NBA Player News

Payton was initially listed as probable, so his availability isn’t a surprise. He will return after a one-game absence, which will result in Gui Santos losing out on a few minutes.

The Knicks appear to be done messing around. New York has now won five games in a row since a 2-7 stretch. Brunson continues to lead the way and is so consistently good it’s almost boring. The 29-year-old point guard has scored at least 20 points in 11-of-13 games in January. He’s provided 11th-round per game value over the last two weeks. The Knicks close out the week with a matchup against the Lakers on Sunday.

After missing Wednesday’s game against the Hawks due to an illness, Queta was back in the lineup for this game. He was inefficient as a scorer once again, which has been atypical for him this year. He has shot below 40 percent in three straight games, but his percentage over the course of the year is 63.3. However, he was able to make up for it with well-rounded production in other categories. Queta has enjoyed the best season of his career this year, and he should be considered a must-roster player.

Barnes is know for his varied skillset, which is an absolute boon in fantasy. In real life, though, the Raptors could probably use some more pure scoring out of him. Barnes hasn’t scored at least 20 points in four consecutive games and the Raptors are 2-2 in that stretch. Against the Magic on Friday, only Brandon Ingram eclipsed 20 points as the Raptors blew a 13-point lead entering the fourth quarter. Barnes has provided third-round per game value over the last two weeks. Toronto will have a chance to get back in the win column against the Jazz on Sunday.

Scheierman entered the starting unit with Jaylen Brown (hamstring, knee) sidelined for this game, which was also the case in Brown’s previous absence. It wasn’t an explosive performance, but Scheierman was able to contribute decent value in an increased role. If Brown remains out against the Bucks on Sunday, Scheierman should be in line to start once again. He was solid in this game and would hold upside as a streamer, but he isn’t worth rostering beyond that.

Ingram was excellent Friday against the Magic, though it wasn’t enough for the Raptors to get the win. The 28-year-old small forward had 35 points on 23 attempts, made four three-pointers and didn’t turned the ball over. None of his teammates scored at least 20 points and the Raptors were blown out in the fourth quarter 44-21. Ingram has provided third-round per game value over the last two weeks. The Raptors close out the week against the Jazz on Sunday.

Banchero had scored a combined 68 points in his last two games entering play Friday, but took a backseat to Desmond Bane when it came to scoring against the Raptors. The 23-year-old power forward still had a full stat line and came just one rebound and four assists away from a triple-double. Banchero has provided sixth-round per game value over the last two weeks. He’ll have another chance for a big game this week Sunday against the Spurs.

With Jaylen Brown (hamstring, knee) sidelined for this game, Pritchard took over as the focal point of the offense. He has typically had big nights when Brown is out of the lineup, and that was the case once again in this one. In four games without Brown, he has averaged 26.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 8.5 assists and 3.8 three-pointers per game. He has been fantastic all season, but this was one of his best performances. If Brown remains out against the Bucks on Sunday, Pritchard should be in for another monster outing.

Black has posted at least 25 points in two consecutive games. The 22-year-old point guard went about the scoring in completely different ways. In Wednesday’s win over the Heat, Black didn’t make a free throw and only even attempted one shot from the charity stripe. Friday against the Raptors, he made all 14 of his free throw attempts. While Black is averaging just 15.8 points per game this year and the boost in scoring is likely a blip, he still offers enough fantasy value to be rostered in standard leagues.

The Magic trailed by 13 points after three quarters, but Bane got white hot in the fourth quarter and carried Orlando to victory. The 27-year-old shooting guard had 16 points on 6-of-6 shooting and four three-pointers in the fourth quarter alone. The Magic improved to 6-0 this season when Bane has at least 30 points. The was exactly what the team envisioned when they traded for Bane in the offseason. He’s provided third-round per game value over the last two weeks. The Magic will close out the week Sunday against the Spurs.