work,” so it doesn’t sound like the 24-year-old will be out too much longer. Orlando will see how he feels tomorrow and go from there. His next chance to return will be Saturday at home against the Cavaliers.

While Monk still hasn’t reached the point where he can be considered in some 12-team leagues, the good news is that he’s getting consistent rotation minutes. He’s played at least 19 minutes in seven of his last eight appearances, a stretch in which Monk’s shot 50.6 percent from the field. Unfortunately, there hasn’t been much defensive production, which limits Monk’s fantasy potential. For whatever reason, Kings head coach Doug Christie has essentially decided that only one of Monk or Keon Ellis (DNP-CD) can be in the rotation on any given night. It has been Monk’s turn recently, but that could change at any time.

Since scoring 20 points in each of his first two games back after being sidelined by a sprained ankle, LaVine has just one 20-point effort over his last eight appearances. Since returning, the veteran wing has been a ninth-round player in eight- and nine-cat formats. That doesn’t align with LaVine’s ADP (61), but things could be a lot worse for those who have him rostered.

Westbrook led the Kings in scoring on Wednesday, but this was also his first game with three assists or fewer in over two weeks. This was also his first game with more turnovers (four) than assists (three) since November 26. The good news for fantasy managers is that Westbrook has been a third-round player in eight-cat formats over the past two weeks, continuing to exceed expectations.

While Immanuel Quickley (18/6/8/2 with one three-pointer) continues to lead the way for the Raptors’ guards, Shead has provided valuable contributions in the aftermath of RJ Barrett’s ankle injury. The second-year guard has scored in double figures in three of his last four games, and at least six assists accompanied each of those double-digit efforts. Shead isn’t a must-stream player, but he’s worth watching for the time being.

While Jakob Poeltl (back) and Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb) being out for Tuesday’s win over the Warriors did not result in Mamukelashvili starting then, he was in the lineup for Wednesday’s game against the Kings. And Mamu came through with one of his best games of the season, with the 22 points being two shy of his season-high. Add in the rebounds and assists, and Mamu provided a reminder why he should be rostered in deep leagues. With Poeltl having returned to Toronto to get his back examined, Murray-Boyles is considered to be day-to-day. If he remains out, Mamukelashvili will be worth picking up for Friday’s game in Portland.

For the first time since the first few days of January, Ingram has scored at least 22 points in consecutive games. And even with the limited defensive production, he has been one of the most valuable players in fantasy basketball over the past two weeks, providing third-round value in eight- and nine-cat formats. Ingram and the Raptors play two more road games to end Week 14, starting on Friday in Portland.