NBA Player News

Mamukelashvili was held out of Wednesday’s win over the Pacers, leading the Raptors to go small whenever Collin Murray-Boyles wasn’t on the floor. Mamu’s likely return may result in fewer minutes for A.J. Lawson, who logged 17 on Wednesday.

Barnes has scored at least 22 points in three straight and four of his last five appearances, providing reliable offensive value. However, defensive production has decreased recently, which is why his season-long value has slipped out of the first round in 12-team, eight-cat formats. That said, Barnes is still averaging 2.7 “stocks” per game for the season, so fantasy managers should not be too concerned about the recent decrease in production in steals and blocks.

After playing 32 minutes in Saturday’s loss to the Trail Blazers, James logged 32 more on Sunday. It says a lot for the 41-year-old that he was able to play in all five of the Lakers’ Week 13 games, providing consistent fantasy value to managers who have him rostered. Over the past two weeks, James has offered top-5 per-game value in eight-cat formats according to Basketball Monster. The Lakers play three games in Week 14 without a back-to-back, which should get James a little more rest after a busy Week 13.

Dončić was back in the Lakers’ lineup after missing Saturday’s loss to the Trail Blazers. While efficiency was a concern, as evidenced by the poor field-goal percentage and turnovers (four), that’s the norm when it comes to Dončić’s fantasy value. However, a relatively inefficient Dončić is better than not having him at all. The Lakers play three games in Week 14 with no back-to-backs, which should bode well for Luka’s availability.

Held out of Saturday’s loss to the Trail Blazers with a knee injury, Ayton had one of his best games of the season on Sunday. He didn’t miss a shot from the field, with the only misfire coming at the foul line, and Ayton was active as a rebounder and defender. He’s recorded three double-doubles in his last four outings, grabbing at least 13 boards in each. An engaged Ayton makes the Lakers a better basketball team and satisfies fantasy managers, too. The Lakers hit the road for an eight-game trip, with three games during Week 14.

While his scoring output was limited, DeRozan had a good night as a secondary playmaker. The seven assists were the most in a game for the veteran wing since December 23, when he dished out eight in a loss to the Pistons. Over the past two weeks, DeRozan has been a third-round player in eight-cat formats. He’s providing excellent fantasy value, and it’s good for those who have DeRozan rostered that the Kings play four games in Week 14.

With no Keon Ellis (knee) in the fold, Monk’s place within the Kings’ rotation has remained secure. He’s played at least 16 minutes in six consecutive games, a run in which Monk has surpassed 20 points twice. He didn’t offer much value outside of points, three-pointers and field-goal percentage in Sunday’s defeat, but Monk having a consistent role is good news for those who have him rostered.

Even with Domantas Sabonis (8/8/2 in 20 minutes) back from a knee injury, there has still been room for Cardwell in the Kings’ rotation. The undrafted rookie out of Auburn recorded his first double-double on Sunday, producing a stat line that only lacked a three-pointer. Cardwell is not a player who should be rostered in redraft leagues, but he may be worth holding onto in dynasty formats.

A 20-point scorer in three of his last four games, Westbrook’s efficiency has improved recently. Over the past two weeks, the Kings’ point guard has been close to a top-50 player in eight-cat formats. If not for his shooting 65 percent from the foul line during this stretch, Westbrook would be a top-50 player by a safe margin. The Kings play four games in Week 14, starting with a Tuesday/Wednesday home back-to-back before heading east.