NBA Player News

An early exit from Brandon Ingram (thumb) resulted in Barrett leading the way offensively for the Raptors. He fell one point shy of matching his season high for scoring, which he set four days prior to this game. Barrett’s production has been up and down since he returned from a 15-game absence due to a knee injury. However, he was able to step up on offense in this game, which certainly didn’t hurt for fantasy managers. Still, his fantasy impact will continue to be limited due to his lack of production in other categories.

The Clippers don’t play again until Thursday, so there is nothing to gain from adding Konan-Niederhäuser following his effort against the Magic. That said, the rookie 7-footer showed off the athleticism and defensive chops that prompted the Clippers to select him in the first round of last June’s draft. Konan-Niederhäuser’s four blocks were a season-high, and the eight boards were two shy of his previous high. Interestingly, he logged 26 minutes while starting center Brook Lopez (10/4/1/1 with one three-pointer) played 22. That won’t affect fantasy basketball immediately due to the Clippers’ poor Week 18 schedule, but it is something to watch during Thursday’s game against the Timberwolves.

With John Collins (head, neck) unavailable, there were additional opportunities for multiple Clippers on Sunday. Kobe Sanders (7/2/2/1 in 26 minutes) was the choice to fill the void in the starting lineup, but Miller also saw his opportunities increase. After logging 25 minutes in Friday’s loss to the Lakers, he played 23 against the Magic, putting up a solid points tally on good percentages. Of course, fantasy managers will want to see more from Miller in the other categories before committing. Plus, with the Clippers off until Thursday, there’s no need to add Miller or Sanders following Sunday’s defeat.

Mathurin had a chance to win Sunday’s game, but his three-point attempt in the final seconds missed the mark. Conclusion aside, that doesn’t take away from the Clippers wing having another excellent night for his new team. Since being traded, Mathurin has averaged 22.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.0 three-pointers in 30.2 minutes per game. That production has been good for fifth-round value in eight- and nine-cat formats, according to Basketball Monster. Those who held onto Mathurin must be thrilled that the Pacers included him in the Ivica Zubac trade, because he may not have had these opportunities in Indiana.

Despite playing on a left ankle that caused him to exit Friday’s loss to the Lakers in crunch time, Leonard had another outstanding performance in a losing effort. Leading all scorers with 37 points, the Clippers’ star posted a robust stat line, including five “stocks.” A top-20 fantasy player over the past month, Leonard’s season-long value places him within the top-5 in eight- and nine-cat formats. As long as Kawhi remains healthy, those who have him rostered should be in excellent shape for the fantasy playoffs. The Clippers only play two games in Week 18, starting with the Timberwolves on Thursday.

After logging 47 minutes and recording one of his best stat lines of the season in Saturday’s double-overtime loss to the Suns, Banchero came back to earth against the Clippers. The rebounds and assists were good, but the Magic forward didn’t have a great night shooting the basketball, and his line didn’t include any defensive stats. Banchero has long been a player with greater value in points leagues than category leagues, so Sunday’s final line was unsurprising in that regard. The Magic play three games in Week 18, starting with the Lakers on Tuesday.

The good news for those who have Carter rostered is that he recorded his first double-double since January 4 and seventh of the season. The bad news is that he didn’t provide value beyond points, rebounds and assists, and the Magic center was also responsible for five of Orlando’s 12 turnovers. The lack of defensive production makes Carter difficult to trust in 12-team leagues, even with his status as the starting center in Orlando.

One day removed from scoring 34 points in a double-overtime loss to the Suns, Bane was even more productive against the Clippers. The 36 points were one shy of his season-high, and the Magic guard has scored 30 or more on three of his last four appearances. Over the past month, Bane has been a top-10 player in nine-cat formats, performing even better than fantasy managers hoped he would this season. The Magic conclude their road trip on Tuesday against the Lakers, the first of three games they’ll play during Week 18.

Williams hasn’t done enough to merit trust in fantasy leagues, even with the Bulls clearly rebuilding. However, he did provide solid value in the assist category on Sunday, with the eight assists being a new season-high. If Jalen Smith (calf) has to miss time, Williams should be one of the players who benefits from an opportunity standpoint. However, he still hasn’t consistently shown the ability to take advantage of those situations.

After playing 22 minutes or more in his first three appearances as a Bull, Dillingham totaled 18 minutes in the two games played before Sunday. Anfernee Simons (wrist) being out freed up minutes, and Dillingham benefited. The final stat line wasn’t great, but the ability to put up numbers in multiple categories was a step in the right direction. Given where the Bulls are, Dillingham should play plenty for the rest of the season. He isn’t a must-add yet, but he is worth watching during Chicago’s three-game Week 18.

Playing against the Knicks for the first time since being traded at the deadline, Yabusele was productive in his 30 minutes on the floor. Shooting 50 percent from the field, the 6-foot-8 forward recorded his second double-double since joining the Bulls. And with Jalen Smith (calf) exiting Sunday’s game halfway through the third quarter and not returning, Yabusele and Nick Richards (nine points, 13 rebounds and one blocked shot) stand to play more if Smith misses time. The Bulls play three games in Week 18, starting with the Hornets on Tuesday.