NBA Player News

A pest defensively throughout the Western Conference Finals, Dort picked a good time to hit double figures for the first time in this series. He dropped four high-arcing three-pointers on Wednesday, and the 12 points are the most he’s scored since Game 5 of Oklahoma City’s second-round series against the Nuggets. Regardless of who the Thunder play in the NBA Finals, Dort will be the first line of defense against the opposing team’s best perimeter player. That will either be Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton or New York’s Jalen Brunson.

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.

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.