NBA Player News

Markkanen will miss a fourth straight game, with his absence coinciding with Ace Bailey’s return to the starting lineup. Bailey should start even when Lauri is available; if anything, the veteran’s absence protects Cody Williams’ status as a starter.

After 20 games in his first season with the Jazz, Anderson is going from one rebuild to another. Due to the limited playing time when he was active, Slo-Mo did not affect fantasy basketball in Utah. And that may not change in Memphis, despite this being his second stint (2018-22) with the franchise.

Injuries marred Hendricks’ first two seasons, the second of which consisted of just three games due to a broken leg. The 2023 lottery pick has appeared in 33 games this season, but he was unable to work his way back into the starting lineup after beginning the 2024-25 campaign in that role. However, the move to Memphis may give Hendricks a better chance of carving out a concrete role, as the Grizzlies appear to be pivoting toward a rebuild. If so, Hendricks should have increased value during the silly season.

Landale will join Jackson Jr., John Konchar and Vince Williams Jr. in Salt Lake City as Walter Clayton Jr., Taylor Hendricks, Kyle Anderson and three first-round picks go to Memphis. Landale will provide depth at a crowded position in Utah, and unless additional moves are made to clear that logjam, his role will take a major blow with the change of scenery.

Konchar will head from Memphis to Utah alongside Jackson Jr., Vince Williams Jr. and Jock Landale, while the Grizzlies will receive Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks and three first-round picks. Konchar’s role is unlikely to change much with the Jazz, and he’s not worth a look in most fantasy leagues.

The 18th overall pick in last summer’s draft, Clayton did play rotation minutes for the Jazz this season. However, with Keyonte George making significant strides in terms of his ability to run a team and Isaiah Collier also in the fold, fantasy relevance was going to be incredibly difficult for the rookie to achieve. Depending on what the Grizzlies do with Ja Morant, either before the trade deadline or in the summer, Clayton could be an important piece as part of a rebuild if Memphis chooses that path. Based on Tuesday’s transaction, a complete rebuild may be the more likely option.

This deal is likely not the last one for either side, as the Jazz will pick up more frontcourt depth, and the Grizzlies may look to blow things up and move on from JJJ and Ja Morant. We’ll have to wait for the dust to settle, but for now, Jackson Jr.'s scoring and rebounding may take a hit, as he’ll no longer be the top offensive weapon. The Grizzlies’ frontcourt depth is nearly non-existent with Zach Edey, Santi Aldama and Brandon Clarke sidelined, so keep an eye on Memphis’ moves ahead of the trade deadline.

LeVert will return following a seven-game absence, but it’s unclear if he’ll face a minutes restriction. Daniss Jenkins and Ron Holland II could see their roles reduced, but Jenkins should still retain standalone value in deeper leagues.

Portis is dealing with a right hip contusion, and he’s in danger of sitting out against the Bucks’ Central Division rival after his late addition to the injury report. If Portis is sidelined, Kyle Kuzma could take on an even larger role, and Amir Coffey could earn some additional run off the bench.

The backup big man has seen increased run as of late, but he’s not on the radar in fantasy leagues due to the availability of Alex Sarr and Marvin Bagley III.

Both players received probable tags on Monday, so their availability isn’t surprising. Clowney will return from a five-game absence, and Williams from a three-gamer. Clowney and Williams are expected to handle their normal workloads.