NBA Player News

Due to the Lakers being down multiple rotation players, Len received the starting nod in Brooklyn. Unfortunately, it went the way many fantasy managers likely anticipated it going. Len provided minimal value during his time on the court, which was limited to 13 minutes due to his struggles. Jarred Vanderbilt (7/6/2/1 with one three-pointer) played 27 minutes off the bench and may be in for an expanded role for the remainder of the Lakers’ road trip. And if Jaxson Hayes can return from his injury soon, there will be even fewer opportunities for Len. Leave him on the waiver wire.

Eason has been inactive since he suffered a strained oblique during a November 14 game against the Trail Blazers. Getting him back would help the Rockets defensively and on the glass, and he’s capable of offering reliable category league value once the minutes are there.

Initially questionable for Sunday’s game with a sprained right ankle, Alexander-Walker’s status has been upgraded. He’ll continue to serve as the starting point guard, as Trae Young is not ready to return from the knee injury that he suffered in late October. Alexander-Walker should be rostered in 12-team leagues.

Batum was the lone Clippers player to not practice on Sunday, as he is still dealing with an illness. The veteran forward should be considered questionable for Monday’s game against the Grizzlies, and his availability does not have a significant impact on fantasy basketball.

Porziņģis has missed seven of Atlanta’s last eight games, with most of the absences occurring due to illness. While it’s unknown if this current situation is connected to the illness that short-circuited the end of his 2024-25 season with the Celtics, this is concerning enough that the Hawks have decided to shut Porziņģis down for at least two more weeks. Fantasy managers should continue to stash him in an IL+ slot, and Onyeka Okongwu will remain Atlanta’s starting center. He’s already rostered in most leagues regardless of format.

Both Payton II and Curry have seen rotational minutes off the bench this season, but neither has seen enough run to be worth a look in standard fantasy leagues. Their potential absences could free up more playing time for the likes of Gui Santos, Pat Spencer and Will Richard, though none of those players are worth streaming.

Jarrett Allen will reclaim his starting spot, and Dean Wade will replace Jaylon Tyson in the first unit. Tyson is still expected to see meaningful minutes off the bench, and he should be held in fantasy leagues, especially with Evan Mobley out for multiple weeks.

With Charlotte thin in the frontcourt, James will run with the first unit on Sunday. He’s a serviceable streamer for managers in need of guard stats, and he should handle a sizeable workload while LaMelo Ball, Tre Mann and Collin Sexton are out.

Salaün should handle his usual role off the bench. He’s been productive this season, but he hasn’t done enough to be worth rostering in standard fantasy leagues.

Nembhard should handle his usual workload, while T.J. McConnell will back him up. Bradley’s availability won’t impact Indiana’s rotation, and thus, it won’t have any impact in the realm of fantasy hoops.

Schroder was listed as doubtful on Saturday evening, but he’s now got a chance to take the court against the Timberwolves. If he’s available, Schroder could step back into the starting five, shifting Russell Westbrook back to the bench. Malik Monk and Keon Ellis (available) could also see a reduction in playing time.