NBA Player News

Kalkbrenner did not start Wednesday’s game, with Moussa Diabaté (two points, eight rebounds, two assists and one steal in 20 minutes) replacing him in the starting lineup. While the rookie still played more minutes, logging 25, his night ended prematurely due to a sprained left ankle. As a result, another start could be in the cards for Diabaté. As for who would round out the rotation if Kalkbrenner misses time, Tidjane Salaün (13 points, four rebounds, one steal and three three-pointers) was the choice to replace Diabaté after he picked up two early fouls, not Kalkbrenner.

When asked if Wembanyama could return against the Thunder Saturday, Johnson said, “Very much so.” He added that Wembanyama had a very intense workout Wednesday and his availability will depend on how he responds. Even if the 21-year-old center isn’t able to make it back on the floor this weekend, his return doesn’t seem far off, which is great news for fantasy managers.

Dončić had another excellent game, his second since missing two games to be present for the birth of his second child. The 26-year-old point guard dropped 35 points against the Spurs after recording his second triple-double of the season against the 76ers on Sunday. He’s been an elite fantasy option in recent weeks.

James, coming off a 29-point performance in a win over the 76ers on Sunday, was just as good but in different ways against the Spurs Wednesday. The 40-year-old was just two assists shy of a triple-double with 19 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists. After an eight-point performance against the Raptors last Thursday, LeBron turned back the clock as we’ve seen him do countless times over the course of his career.

Champagnie has played 29 minutes in each of the last two games since Stephon Castle returned from a hip injury. The 24-year-old small forward had played at least 35 minutes in three of the last five games before Castle returned. Castle played 27 minutes Wednesday, which will only increase with time and potentially cut into Champagnie’s minutes even more. He’s still worth holding in deeper formats for now, though.

Fox led the Spurs with a +21 in 31 minutes in the 132-119 victory over the Lakers on Wednesday. Stephon Castle, who returned from a hip injury Monday, played 27 minutes while Dylan Harper played 20 minutes off the bench. Castle’s minutes should only increase, meaning less of the offense will ultimately run through Fox, whose scoring is crucial with Victor Wembanyama (calf) still sidelined.

After playing on a minutes limit in his return from a hip injury Monday, Castle erupted with a massive game in the win over the Lakers on Wednesday. The 21-year-old shooting guard was just four assists shy of a triple-double, posting a 30/10/6 line. Castle, last year’s Rookie of the Year, still only played 27 minutes Wednesday. His minutes and fantasy value should only increase going forward.

It wasn’t the Suns’ night against the Thunder on Wednesday and no one incapsulated that better than Brooks. The 29-year-old shooting guard had 16 points on 16 shots and was a -47 in 26 minutes in the 49-point loss. It was a bad night against the defending champions and Brooks is in a bit of a slump going 11-of-36 over the last two games. He’s still had a productive season and should be rostered in most fantasy leagues.

Holmgren had his second game this season with at least four three-pointers, after making six three-pointers against the Hawks on October 25. The 23-year-old center has recorded at least eight rebounds in eight consecutive games as well. Holmgren also had at least 24 points in 25 minutes or less for the second consecutive game. He’s one of a few players on the Thunder that might have better numbers if the team didn’t have so many blowouts.

Allen had 10 points in 22 minutes before he was assessed a flagrant foul and ejected against the Thunder on Wednesday. The foul came when Allen shoved Chet Holmgren to the ground mid-play with the Suns trailing by 36 points midway through the third quarter. It’s unclear if the league will further punish Allen.

Gilgeous-Alexander showed once again that he’s one of the top players in the entire league on Wednesday. The 27-year-old point guard dropped 28 points on 15 attempts and only three free throws. The Suns were no match for the Thunder so Gilgeous-Alexander’s night was over after 27 minutes played. Oklahoma City is on an historic pace with a 24-1 record to begin the season.