NBA Player News

Nembhard will be good to go after a one-game absence against Washington on Friday. Ben Sheppard started in his place, but he’ll head back to the bench with Nembhard back. T.J. McConnell should still fill out the backup point guard minutes, so he shouldn’t be impacted much.

Aldama spearheaded an impressive effort from the Memphis reserves in this one as the Grizzlies got a staggering 69 bench point, including double-digit performances from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Jock Landale and Cam Spencer, to power the club to their seventh win over their last nine games. Aldama’s unexpected offensive surge helped make up for the absence of scoring machine Ja Morant, who sat this one out with a lingering calf injury. The Grizzlies have just one game next week when they face the Jazz on Friday night.

Grant was one of the few bright spots for the Trail Blazers in this one as he still managed to eclipse the 20-point threshold despite shooting just 31 percent from the floor, including 2-of-8 from three-point range. He did most of his damage at the charity stripe, knocking down 9-of-10 from the line. The 31-year-old forward has been hot of late, averaging 21.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 0.8 steals and 1.0 blocks over his last four games. Portland has a light two-game week on tap with matchups against the Pelicans and Warriors.

Edey snapped out of his recent cold spell by recording his fifth double-double of the season, pulling down 10 boards in just 21 minutes before fouling out with just over six minutes left in a lopsided affair against the struggling Trail Blazers. The 23-year-old center is averaging 13.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.6 steals and 1.9 blocks through 11 games this season. He’s performing at a near-elite level for fantasy purposes when he’s on the floor.

Avdija has been excellent over the past two weeks, averaging 27.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.4 blocks over a seven-game span during that timeframe, delivering fourth-round fantasy value in the process. The 24-year-old got to the line just three times in this one after recording double-digit free throw attempts in each of his previous five games. Despite his recent hot streak, Portland has lost five of its last six and 10 of their last 13 overall.

Wells has been exceptional over the past two weeks, topping 15 points in six of his last seven games during that span, averaging 18.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 0.9 steals during that span. The 22-year-old guard continues to play big minutes with Ja Moran sidelined with a calf injury and should be rostered in most fantasy leagues at this juncture.

McNeeley enjoyed his best outing of the season on Sunday, recording new highs in points and three-pointers. The rookie wing hit three triples in the first half, giving the Hornets a welcome spark off the bench. Unfortunately, McNeeley suffered a left quad contusion during the second half, spending some time on the sideline with a heating pad on his thigh. The Hornets won’t play again until Friday; hopefully, that’s enough time for McNeeley to get back to full strength.

With LaMelo Ball and Collin Sexton unavailable due to injury, Bridges spent more time on the ball as a playmaker on Sunday. That factored into him dishing out a season-high eight assists, finishing two helpers and a rebound shy of a triple-double. Sunday’s performance occurred at a good time for Bridges and those who have him rostered, as he’s ranked outside the top-200 in nine-cat per-game value over the past two weeks. He’ll look to build on Sunday’s showing in Week 8, with the Hornets playing on Friday and Sunday.

Miller had a rough night inside the arc, making just one of his nine two-point attempts. However, a respectable 40 percent mark from three boosted his point total, and he did finish with a complete stat line. The five assists were the most he’s recorded in a game since the season opener, when Miller dished out seven helpers against the Nets. Staying healthy has been an issue for him this season, so the extra time off due to the NBA Cup may benefit Miller. Charlotte plays games on Friday and Sunday during Week 8.

With the Hornets being down multiple point guards, most notably starter LaMelo Ball, Simpson made his first start of the season on Sunday. While he finished with a respectable stat line, the assist category was lacking. Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges spent more time on the ball, which helped them combine to dish out 13 assists. Charlotte does not play its first game of Week 8 until Friday, so there isn’t much need to add Simpson after his showing on Sunday.

Jokić fell one rebound shy of a triple-double, but fantasy managers will undoubtedly take the final line that he produced in Charlotte. The Nuggets center remains the best player in fantasy basketball, regardless of league format. And the break in the schedule due to the NBA Cup should do Jokić some good, as the Nuggets don’t play again until Thursday against the Kings. And with Domantas Sabonis (knee) sidelined, that stands to be another big night for The Joker.