NBA Player News

Jokić’s injury is devastating for fantasy managers, as the No. 1 player in fantasy hoops was on an incredible tear. The silver lining is that he avoided a more serious injury, but his absence will cause a monumental hole in Denver’s lineup. Jonas Valančiūnas should get the nod as starting center, but he won’t be able to replicate Joker’s elite playmaking abilities. Jamal Murray should pick up the slack as a facilitator and scorer, while guys like Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown should be leaned on more as well. All three of Valančiūnas, THJ and Brown are worth picking up, though it’s still unclear what Denver will look like without its three-time MVP.

Nembhard returned to action on Saturday after a one-game absence, tallying 29 points and nine assists in a win over the Heat. If he’s unable to play on Monday, Quenton Jackson would likely shift back into the starting point guard role, with T.J. McConnell’s playing time increasing off the bench.

Nurkić has missed Utah’s last two games, allowing Kevin Love to fill the void at center. Love would get another start if the 7-footer can’t play, but he may remain in the rotation regardless, given the opponent and his absence from the initial injury report.

Bailey has missed seven of Utah’s last eight games, resulting in Cody Williams getting a few opportunities to start. While Williams may remain in that role even if Bailey plays on Monday, he is not worth the risk in redraft leagues.

Markkanen did not play in Saturday’s loss to the Hornets, in which Utah suffered a historic 55-point beating. He’ll be back on the floor against the Cavaliers, pushing Taylor Hendricks to the bench.

Absent from the first injury report released by the Celtics, Brown is now doubtful due to lower back spasms. His absence would result in more prominent roles for Anfernee Simons and Baylor Scheierman, not to mention starters Derrick White and Payton Pritchard.

Poeltl has not appeared in a game since December 21, and it’s unknown when that will change. With that being the case, now is a good time to add Collin Murray-Boyles if he’s sitting on the waiver wire. Sandro Mamukelashvili is another suitable option, but he does not offer CMB’s ceiling in category leagues.

The big news is that Hart is back from a high right ankle sprain. In addition to starting, he will not be restricted in any way. As a result, Miles McBride heads to the bench, which lowers his fantasy ceiling.

Williams is back after having to leave Friday’s game against the Rockets prematurely due to a sore right knee. His return means fewer minutes will be available for Yang Hansen and Duop Reath, with the latter likely falling out of the rotation entirely.

Holiday is available to appear in a game for the first time since November 14. While the veteran guard’s minutes will be limited, he could start. If Holiday starts, Sidy Cissoko may be the odd man out. Either way, Cissoko’s playing time will likely decrease.

Ingram will miss a second consecutive game with a sprained right thumb. Ja’Kobe Walter started Friday’s loss to the Celtics, but Scottie Barnes’ return could bump the second-year guard to the bench.