NBA Player News

With the preseason ending on Friday and rosters needing to be finalized over the weekend, the Knicks are using Monday’s game as an opportunity to evaluate the players fighting for spots. None of the projected starters will play, and reserves Landry Shamet and Ariel Hukporti are out due to illness. Of the players starting on Monday, Brogdon and Dadiet are the ones to watch. The former is looking to lock down a roster spot, and if the Knicks keep two veterans, Dadiet’s name has been mentioned in trade rumors to make room.

Poole injured his ankle against the Nuggets on Wednesday, and given the quick turnaround, he’ll sit out the second leg of the back-to-back set. In his absence, Herb Jones and Benn Mathurin could take on expanded roles.

Tyson is a late addition to the injury report, which means he’s in danger of sitting out against Atlanta. If Tyson is ultimately ruled out, Sam Merrill and Mario Hezonja could see bumps in playing time.

With Rui Hachimura (quad) sidelined, the Clippers turned to Sanders to fill the void in the starting lineup. Beyond the steals, the production on Wednesday was limited. Sanders should only be rostered in extremely deep redraft leagues and dynasty leagues, even if Hachimura can’t play on Friday against the Timberwolves.

While Garland is shooting a respectable 46.3 percent from the field, turnovers have hurt his early-season value in nine-cat leagues. He committed five turnovers against the Lakers and is now averaging 5.8 per game. In four games, Garland has 26 assists and 23 turnovers. To be fair to Garland, he’s been playing through back tightness, according to Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue. And the hard fall he took on a layup attempt during the second half of Wednesday’s game didn’t help. Injuries have limited the Clippers’ rotation, and that may also explain Garland’s high turnover count.

Rostered in just 12 percent of Yahoo leagues, Jones is undervalued in category leagues. Against the Lakers, he recorded six “stocks” and shot 60 percent from the field. He’s now 10-of-18 from beyond the arc in four games. Will Jones sustain his current percentages from the field (57.6) and beyond the arc? Probably not. That said, he’s worth rostering while the Clippers await the returns of Brandon Ingram and Max Strus.

A double-digit scorer in each of his first three regular-season games, Wagler finished Wednesday’s defeat with his first 20-point game. The rookie took advantage of the foul line against the Lakers, scoring 10 of his 21 points at the charity stripe. However, Wagler continues to struggle from the field, shooting 31.6 percent. The good news for fantasy managers is that he’s found other ways to provide value, making him a player worth rostering for those willing to take the field-goal percentage hit.

After totaling 21 points in the Lakers’ first three games, Mamukelashvili has hit double figures in each of his last two. Against the Clippers, his perimeter shot wasn’t falling, as he missed all five three-point attempts. But Mamu was 6-of-10 from two, and he did a little of everything else. Despite the bench role, Mamukelashvili is worth rostering in deep leagues.

Grimes replaced the injured Luka Dončić (back) in the starting lineup on Wednesday, and he was excellent. He led all scorers with 23 points and added some assists and steals. Grimes shot 0-of-3 from beyond the arc, but he was over 50 percent from two. Even in his usual reserve role, Grimes is worth rostering in deeper leagues because the Lakers need scorers beyond Dončić and Austin Reaves, and he can fill that role.

Flemings came off the bench, played 28 minutes and had the best game of his young career so far. The 19-year-old rookie was impressive with 23 points on 12 attempts from the field and a full stat line. Flemings ended up playing more minutes than starter CJ McCollum, but don’t expect that to continue. Timing Flemings’ next outstanding performance will be difficult given his inconsistent playing time, making him more of a priority in dynasty formats.

Entering Wednesday, Thybulle was shooting 42.1 percent from three. His 4-of-5 night against the Clippers will increase that percentage, and fantasy managers can also benefit from the defensive stats. Given his play so far and the starting role, Thybulle should be rostered in deeper fantasy leagues.