NBA Player News

Love has not been available since March 21, while Stevens has only appeared in three games this season. Their absences will not impact fantasy basketball, even with the Heat being without multiple rotation players.

Back in the rotation after sitting out Tuesday’s overtime loss to the 76ers, Caldwell-Pope enjoyed one of his best games of the season. A double-digit scorer in six of his last seven appearances, the veteran guard recorded his first 20-point game of the season on Friday. All that Caldwell-Pope’s stat line lacked was a blocked shot. However, despite how well he played against one of his former teams, KCP is not worth the risk in most leagues. Unless there’s a dire need for a “Hail Mary” on Sunday, there’s no need to pick him up ahead of the rematch with the Lakers to end Week 11.

While he didn’t offer great value as a scorer, Morant’s 11 assists were the most he’s had in a game since November 7 (13 vs. Dallas). Since returning from injury on December 26, the Grizzlies’ point guard has offered fifth-round per-game value in eight-cat formats. Morant certainly has the potential to be more productive, but many fantasy managers likely remain concerned due to the injury risk. The Grizzlies face the Lakers again on Sunday to end Week 11.

The good news for fantasy managers is that Jackson scored 25 points, making it four of the last five games that he’s scored at least 21 points. The bad news is that he didn’t do much else. Jackson landed in early foul trouble, picking up four before halftime. That affected how he went about his business, as evidenced by the lack of blocked shots. While Jackson has never been an excellent rebounder, grabbing just one is poor. Hopefully, he can bring more to the table in Sunday’s rematch to end Week 11.

Due to Rui Hachimura’s recent injuries, LaRavia has started four of the Lakers’ last six games. Nights like Friday are why he’s on the streaming radar in deeper leagues, and maybe a few standard leagues as well. The 21 points were the most he’s scored in a game since November 2, and LaRavia has been a top-75 player in eight-cat formats over the past two weeks. Rostered in nine percent of Yahoo! leagues, he’s worth picking up ahead of Sunday’s rematch.

James recorded his second 30-point game of the season on Friday, and fantasy managers will also find the rebounds and assists useful. Over the past two weeks, the 41-year-old has offered fifth-round per-game value in eight-cat formats, pushing his season-long value into the top-100. With Austin Reaves (calf) out for a few more weeks, the Lakers will have to rely even more on LeBron and Luka Dončić as they look to stay among the top teams in the Western Conference.

Dončić matched his season-high with 20 free-throw attempts, which boosted his overall points tally. He’s now scored at least 30 points in 18 of the 25 games he’s played, one reason why the Lakers’ guard has offered top-10 per-game value in eight-cat formats this season. Dončić and the Lakers will look to end Week 11 with another win over the Grizzlies on Sunday.

Raynaud, who has filled in for the injured Domantas Sabonis as Sacramento’s starting center, had a rather nondescript night in Phoenix. Unfortunately, that changed when the rookie center’s left knee was clipped by teammate Russell Westbrook while setting a screen late in the fourth quarter. Raynaud exited immediately after the injury, and the Kings would be in a tough spot if he had to miss time. Drew Eubanks would likely re-enter the starting lineup, while Dylan Cardwell may need to be recalled from the G League.

Wallace suffered a right knee contusion, which limited him to 14 minutes. The third-year guard finished with two points (1-of-4 FGs), three rebounds, one assist and two steals. If Wallace has to miss time, Aaron Wiggins is the most likely replacement in the starting lineup. Wiggins started the third quarter, finishing with 15 points (5-of-11 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), three rebounds, two assists, one block and three three-pointers in 27 minutes.

With Isaiah Hartenstein and Jaylin Williams out due to injury, Carlson has picked up rotation minutes over the last three games. After a solid effort in Wednesday’s blowout of the Trail Blazers, the second-year center recorded his second career double-double on Friday. While one must not read too much into what Carlson did against a depleted Warriors roster, all he can do is play against the players on the floor. There’s no need to add him right now, but he’s worth watching in the short term.

As Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said during his interview after Friday’s 37-point win, the Thunder are a different team when Holmgren is at his best defensively. And fantasy managers benefit as well. With Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) out, Oklahoma City needs more from Holmgren, and he answered the call on Friday. He’s recorded four double-doubles in his last five outings and totaled 16 blocks over his previous four. Over the past two weeks, Holmgren has provided top-20 per-game value in eight-cat formats.