NBA Player News

While Avdija recorded a complete stat line and kept the turnovers in check, committing two, he struggled with his shot in New Orleans. And that was with the Pelicans’ top defender, Herb Jones, getting ejected just before halftime. Over the past two weeks, Avdija has provided top-25 per-game value in eight-cat formats. That’s slightly higher than his season-long production, and the 6-foot-9 will possess a high fantasy ceiling as long as the Trail Blazers remain without Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson.

Pritchard shouldered the loin share of the scoring workload with franchise cornerstone Jaylen Brown sitting out due to illness, hoisting a team-high 24 shots and knocking down 4-of-9 from three-point range. The 27-year-old sharpshooter eclipsed the 30-point plateau for the first time since going off for a season-high 42 points back on November 30. He’s averaging 16 points, 4.8 rebounds and 6.4 assists over the past two weeks, delivering sixth-round fantasy value during that span. The Celtics are back in action on Monday when they host the floundering Pacers.

Ingram exceeded the 20-point plateau for the seventh time in eight games since the start of December as he continues to carry Toronto’s offense. The 28-year-old is averaging 28.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 0.8 steals over the past two weeks, contributing third-round fantasy value during that sample size. The Raptors will aim to get back on track with a quick turnaround when they face the Nets on Sunday in a road matchup.

While Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 38 points, Edgecombe was instrumental in the victory with 26 points of his own. The 20-year-old rookie guard is averaging 15.6 points per game, but has scored at least 20 points in four consecutive games. Edgecombe is providing top-100 value and exceeding his preseason draft position. Edgecombe and the 76ers are off until Tuesday, when they’ll take on the Nets.

Maxey has 68 points in his last two games after missing the two games prior with an illness. The 25-year-old point guard has now scored at least 30 points 14 times this year. Maxey has provided top-five per-game value in fantasy basketball leagues this season. The 76ers have three games in Week 10, starting with a matchup with the Nets on Tuesday.

Green received his marching orders early in the second quarter after picking up two technical fouls. He finished with four points, three rebounds, one assist and one blocked shot in eight minutes of play. The Warriors may have to rely on Gary Payton II a bit more in Green’s absence, but he won’t affect fantasy basketball.

In the aftermath of his sprained right MCL, Jones was given a recovery timeline that suggested he would not be able to return until sometime in January. While that could wind up being the case, Jones is ahead of schedule, according to his head coach. Lue confirmed last week that Jones was ahead of schedule, and Jones’ progression to 5-on-5 suggests he could be back in the lineup sooner rather than later. Jones’ availability affects John Collins the most, as he has been the replacement in the starting lineup.

Jones took a shot to the head during the first half of Saturday’s game. While he did return later in the second quarter, he was not on the floor to begin the third. And it has since been announced that Jones is done for the night. Jordan Poole replaced him in the lineup to begin the third quarter, and he could move into the starting five if Jones misses time.

The Trail Blazers won’t have Jerami Grant’s services for Saturday’s game, as he has been ruled out due to a sore left Achilles. Murray will fill the resulting void in the starting lineup. While the opportunity does raise his fantasy ceiling, Murray is not a must-stream player. Deni Avdija, Shaedon Sharpe, Toumani Camara and Donovan Clingan complete the starting five.