NBA Player News

Two days removed from scoring 20 points in a loss to the Mavericks, Walker pumped in 17 more against the Hawks on Friday. While the circumstances are suboptimal, the third-year forward is in a spot where he can provide consistent fantasy value. Before Friday’s game, the Pacers announced that Obi Toppin (foot) will be out until February, joining the team’s lengthy injury list. Walker’s only rostered in 13 percent of Yahoo! leagues, which is too low given the current state of Indiana’s roster. Add him before the Pacers host the Warriors on Saturday.

Ware’s hamstring will keep him out of Tuesday’s game, which is the second in as many nights for the Heat. Starter Bam Adebayo may see his playing time increase slightly due to the lack of healthy bigs on the Heat roster.

Richard is available after initially being listed as questionable. The rookie has started Golden State’s last two games and could make a third straight start, as Jimmy Butler (knee) suffered a season-ending ACL tear during Monday’s win over the Heat.

The Rockets lost Steven Adams to a Grade 3 ankle sprain during Sunday’s win over the Pelicans, opening up a spot in the starting lineup. While Tari Eason (ankle) is available after a five-game absence, he’ll come off the bench, with Okogie receiving the starting nod.

Christie was initially listed as questionable with abdominal soreness, but he’s ultimately available for Tuesday’s game against the Bulls. The 20-year-old guard recently drew praise from coach Ty Lue for his “elite defense.” Christie should continue to play a minimal role off the bench and thus isn’t worth rostering in most fantasy leagues.

Counting Tuesday’s game against the Rockets, Vassell has missed San Antonio’s last 12 games with a strained left adductor. While Johnson’s update was positive, the Spurs’ wing does not have a return timeline. Julian Champagnie has been a solid streaming option as Vassell’s replacement in the starting lineup.

With Tuesday being Philadelphia’s second game in as many nights, Joel Embiid not playing was expected. He’ll be replaced in the lineup by Drummond, with Adem Bona picking up additional minutes off the bench. Also, Oubre gets another start with Paul George missing a second straight game.

George will miss a second consecutive game, as he did not play in Monday’s win over the Pacers. Kelly Oubre Jr. was productive as the spot starter and should retain that role. Oubre is worth streaming in deep leagues when allowed to start.

While Giddey will miss another game, he is progressing and could be available for Thursday’s game against the Timberwolves. Tre Jones will remain in the starting lineup, which raises his fantasy ceiling.

Adams left Sunday’s game against the Pelicans with an ankle injury and didn’t return. While X-rays were negative, Udoka told reporters Tuesday that Adams is dealing with a Grade 3 ankle sprain and he’s out indefinitely. With Adams sidelined, Tari Eason will move back into the starting lineup and Clint Capela could move into the rotation as the backup center.

Eason is returning from a five-game absence due to an ankle injury. With Steven Adams (ankle) now set to miss extended time, Eason should slide right back into the starting lineup against the Spurs on Tuesday.