NBA Player News

After failing to acquire Mark Williams, the Lakers were left without much positional depth at center, and Len will help to correct that. He and Jaxson Hayes will likely share minutes, hurting the fantasy value of both. Len doesn’t need to be added in most leagues, and he would only be a viable fantasy option if he earned full-time starter minutes. Wood’s departure won’t impact fantasy hoops, but he could be worth a look if he lands in the right situtation.

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Tuesday that Giddey would be out a “few weeks,” but we’ve now got a more tangible timeline. Giddey’s extended absence will free up plenty of opportunities for Tre Jones, and Jones is worth adding off the waiver wire wherever he’s available.

Both players are expected to handle their normal workloads off the bench, which means less run for Quenton Jackson and Kam Jones.

Young sat out Monday, and he’ll be out for a second straight game. Nickeil Alexander-Walker is expected to remain in the starting lineup. He posted a monster 30/4/5/2/1 line with six triples on Monday against the Thunder.

Knueppel will reclaim his spot in the starting lineup after sitting out on Monday, and Sexton will replace the injured Miles Bridges.

Allen will miss a seventh straight game to end the calendar year, which means Royce O’Neale should remain in the starting lineup. Collin Gillespie, however, has been the biggest beneficiary of Allen’s absence.

Connaughton will shake his questionable tag, but his availability is of little consequence to fantasy managers due to his limited role off the bench.

While Plumlee is sidelined, Moussa Diabaté should continue to see big minutes until Ryan Kalkbrenner (elbow) returns. PJ Hall will likely be Diabaté’s backup and see rotational minutes while Kalkbrenner is sidelined.

Bridges injured his right ankle on Monday against the Bucks, and the injury will cost him at least one game. Kon Knueppel (ankle) is back in action, but the Hornets could give more minutes to Tidjane Salaun, Collin Sexton and potentially Sion James to make up for the absence of Bridges.

Knueppel will return following a one-game absence, which should send Sion James back to the bench after a spot start against the Bucks. Fantasy managers can get Knueppel back into lineups for the New Year’s Eve slate.

A double-figure scorer in two straight and four of his last six appearances, Clifford recorded a season-high point total on Tuesday. And it’s worth noting that the rookie did not have to wait until “garbage time” to put up his points. Clifford shot 6-of-8 from the field in the first three quarters and finished a steal shy of a complete stat line. One solid performance does not make him a player worth adding, but Clifford is undoubtedly someone who would have added value if the Kings move some of their veterans before the February trade deadline.