NBA Player News

Usually, the approach of having Giannis earn his points at the foul line results in him leaving some points on the board, given his poor shooting at the free-throw line. Well, that approach didn’t work for the Kings, as he made 11 of his 13 attempts on the night. Add in an elite shooting performance from the field, and the Bucks superstar finished with his third 30-point double-double in as many appearances. While Milwaukee’s not playing again until Wednesday is bad news for fantasy managers, it does get Giannis a little more time to deal with his right calf.

Clayton has missed the last three games with a right calf contusion. He at least has a chance to return Saturday given his questionable listing. Cam Spencer and Javon Small could see more minutes if Clayton is out again, though neither are worth streaming in most fantasy leagues.

Coward hurt his knee in the Grizzlies’ last game before the All-Star break and ended up missing Friday’s game against the Jazz with the same injury. The team is holding the 22-year-old guard out again Saturday. Taylor Hendricks started and had nine points and nine rebounds in Coward’s absence Friday.

Aldama is still dealing with right knee injury management, which has resulted in him appearing in one game over the last three weeks. Lawson Lovering started and had 11 points and 11 rebounds against the Jazz Friday in Aldama’s absence.

Missi is set to miss his third game in a row with a calf injury. Karlo Matkovic and Kevon Looney figure to take on the center duties for New Orleans in Missi’s absence, though neither are worth streaming in most fantasy leagues.

Murphy hurt his shoulder in the Pelicans’ final game before the All-Star break and is now set to miss the first two games of the second half of the season. Jeremiah Fears figures to start and have a higher fantasy ceiling with Murphy sidelined.

Murray hasn’t played yet this season after tearing his Achilles last season, but Pelicans coach James Borrego said he expects Murray to be back playing next week. The 29-year-old point guard isn’t likely to play Saturday given his doubtful listing, but his return isn’t far off. Jeremiah Fears will end up losing some minutes to Murray once he’s back.

Smith played only three minutes in the win over the Hawks on Friday. While he’s questionable with a calf injury for Saturday’s game against the Grizzlies, he could see more minutes if he’s available with Davion Mitchell (illness) doubtful.

Jović’s status is up in the air as he’s listed as questionable with lower back tightness for Saturday’s game against the Grizzlies. If Jović is ruled out, Simone Fontecchio and Jaime Jaquez Jr. could see extra minutes.

Mitchell is doubtful for Saturday’s game against the Grizzlies with an illness. The 27-year-old point guard is unlikely to play. There could be more minutes and playmaking opportunities for Tyler Herro in Mitchell’s absence Saturday.

Powell missed the Heat’s last two game prior to the All-Star break with a back injury, but returned with 15 points in the win over the Hawks on Friday. The 32-year-old shooting guard played just 25 minutes with the score lopsided late. Even with Tyler Herro back, Powell should retain most of his fantasy value. He’s likely to play Saturday given his probable listing.