NBA Player News

The Pacers have only used two of their three two-way contracts for the 2025-26 season, and Freeman is among the players in Las Vegas competing for the final spot. His performance against the Thunder was a step in the right direction, with the former Kent State standout recording a double-double on 80 percent shooting from the field. Freeman played in 22 games for the Pacers as a rookie, and he isn’t someone worth considering in fantasy drafts. But, a good run in Las Vegas could get him another two-way deal or an Exhibit 10 that would guarantee him a training camp invite.

Holland was away from the Pistons for the team’s last two games before the All-Star break for personal reasons. While he isn’t a center, his return may help the Pistons account for the absences of Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart, who are both suspended.

Vukčević did not play in the Wizards’ final game before the All-Star break, but he will be available on Thursday. He’ll figure prominently in the center rotation, likely as the starter, since Alex Sarr (hamstring) is out for at least one more week.

Injured during a February 6 loss to the Cavaliers, Hunter missed Sacramento’s final two games before the All-Star break. He came off the bench in that contest, with Daeqwon Plowden starting. However, Plowden did not remain in the starting lineup, and there’s no need to consider streaming him, especially with Keegan Murray (ankle) on track to return.

Murray, who has only appeared in 19 games this season, has been out since January 4 with a sprained left ankle. While he’s expected to play on Thursday, fantasy managers should anticipate the forward being under a minutes restriction. Precious Achiuwa could be bumped to the bench, especially with the Kings’ lack of healthy post players.

Cardwell, an undrafted rookie who played well enough to earn a standard contract, sprained his left ankle during Tuesday’s practice. He’s the second center the Kings have lost recently, with starter Domantas Sabonis (knee) undergoing season-ending surgery. With Maxime Raynaud locked in as the starting center, the Kings will likely rely on Precious Achiuwa to take on the backup responsibilities.

Gardner has played well for Miami this season, filling in for multiple injured teammates and making the most of his opportunities. The two-way man out of Little Rock will earn a standard deal thanks to his quality production.

Sabonis, who missed the Kings’ last four games before the All-Star break with a back injury, had been dealing with a partially torn meniscus suffered in mid-November. Per Wednesday’s report, the veteran center has already undergone the surgical procedure to repair the tear and is done for the season. Sabonis only played in 19 games this season, averaging 15.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 0.9 steals in 29.7 minutes. With Dylan Cardwell (ankle) out for at least four weeks, the Kings will rely even more on Maxime Raynaud in the middle. The second-round pick is a must-add player.

Both players sat out Brooklyn’s last game before the All-Star break, and both will be back against Cleveland. Expect MPJ and Clowney to handle their usual workloads, which means less playing time for Danny Wolf, Terance Mann and Ziaire Williams.

Okoro did not play in the Bulls’ final game before the All-Star break, as he was dealing with a sore left knee. His return will likely push Patrick Williams back to the bench. Williams should only be rostered in dynasty leagues.

Claxton missed Brooklyn’s last game before the All-Star break with a hip injury, but an ankle injury will keep him out for the first game after the break. With Claxton sidelined, Day’Ron Sharpe should join the starting lineup, and he offers high upside for “silly season.” Fantasy managers in need of big man stats should add Sharpe immediately.