NBA Player News

After totaling 18 points in his prior two appearances, Buzelis had one of his best games of the season on Friday. The 24 points were three shy of his season-high, with the second-year forward recording his sixth 20-point game of the season. By comparison, Buzelis scored 20 points or more in five games as a rookie. He’s making strides, but the scorers in the Bulls’ rotation may limit Buzelis’ fantasy ceiling. He’s one of the reasons why fantasy managers may be rooting for Chicago to move a veteran (or more) before the February trade deadline.

Washington missed Tuesday’s game against the Nuggets with a knee injury, joining Klay Thompson and Max Christie on the sidelines. With that trio out Tuesday, Caleb Martin played 25 minutes off the bench in the win over the Nuggets. Washington has a chance to return Thursday, which would squeeze Martin for minutes.

Thompson missed Tuesday’s game against the Nuggets with a knee injury. The 35-year-old shooting guard is expected back Thursday against the Warriors given his probable listing. Naji Marshall saw an uptick in usage with Thompson and Max Christie out Tuesday, but won’t have that same setup again Thursday.

A Christmas miracle? Mobley was said to be out for up to four weeks with a calf injury. His questionable listing gives the 24-year-old center at least a chance of returning Thursday against the Knicks. Mobley would be returning in 12 days from a two to four week injury.

Neither player has made much of an impact in the realm of fantasy hoops, so their availability isn’t noteworthy to managers.

Deuce has been out since December 7, and his absence will extend through Christmas. For as long as McBride is on the shelf, Tyler Kolek should see additional run off the bench.

Anunoby will return following a one-game absence, and he should be expected to slot back into the starting five. With Guerschon Yabusele (illness) questionable, Anunoby could be leaned on more heavily.

Johnson’s injury will open up additional playing time for the likes of Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. Brown and THJ are both worth adding off the waiver wire, though Brown offers more across-the-board production compared to Hardaway Jr.'s skillset as a three-point specialist.

Brunson will be back in action following Tuesday’s absence, and he should handle his typical workload. Tyler Kolek played well on Tuesday in his first career start, but he’ll head back to the bench in favor of New York’s usual starting PG. Brunson is fresh off a tremendous, 47-point performance in Sunday’s win over Miami, and he’ll look to build on that momentum on the national stage for the Christmas Day slate.

Dončić will return following a one-game absence, and his return should mean reduced roles for Dalton Knecht, Nick Smith and Jake LaRavia. Not counting 2024 when he left early due to injury, Dončić has averaged 36.3 points, 10.3 assists and 6.3 rebounds across three career Christmas games.

Love’s role with Portland has bene inconsistent, but the undrafted guard has had some big scoring nights. This was his sixth game scoring in double figures this year, and he also got it done on the defensive end in this one by blocking the first three shots of his career. It’s a fun success story for the two-way guard that had a decorated college career, but he isn’t worth rostering outside of dynasty leagues.