NBA Player News

Caldwell-Pope had a brutal series, scoring no more than eight points in any of the five games. The veteran wing shot 6-of-23 from beyond the arc, which isn’t good enough for a team that lacked consistent scorers beyond Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Signed last summer with the hope that he could be a veteran voice who could also provide 3-and-D value, Caldwell-Pope underwhelmed in his first season with the Magic. He finished the regular season ranked outside the top-150 in eight- and nine-cat formats in category leagues, but KCP was close to a top-100 option in points leagues. At best, he’ll be worthy of late-round consideration in 12-team leagues next fall.

Powell will sit out a fourth straight game while dealing with an upper respiratory illness, and his next chance to take the court will come on Tuesday. With the fantasy playoffs wrapping up for many managers on Sunday, Powell can be dropped. Pelle Larsson should fill in for him once again.

To no one’s surprise, Claxton and Clowney have been upgraded to available after getting a probable designation on Thursday. Expect the pair to handle their normal workloads against Atlanta.

KAT is dealing with right elbow impingement, and his late addition to the injury report doesn’t bode well for his status against Chicago. If Towns is forced to sit this one out, Robinson would replace him in the starting five, making him a reliable Friday streaming option.

Brunson and Deuce will be available after sitting out Wednesday, and both should handle their typical workloads. Jose Alvarado, Tyler Kolek and Jordan Clarkson should all see their minutes reduced with New York’s top two point guards available.

Jones’ status has been upgraded from questionable, and he’s on track to take the court against New York. With Josh Giddey (hamstring) expected to play, Jones should occupy his usual role as the Bulls’ backup point guard.

Giddey sat out Wednesday’s loss to Indiana, but he’s expected to return following that one-game absence. Collin Sexton could shift back to the bench, but Sexton has provided standalone value with Giddey on the court.

Collins has reached double figures in three consecutive games, a solid run for a player who totaled 13 points in the three games prior. However, his point total has decreased in each of the Clippers’ last three games. And his production took on added importance when Isaiah Jackson went down with a high ankle sprain. The backup center minutes now belong to Collins, resulting in his and Brook Lopez’s (six points, six rebounds, three assists and one block) minutes being staggered more than before Jackson’s injury. Jackson will be re-evaluated in one week, which means Collins will continue to have added importance.

On a night when Darius Garland (11/2/3/1/1 with one three-pointer) shot 5-of-17 from the field, Leonard could not do enough to drag the Clippers over the finish line. The veteran forward finished with yet another 20-point game, and most fantasy managers will take the final stat line. And they’ll also hope to see Leonard finish Week 23 on a high note, as the Clippers visit the Kings on Sunday.

Harper has scored in double figures in seven consecutive games, his longest run of the season. The rookie guard shot 66.7 percent from the field against the Clippers, and he dished out five assists for the second consecutive game. Harper’s name has not come up as often in Rookie of the Year conversations, but he has fit in nicely with the Spurs’ roster. San Antonio ends its Week 23 in Denver on Saturday.

With no Victor Wembanyama (ankle), the Spurs needed a group effort on the glass to take care of the Clippers. And they got it, with Vassell and Julian Champagnie (13/8/4/2 with one three-pointer) leading the way. Vassell’s double-double was his first of the season, and he also shot 3-of-8 from beyond the arc. Due to the strength of the Spurs’ rotation, Vassell boasts a lower fantasy ceiling than in seasons past. Still, his perimeter shooting ability makes him a valuable option in most leagues.