NBA Player News

So much for Leonard’s proclamation after Friday’s win over the Pelicans that he was not restricted in any way. He’ll sit out Tuesday’s game against the reigning champs, the Clippers’ second game in as many nights. John Collins is a potential replacement in the starting lineup; he’ll have increased fantasy value even if he comes off the bench.

Initially questionable for Sunday’s game, Markkanen is officially out. His absence opens a spot in the starting lineup and significant usage, given his importance to the Jazz offense. Kyle Filipowski will move into the starting lineup alongside Jusuf Nurkić, raising his fantasy ceiling considerably. Also, look for Brice Sensabaugh and Taylor Hendricks to figure more prominently in the rotation.

Coming off of his worst offensive performance of the season in Friday’s loss to the Hornets, Ingram bounced back nicely on Sunday. He recorded his second 30-point game of the season and shot 55 percent from the field. While Ingram didn’t record any defensive stats, that isn’t a departure from the norm for him. He’s been consistently productive on offense and remained available, which has been great for him, the Raptors and fantasy managers. Toronto will play at least one game in Week 8, hosting the Knicks in an NBA Cup quarterfinal on Tuesday.

Sunday’s double-double was Queta’s second in five games and fifth of the season, as he continues to hold down the starting center role in Boston. Rostered in 38 percent of Yahoo! leagues, the 7-footer is providing top-75 value in nine-cat formats. While Queta may not be an elite fantasy center, he’s a suitable option for managers who need boosts in rebounds, blocks and field-goal percentage.

While White did not record any steals on Sunday, the three blocked shots were the most in a game for him since November 23. The Celtics guard continues to provide excellent category league value, ranking well within the top-50 in eight- and nine-cat formats. White will only have one game on the schedule for Week 8, with the Celtics visiting the Bucks on Thursday.

White finished Week 7 with an excellent stat line, making it three straight and six of the last seven games in which he’s scored at least 30 points. The Celtics star kept the turnovers in check on Sunday, making it two straight appearances with three miscues or fewer. Brown and the Celtics play once during Week 8, as they visit the Bucks on Thursday. While the schedule isn’t great for fantasy managers, it is for a player who dealt with hamstring issues earlier this season.

Sheppard will miss a second straight game after straining his calf during a December 3 loss to the Nuggets. How much time he’ll miss remains unknown. While Jarace Walker has made starts in the past, the Pacers went with Garrison Mathews for Friday’s game against the Bulls. Neither player is a must-roster option, but Mathews can provide three-point production as a starter.

James is good to go after sitting out Friday’s loss to the Celtics, which was the Lakers’ second game in as many nights. His return means that Jake LaRavia will come off the bench, lowering his fantasy ceiling.

Jones last appeared in a game on November 21, resulting in Saddiq Bey replacing him in the starting lineup. With Zion Williamson currently out, Bey will likely remain a starter even if Jones plays on Monday. That makes Bryce McGowens the player most likely to be dropped from the starting lineup. While McGowens has enjoyed some positive moments recently, his place within the rotation does not affect fantasy basketball.