NBA Player News

After scoring 21 points on 7-of-21 shooting in losses to the Pistons and Warriors, Sharpe was better against the Knicks. Over the past two weeks, he has made 46.7 percent of his attempts from the field. However, improved rebound and assist production have been difference-makers for Sharpe recently. He’s averaging 6.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game, which is why he’s been a 10th-round player in eight-cat formats over the past two weeks. And with Jerami Grant’s inconsistent availability, Sharpe should continue to log starters’ minutes during the stretch run.

While he hasn’t been much of an asset in fantasy leagues since the All-Star break, Jones is capable of the occasional big night. Friday was one of those occasions, as he shot 6-of-6 from beyond the arc. The six triples matched Jones’ season-high, and this was his first 20-point effort since New Year’s Eve. Tyus’ hot shooting helped supplement Bradley Beal’s production, as he finished with 15 points, three rebounds, two assists, one steal and four three-pointers in 26 minutes. As long as Beal remains the preferred option to start, there won’t be much to gain from rostering Jones in most leagues.

Having fallen in the wing pecking order since late January, Dunn was able to start on Friday. And the rookie had a good night, racking up 16 points and four steals in 33 minutes. Dunn didn’t have a great night shooting the basketball, but the overall production was solid. Royce O’Neale was moved to the bench, finishing Friday’s win with nine points, three rebounds, one assist, two steals and three three-pointers in 21 minutes. While Dunn could be worth a look if he retains his place in the starting lineup, that isn’t guaranteed. And with the Suns only playing three games during Week 20, the schedule doesn’t work in his favor.

Suns center Mason Plumlee was not around for the second consecutive game for the conclusion. Tossed from Wednesday’s loss to the Rockets after getting into a wrestling match with Steven Adams, Plumlee was whistled for a Flagrant 2 during Friday’s game. His exit freed up minutes for Ighodaro, who recorded a solid stat line in his 32 minutes on the court. There’s no need to consider adding the rookie, who also benefitted from Nick Richards being out with an ankle injury. But he may have earned himself another opportunity to play rotation minutes in the near future.

Booker’s 13 assists were a season-high, and he finished Friday’s victory with his tenth double-double. The Suns guard, who has scored 22 points or more in four of his last five outings, has provided second-round value in eight-cat formats since the All-Star break. Booker will look to build on Friday’s performance when the Suns visit the Lakers on Sunday.

The Suns used a balanced offensive effort to take care of the Kings, with Durant and Devin Booker scoring 22 points apiece to lead the way. Fresh off of his first sub-20 point game in March, KD recorded a complete stat line in his 36 minutes on the court. Since the All-Star break, the Suns forward has been a first-round player in eight-cat formats, which aligns with his season-long value. The Suns end Week 19 in Los Angeles, as they’ll face the Lakers on Sunday.

Initially announced as a reserve, Sabonis was in the starting lineup in his first game back from a strained hamstring. The veteran center playing 30 minutes and recording a triple-double was a positive sign, and he has a couple of days to recover before the Kings return to action on Monday. Sabonis’ return pushed Jonas Valanciunas to the bench, and he finished with six points, five rebounds and two assists in 12 minutes. There’s no need to hold onto Valanciunas in shallow leagues, while standard league managers may be willing to exercise some patience.

After attempting 16 shots total in his prior two games, LaVine put up 13 on Friday. That wasn’t enough to get the Kings into the winner’s circle, but LaVine’s offensive output received a welcome boost. Since the All-Star break, he has been a fourth-round player in eight-cat formats. LaVine has provided consistent fantasy value since joining the Kings in early February, and that appears unlikely to change anytime soon. The Kings play four games during Week 19, starting with the Grizzlies on Monday.

DeRozan had a good night shooting the ball but provided little value outside of points and three-pointers. Friday’s game was his first of the season with a stat line this meager, which should give fantasy managers some solace. Since the All-Star break, DeRozan has been a fourth-round player in eight- and nine-cat formats. He’ll look to bring a bit more to the table during Sacramento’s four-game Week 20 slate.

Back in the lineup after missing time with calf and ankle injuries, Gordon recorded a solid stat line on Friday. He only attempted six shots from the field, but the 9-of-10 night from the foul line boosted the veteran forward’s point tally. The rebounds, assists and three-pointers will also be helpful to fantasy managers who missed Gordon’s production. While he has been an eighth-round player since the All-Star break, Gordon’s injuries have limited his impact.

Walker Kessler was technically available Friday, but he began the game on the bench and was a DNP-CD. That allowed Filipowski to move into the starting lineup, where he fared well against the Raptors. The 21-year-old power forward had 18 points on 11 shots including three 3-pointers and pulled down 11 rebounds to earn a double-double. Filipowski is going to continue to be a worthwhile streamer if the Jazz make a habit of holding Kessler out down the stretch.