NBA Player News

Markkanen and Finland did not have enough firepower to keep up with Germany, which won Friday’s semifinal by a 98-86 final score. Defended by Franz Wagner for most of the game, the Utah Jazz forward struggled to get clean looks. However, Markkanen made history during the loss, becoming the second Finnish player to reach 500 career points in EuroBasket. Finland’s first-ever semifinal appearance ended in defeat, but they still have a chance to medal. Finland will face the loser of Friday’s second semifinal between Greece and Türkiye for third place on Sunday.

The Magic improved to 6-0 on the season when Banchero, Desmond Bane and Anthony Black all have at least 20 points. They needed every bit of it to squeak by a Jazz team that rested its starters in the fourth quarter. Banchero was excellent, though, with 23 points, a full stat line and two three-pointers. He’s provided fifth-round per game value over the last two weeks, according to Basketball Monster. The Magic have four games in Week 17, starting with a matchup against the Bucks on Monday.

While other players on the Jazz are being removed after three quarters, Collier continues to play lots of minutes for Utah. The 21-year-old point guard has now played at least 30 minutes in four consecutive games, a timeline that overlaps with Keyonte George’s right ankle sprain. Until there’s concrete news that George is coming back, Collier should be rostered in all formats. In the last four games, he’s averaging 20.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 13.3 assists and 2.7 steals.

The Trail Blazers won’t have Deni Avdija or Shaedon Sharpe for Saturday’s game, so Cissoko moves into the starting lineup. While not usually worth the risk as a deep-league streamer, this may be the night to gamble on Sidy, given how shorthanded the Grizzlies are.

Wade was downgraded to doubtful on Saturday afternoon, so the final downgrade was expected. His absence opens a spot for James Harden, making head coach Kenny Atkinson’s decision for him on who would be pushed out of the starting lineup for The Beard.

Jackson and most of the starters curiously played 25 minutes or less. The Jazz led by seven entering the fourth quarter before sidelining the 26-year-old power forward and other veterans, which ultimately led to the three-point loss. Jackson’s fantasy upside will be limited if this kind of game management continues. While he played well when he was on the court, fantasy managers have to consider it a discouraging debut.

Jackson is the only starter who was in the lineup for Friday’s loss to Portland. Jerome is the best fantasy option among the four replacements, and he’s worth rostering in 12-team leagues. Caldwell-Pope and Anderson can offer deep-league streaming value, while fantasy managers should leave Mashack on the waiver wire.

The Kings won’t have Zach LaVine or Domantas Sabonis for Saturday’s game, leaving head coach Doug Christie with two spots to fill. Raynaud will continue to start with Sabonis out for another game, while LaVine’s place will be filled by Plowden. Of the two spot starters, Raynaud offers a higher fantasy upside.

Harden is set to make his Cavaliers’ debut. And to no one’s surprise, he will do so as a starter. Dean Wade is listed as probable, but he may have been the player selected to go to the bench if he were healthy. Tyson remaining in the starting lineup means he remains a player worth holding in 12-team leagues.

The Grizzlies will be down numerous rotation guards for Saturday’s game. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is available, so he should figure prominently in the rotation, whether he starts or comes off the bench. Also, look for Jahmai Mashack to get more opportunities after playing solid minutes in Friday’s loss to Portland.

Coward was initially listed as doubtful with shoulder soreness for Saturday’s game against the Trail Blazers, so his absence isn’t a surprise. There are a number of Grizzlies who could take on minutes vacated by Coward, which includes the newly acquired Kyle Anderson.