NBA Player News

With Sunday’s game being the last that Oklahoma City will play before Wednesday’s NBA Cup quarterfinal matchup with the Suns, Gilgeous-Alexander gets some extra time off. Ajay Mitchell, who has already been productive enough to merit being rostered in deeper leagues, will have 12-team league value for Sunday.

Young was assigned to the G League for a practice on Tuesday and has now been recalled to Atlanta, with the team set to practice on Wednesday. If Young’s knee responds well to a practice with the team, he could certainly make a return this weekend. They have a back-to-back on Thursday and Friday, so he’d likely only play in one of those games if he’s made available by then. If not, they host the Bulls on Sunday. Young may have his minutes limited in his first game back, but he has never come off the bench in his career, so Nickeil Alexander-Walker will likely return to a reserve role when the time comes. However, NAW saw plenty of usage early on before Young’s injury, so having Trae back in the lineup shouldn’t decimate his value. However, NAW, Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson will all take a slight usage hit when last season’s assists leader returns.

Wembanyama only played 25 minutes after playing 21 minutes in his first game back from a calf injury on Saturday. The 21-year-old power forward had an incredible stretch at the end of the third quarter where he scored 10 consecutive points. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough for the Spurs, who led by two at halftime, to secure a victory against the Knicks. Wembanyama and the Spurs will be back in action on Thursday against the Wizards.

Towns carried the Knicks to the NBA Cup final with a 29-point performance against the Magic on Saturday. He wasn’t the top offensive option for the Knicks Tuesday, but still came through with a double-double. The stats from the NBA Cup final don’t count for official records or fantasy stats, but the Knicks will be back in action Thursday against the Pacers, when the stats will count again.

Anunoby is averaging 16.2 points per game this season, but has now scored at least 21 points in three of his last four games. The 28-year-old small forward has made at least three three-pointers in three of his last four games as well. Anunoby’s shooting seems to be coming around since retiring from a hamstring injury. The Knicks have other offensive options, but Anunoby continues to show he’s reliable and has a higher offensive ceiling than he’s shown for most of the season so far.

Brunson didn’t light it up, but he got there on volume with 25 points on 27 field goal attempts. He uncharacteristically only attempted four free throws. The Knicks had excellent point guard play off the bench in this one as Jordan Clarkson and Tyler Kolek combined for 29 points off the bench. Brunson and the Knicks will be back in action on the road against the Pacers on Thursday.

Wembanyama still had 22 points and nine rebounds in 21 minutes in his return from a calf injury on Saturday against the Thunder. The 21-year-old’s minutes will look a lot like that again against the Knicks on Tuesday, according to Johnson. Luke Kornet started at center and played 24 minutes Saturday, but had just two points and eight rebounds.

Clarke could make his season debut Wednesday after recovering from right knee surgery. The 29-year-old power forward is listed as questionable, which at least gives him a chance of suiting up against the Timberwolves. Clarke could see rotation minutes with Zach Edey (ankle) sidelined if he’s available.

Morant has played in two straight games after missing time with a calf injury, but now finds himself on the injury report for Wednesday’s game against the Timberwolves. The 26-year-old point guard is questionable with a left ankle sprain. The good news is the injury isn’t expected to be a long-term issue for Morant. Cam Spencer would likely move into the starting lineup with Vince Williams seeing additional minutes off the bench if Morant is out.

Conley is set to miss his third consecutive game with right Achilles tendinopathy. Rob Dillingham played 12 minutes off the bench Sunday against the Kings with Conley out. Dillingham isn’t worth rostering in fantasy leagues even with Conley still sidelined.

Edwards has missed the last two games with a foot injury. The 24-year-old shooting guard wasn’t an active participant in Tuesday’s practice, though he did player development work off to the side. Timberwolves coach Chris Finch told reporters Edwards is progressing well and getting closer to playing. His questionable status at least gives him a chance of returning Wednesday. Bone Hyland had 18 points in 36 minutes against the Kings on Sunday and could move into the starting lineup again if Edwards remains sidelined.