NBA Player News

LeVert is expected to miss a second straight game with this illness. That should open the door for Ron Holland II and Jaden Ivey to take on a few extra minutes off the bench, but it won’t dramatically alter fantasy hoops.

Nurkić sat out Friday’s loss to the Nets with an illness, but was back on the court Sunday. The 31-year-old center saw his streak of three triple-doubles in a row end in Wednesday’s loss to the Warriors, but bounced back with a double-double against the Raptors Sunday. He’s provided fifth-round per game value over the last two weeks. While his fantasy value appears solid, Nurkić is one that could lose value on the Jazz once silly season begins and the team starts looking at giving younger players more playing time.

Markkanen’s 27 points were a game-high, but it wasn’t enough to lead the Jazz to a win Sunday against the Raptors. The 28-year-old power forward returned from a rest day Friday, but wasn’t very efficient with his 27 points coming on 23 field goal attempts, which included a 2-of-9 showing from behind the three-point line. Markkanen has provided second-round value over the last two weeks. The Jazz have three games in Week 16, starting with a matchup against the Pacers on Tuesday.

After coming off the bench in Thursday’s loss to the Timberwolves, Wallace and Hartenstein are in the starting lineup for Sunday’s matchup in Denver. Their moves into the lineup push Aaron Wiggins and Jaylin Williams to the bench. While Wiggins can still offer tangible fantasy value in his role, JayWill is worth leaving alone.

Ingram had scored at least 20 points in five of his last six games entering play Sunday. The 28-year-old forward had that streak snapped against the Jazz. Ingram was hardly efficient with 19 points on 19 field goal attempts. He’s still provided third-round per game value over the last two weeks. The Raptors are off until Wednesday, when they take on the Timberwolves in the first of three Week 16 games.

Barnes briefly went to the locker room with a foot injury, but quickly returned to the game. The 24-year-old small forward still played 34 minutes in the win over the Jazz. Barnes had another game where he failed to reach 20 points, but still has returned second-round per game value over the last two weeks. The Raptors have three games in Week 16, starting with a matchup against the Timberwolves on Wednesday.

It’s Barrett’s first game with at least 20 points since January 7 against the Hornets, when he had 28 points. The 25-year-old small forward has taken a step in the right direction over the last two games, but he’s turned out to be one of the bigger busts in fantasy this season. Barrett had a top-110 ADP in Yahoo! leagues and isn’t in the top 188 in per game value over the last two weeks.

Wolf and the Nets had an evening to forget Sunday in Detroit. The 21-year-old power forward had six points on nine attempts as the Pistons’ blew out the Nets by 53, the franchise’s largest ever margin of victory. Unfortunately, the Nets are no stranger to games like this as they fell to the Knicks by 54 last month. They’ll look to turn the page in Week 16 with three games, the first of which is Tuesday against the Lakers at home.

Raynaud moved into the starting lineup on Sunday due to Domantas Sabonis (back) not being available. The rookie center was solid, filling the stat sheet with a modest line. Given where the Kings are in the standings, Raynaud and fellow rookie Dylan Cardwell (five points, two rebounds and three blocks in 20 minutes) should not lack opportunities between now and the end of the regular season. And that may be the case even if the Kings don’t move Sabonis at the trade deadline.

DeRozan’s name has been mentioned in recent rumors as a player the Kings may look to move ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline. Sunday’s performance was a nice audition for the veteran wing, who rebounded nicely from a poor showing in Friday’s blowout loss to the Celtics. And if DeRozan remains in Sacramento past the deadline, how much will he play, especially with the Kings needing to get Nique Clifford (6/3/4/2) more opportunities and adding De’Andre Hunter to the mix via Saturday’s trade with the Cavaliers and Bulls? The Kings play three games in Week 16.

After totaling 34 points in his first two games back from injury, LaVine surpassed that number on Sunday. Given the matchup, with the Wizards having the youngest team in the NBA and also headed for the draft lottery, it’s unsurprising that he had a big night. However, with the trade deadline on the horizon, it’s worth questioning what LaVine’s future will be. The size of his contract may make it difficult for the Kings to find a trade partner, and if he doesn’t get moved, how much will he play after the deadline? Sacramento plays three games in Week 16, two of which are after Thursday’s trade deadline.