NBA Player News

Having been passed in the rotation by AJ Green (6/3/4 with two three-pointers in 19 minutes), one can argue that Connaughton desperately needed a day like Sunday, regardless of the strength of the two teams on the court. Not only did he establish a new career-high point total, but this was also his first game with at least 25 points. Connaughton shot over 50 percent from the field and was also productive in the rebound, assist and steals categories. His role in Milwaukee’s first-round series against the Pacers will likely be limited, but Sunday’s effort should boost Connaughton’s confidence.

Jackson started and played 27 minutes against the Kings on Wednesday. The 21-year-old power forward could be one of the main beneficiaries of the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade as he’s consistently shown he can produce when given the opportunity. Jackson has scored in doubled figures in six of his last seven games. He and the rest of the Grizzlies take on the Trail Blazers on Friday.

Fantasy managers who have Collins on their rosters received solid value in points, rebounds and percentages, but nothing else. With James Harden no longer in the picture and it being unclear when Darius Garland (toe) will be healthy enough to play, Collins should have more opportunities to score. However, this won’t do much for his fantasy value if he puts up relatively empty stat lines like the one he recorded on Wednesday.

Leonard once again led the way offensively for the Clippers, but he didn’t have much help in the first game since James Harden was traded to the Cavaliers. And with new addition Darius Garland recovering from a toe injury, Leonard will be required to do even more of the heavy lifting. The Clippers don’t own their 2026 first-round pick, as it goes to Oklahoma City as part of the Paul George trade. One would think this would dissuade the Clippers from tanking, but Garland’s injury timeline may factor into the path the team takes.

Even though the Cavaliers didn’t have James Harden for Wednesday’s game, Schröder’s role in his debut for the team was not far removed from what he’ll be asked to do once the team is whole. He played 19 minutes, a number that may decrease once Harden is worked into the rotation, and offered decent value. Schröder can provide a spark off the bench as he did for the Pistons last season, but that won’t do much for fantasy managers.

While Ellis did play 20 minutes or more in each of his final four appearances with the Kings, he was not a consistent member of Doug Christie’s rotation. That may not be an issue in Cleveland, given the Cavaliers’ need for another defensive-minded guard. Ellis only recorded one steal on Thursday, and he’ll have limited fantasy upside in his new home. However, consistent playing time should not be a major issue, which is key for a player who will be an unrestricted free agent in the summer.

Mitchell and the Cavaliers took care of the Clippers with relative ease, winning the first quarter by a 36-18 margin and not looking back. How the partnership between him and James Harden works out remains to be seen, since The Beard wasn’t available, but adding Harden to the mix should alleviate some of the playmaking pressure on Mitchell. The hope is that Harden will make his Cavaliers’ debut on Saturday against the Kings.

Sabonis hadn’t played in almost a week due to a back injury. While the 29-year-old power forward only played 24 minutes against the Grizzlies on Wednesday, he played well considering the amount of time off. Sabonis had a double-double with at least 20 points, which he hadn’t had since January 23 against the Cavaliers. He’s provided seventh-round per game value over the last two weeks. The Kings have two more games this week, starting with a matchup against the Clippers on Friday.

The Knicks have added to their backcourt, taking a chance on a 2022 first-round pick who will be a free agent in the summer. Terry could never carve out a consistent role for himself in Chicago, and he’s unlikely to find that in New York. It should be noted that Miles McBride has missed the last four games due to a left ankle injury, and there’s concern that he could be out for an extended period. Yet, even with that being the case, Terry’s addition does not move the needle in fantasy basketball.

While Jerome continues to start, he’s only playing about 20 minutes per game right now. The 28-year-old point guard is still putting up the numbers. Jerome had at least 19 points and at least six assists in his last two games before dropping 28 points with seven assists against the Kings on Wednesday. The Grizzlies have two more games this week, starting with a matchup against the Trail Blazers on the road on Friday.

Signed to a two-year deal last summer with a player option for the 2026-27 season, Yabusele’s fit with the Knicks was awkward. While he began the season playing rotation minutes, his playing time decreased from December onward. As was the case in New York, consistent playing time won’t be guaranteed in Chicago, even with the Bulls’ lack of interior depth. Yabusele’s move does not affect fantasy basketball.