NBA Player News

The move from Boston to Portland seems to have brought Holiday’s fantasy value back to life. He’s scored at least 21 points in three consecutive games, something the veteran guard did not do last season. Still rostered in just 54 percent of Yahoo! leagues, Holiday is providing third-round value in nine-cat formats. Of course, there’s the question of what will happen once Scoot Henderson returns from his hamstring injury, but fantasy managers should not worry about that right now. If Holiday is on your waiver wire, pick him up.

Brooks has been upgraded from questionable to available and will occupy his usual place in the starting lineup. Ryan Dunn misses out on a boost to his fantasy value; there is no need to roster him when Brooks is playing.

Booker is good to go after missing the Suns’ last four games with a strained groin. His return means that Collin Gillespie will be bumped to the bench, but he’s worth holding onto as long as Jalen Green (hamstring) remains out. Grayson Allen, Dillon Brooks, Royce O’Neale and Mark Williams complete the starting lineup.

Nurkić will get Monday night off, which means that Kyle Filipowski moves into the starting lineup. On track to be a “silly season” hero later in the year, Filipowski is worth streaming, especially on a five-game night.

Strawther last appeared in a game on November 15. Even if he’s cleared to play on Monday, the third-year wing will likely be under a minutes restriction. There’s no need to consider adding Strawther, even as the Nuggets continue to play without Christian Braun.

Russell did not play in Friday’s win over the Nets and will miss a second straight game. His absence does not affect fantasy basketball, as the Mavericks have relied on the combo of Ryan Nembhard and Brandon Williams at the point in recent games.

Gafford has missed Dallas’ last three games as he continues to struggle with a right ankle injury initially suffered during training camp. Dwight Powell has taken on the backup center duties in his absence and would continue to do so if Gafford can’t play on Monday.

Davis has a left calf contusion, casting some doubt on his availability for Monday’s game. With Daniel Gafford also questionable and Dereck Lively II done for the season, the worst-case scenario for the Mavericks would be having to rely on Dwight Powell and Moussa Cissé as their only options at the center position.

Payton’s absence will leave the Warriors down an option off the bench, but he does not impact fantasy basketball.

Hyland has been upgraded from questionable to available and will be back in the starting lineup. He’ll once again fill the void left by Anthony Edwards, who’s out with a foot injury. Hyland only played four minutes in Friday’s win over the Warriors, as he exited with a right knee contusion.

LaVine is back in the lineup after sitting out Thursday’s loss ot the Nuggets. His return means that Nique Clifford heads to the bench, where he provided minimal fantasy value at best. There may come a point later in the season when Clifford is worth rostering, but not now.