NBA Player News

Gobert entered Wednesday’s game having reached double figures in scoring in four of the past five games. He didn’t make it five out of six on Wednesday, but the veteran center did hit double digits in rebounds for the first time since November 10. Due to decreased production in points and rebounds, Gobert’s fantasy value has slipped this season. However, while ranked outside the top-100 in eight-cat formats for the season, he’s been a sixth-round player over the past two weeks.

Mitchell is enjoying the best offensive season of his career, which has gone under the radar due to the Cavaliers’ struggles. He’s averaging a career-best 30.6 points per game while also shooting over 50 percent from the floor for the first time in his career. “Only” scoring 28 points in this game actually dropped his average slightly. He’ll keep pouring in the points to help the Cavs stay afloat until they get healthy.

Edey’s night was unspectacular from a fantasy basketball perspective. He didn’t dominate in any singular category, but was solid enough across the board to finish with mediocre production. He played 29 minutes in the game, battled on both ends, and ultimately finished as the Grizzlies’ leader in blocks in the win. They’ll play Sunday against the Trail Blazers, where fantasy managers will hope for more production out of Edey.

Tyson has been incredible as a starter during his second season in the NBA. He has been able to start more than expected due to various injuries, and he has taken advantage of the opportunity. In 14 starts this year, he is averaging 15.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.6 three-pointers per game. As long as he is starting, he should be considered a must-roster player in every format.

Spencer was one of several Grizzlies to produce off the bench on Friday in the win. In 29 minutes, he led all Grizzlies in assists and relied heavily on the three-point shot to finish as one of the team’s top scorers on the evening. The second-year guard out of UConn continues to be one of the NBA’s more productive scorers off the bench in recent weeks. He’s now scored in double figures seven straight times and remains a key contributor to Memphis’ recent strong play.

Vassell hasn’t been able to pour in the points consistently this year, but he’s still more than capable. He’s taken on more offensive responsibility lately, and he has scored at least 20 points in four of his last six games. His seven triples in this game matched his season high. Vassell’s production is down this year, but he has stepped up with Stephon Castle (hip) and Victor Wembanyama (calf) sidelined. As long as they’re out, he should continue to receive a boost in production.

Coward was dominant on Friday for the suddenly surging Grizzlies, who have won six of their last eight games. He used efficient scoring to tally his third 20-point outing of the season, but his most noteworthy contributions came on the glass, where he led all rebounders on the night en route to a new career-high. The rookie forward also tied a career-high in assists before finishing with his fourth double-double of the season. He continues to be a bright spot for the Grizzlies and should remain a productive player in fantasy leagues moving forward.

Fox has been able to provide late-game magic in multiple games recently to help lead the Spurs to wins, but he wasn’t able to get it done in this one. Still, he was able to turn in a strong line. Fox has now scored at least 25 points in four straight games and in nine of his last 10 appearances. He’ll continue to keep the Spurs afloat until Victor Wembanyama (calf) returns to the lineup.

Smith Jr. tallied another double-digit scoring performance, marking his 18th in 19 games this season — he didn’t get many looks at the rim on Friday but made the most of his opportunities. There wasn’t much production elsewhere for the fourth-year forward against Phoenix, but it wasn’t needed in the lopsided win. He’ll have a chance to find more production on Saturday against Dallas.

Following a four-game absence due to an illness, Porzingis was back in the rotation for this game. He came off the bench for the first time this season and only the second time in his career, which allowed Onyeka Okongwu to remain a starter. That likely isn’t a permanent change, since Porzingis was on a minutes restriction, but he thrived during his 20 minutes on the floor. This was the first of a back-to-back, and Porziņģis hasn’t played in both legs of a back-to-back this year.

Johnson became the first player in Hawks history to record a triple-double in a single half. He wasn’t quite as productive in the second half, but he was still able to set a new career high for assists and match his career high for rebounds. Johnson missed Wednesday’s game due to right calf tightness, and he was questionable to play in this one. It didn’t seem to bother him, but there is certainly a chance he is back on the injury report ahead of Saturday’s game against the Wizards since it is the second of a back-to-back.