NBA Player News

Okoro was back in the Bulls’ lineup after an eight-game absence. While it was announced before the game that he would be limited to 20 minutes, he wound up playing 26. The 15 points were four shy of his season-high, but the former lottery pick did not record any defensive stats in Charlotte. With Ayo Dosunmu (thumb) not seeing action, Patrick Williams picked up the slack off the bench, finishing with 16 points, five rebounds, one assist, one steal, one block and three three-pointers in 26 minutes. While both had encouraging nights at the office, neither Okoro nor Williams should be considered in most redraft leagues.

Harden played through a calf issue against the Grizzlies and had one of his least productive offensive outings of the season. He was held under 15 points for the third time all season failed to reach his season average in assists. The former MVP did add fantasy value by collecting at least three steals for the third game in a row. But needless to say, Monday’s performance didn’t meet the standard he’s set.

Dunn’s scoring production hinged largely on whether he could make open three-pointers in this game, which he did. As a result, he logged his highest scoring total of the month and, additionally, recorded his third straight game with at least four assists. Surprisingly, the savvy on-ball defender didn’t record any steals or blocks for the first time since October. Still, he had a solid performance overall and will likely continue to start at shooting guard.

Leonard led the Clippers in scoring on Monday, as he was the only player on the team to reach the 20-point mark. He didn’t provide much fantasy value outside of his scoring, though, which isn’t usually the case. Still, the 20-point outing allowed him to extend his streak of such games to eight. The Clippers need Leonard’s scoring to win games, and he continues to be one of their best options. Expect him to remain an efficient scorer so long as he’s healthy and on the floor.

Wells was solid on the offensive end on Monday, connecting on half of his shot attempts while getting some production from the free-throw line. Yet, his effort defending the Clippers’ James Harden all night long was impressive and significant in limiting the former MVP’s production — Wells’ counting stats won’t tell the full story of just how impactful he was in this game. Nevertheless, he’ll have a chance to extend his streak of double-digit scoring performances to 10 games on Wednesday against the Timberwolves.

Spencer set new career-highs in points and threes on Monday, helping him finish as the Grizzlies’ second leading scorer. He also made his usual contributions as a facilitator and continues to be one of the most productive guards off the bench in the NBA. Even with Ja Morant healthy and back in the lineup, Spencer has remained a productive fantasy player. He’s rostered in just 22 percent of Yahoo! leagues and can serve as a solid streaming option at the very least.

JJJ did it all for Memphis on Monday. Outstanding shooting led him to his first 30-point outing of the season and helped him to finish as the Grizzlies’ leading scorer on the evening. He was also dialed in from beyond the arc and was a monster on the defensive end of the floor. Altogether, his numbers led to an exceptional fantasy basketball performance. He’ll look to put together another strong showing on Wednesday against the Timberwolves.

A season-high 38 minutes allowed Filipowski to produce some of his best work of the season. In his minutes, efficient shooting both inside and outside the arc helped him set a new high in points on the season, which was only the third-most on the Mavs on Monday. Filipowski’s high-scoring performance came with Jusuf Nurkic (rest) on the sideline for Monday’s contest, but when Nurkic returns, the versatile forward will likely head back to the bench to play a more reduced role.

Lauri Markkanen was great against the Mavs on Monday. He dominated the glass, tied a season-high in assists, and set a new season-high in steals, all while finishing as one of two Jazz players to score at least 30 points. About the only thing that didn’t go well for the veteran forward was his three-point shooting. Otherwise, he had a strong performance and continues to put up some of the best numbers of his career.

George was electric in the overtime thriller on Monday. On the heels of a career-high 39-point game, he logged a nearly identical line against the Mavericks — he drained five three-pointers, made double-digit free throws, and pitched in as a facilitator and rebounder. George has been one of the league’s most improved players this season, resulting in stellar fantasy numbers. He’ll have a chance to keep his streak of 30-point games alive on Thursday when they face the Lakers.

The rookie bounced back from a zero-point outing against the Nets recently by logging his third double-double of December. Nembhard led the Mavericks in assists and was one of four on the team to score at least 10 points. He did commit four turnovers, but was otherwise very productive on offense in the high-scoring contest. Nembhard has had a nice rookie season to this point and should continue to improve going forward.