NBA Player News

Ball’s strong scoring performance on Thursday marked the second time in the past four games that he’s recorded at least 30 points, and the second time over the past three games he’s notched 25 or more points. The three-point shot was the focal point again on Thursday, as he set a new season-high in makes. Ball also reached double figures in assists to land his sixth double-double of the season, but the recent scoring uptick has been the real story for Ball, who began 2026 with four straight games under 20 points. He continues to play well and has brought strong fantasy production in the process.

The Celtics are without Jaylen Brown and Sam Hauser for Wednesday’s game, opening up two spots in the starting lineup. However, Payton Pritchard will remain in the bench role he held in Tuesday’s win over the Mavericks. Harper and Garza are the new starters, with the former making his first start in four NBA seasons. Of the two, Garza is the safer streaming option.

Green will miss a second consecutive game due to the hamstring and hip injuries. His absence frees up additional minutes for Jordan Goodwin, who is worth streaming in deeper category leagues.

Based on the timeline provided when Booker suffered his sprained ankle, he was due to be re-evaluated early this week. However, the Suns have not offered an update, and the guard remains out. Phoenix will continue to roll with a starting backcourt of Collin Gillespie and Grayson Allen, and both players are worth rostering where available.

Hamstring and knee injuries will keep Brown out for the second game of Boston’s back-to-back in Texas. Payton Pritchard came off the bench in Tuesday’s win over the Mavericks, and Brown’s absence may push him back into the starting five.

Curry banged knees with a player during Friday’s loss to the Pistons, aggravating a case of “runner’s knee” that has lingered for a bit. Thursday’s game will be the second that he’s missed. Gui Santos played reasonably well as Curry’s replacement in the lineup for Tuesday’s loss to the 76ers, but Golden State’s offensive struggles in the 113-94 defeat will likely prompt other changes to the lineup.

Anthony is good to go after initially being probable with a sprained left ankle. While Kevin Porter Jr. (oblique) will be under a minutes restriction, his return to action means fewer minutes are available to Anthony.

Turner is still dealing with a left ankle sprain. The 29-year-old center was initially listed as probable, so his availability isn’t much of a surprise. Turner will start as usual and could see extra minutes and usage with Bobby Portis (hip) still sidelined.

The Knicks don’t have Josh Hart for Wednesday’s game, as he sprained his ankle during Tuesday’s win over the Wizards. He’ll be replaced in the lineup by Clarkson, who had fallen out of the rotation before injuries pushed him into the rotation on Tuesday.

Jones is back in the Nuggets’ starting lineup for Wednesday’s game, with his inclusion coming at Jalen Pickett’s expense. Denver will have a decision to make afterward, as this is the 50th game Jones has been active for this season, the limit for players on two-day deals. If the Nuggets want to have Jones available for the rest of the regular season and the playoffs, they’ll need to convert him to a standard contract.

Simpson last appeared in a game on December 18. His continued absence will not affect the Hornets’ rotation or fantasy basketball.