NBA Player News

George has scored at least 23 points in four straight and six of his last seven games, an impressive run for one of the NBA’s most improved players. Over the past two weeks, he has offered top-15 per-game value in eight-cat formats. While the Jazz are just 2-5 in their last seven games, the franchise is clearly prioritizing player development and its draft lottery odds. Hopefully, George will be safe from a late-season shutdown, but there’s no guarantee he will be, given how well he’s played this season.

Banton, who was in training camp with the Mavericks before being waived, will be on his fourth NBA team in five seasons. A second-round pick of the Raptors in 2021, the 6-foot-8 wing most recently appeared in 67 games for the Trail Blazers in 2024-25.

Bilal Coulibaly, Kyshawn George and Alex Sarr are out for Saturday’s game, opening up three spots in the starting lineup. The resulting voids are being filled by Riley, Watkins and Vukčević, with the former being the most valuable fantasy option.

Powell, who returned to the Heat lineup on Friday after missing three games for personal reasons, is dealing with a sprained right hand. Miami’s already shorthanded on the perimeter, and not having its leading scorer could leave the Heat calling on Myron Gardner to fill the void.

Larsson suffered a right elbow contusion during Friday’s loss to the Celtics and did not play during the second half. With Tyler Herro (ribs) already out, the Heat may be forced to turn to Simone Fontecchio as the spot starter. While he can provide a few three-pointers, fantasy managers will be better served seeking out Jaime Jaquez Jr. before adding Fontecchio.

Adebayo is dealing with tightness in his right hip, but the probable tag suggests that he’ll be available on Sunday. If not, the Heat would likely turn to Kel’el Ware to fill the void. While he has been inconsistent this season, Ware would be worth slotting into lineups if allowed to start.

Sarr is dealing with a sore right ankle, and Saturday’s game is the first of two games in as many days for the Wizards. Tristan Vukčević and Skal Labissiere will have to handle the center responsibilities in Sarr’s absence.

A right knee contusion will keep George out of Saturday’s game, which is the first of two in as many days for the Wizards. Will Riley, Justin Champagnie and Jamir Watkins should all receive more opportunities, with the first two being the superior options for fantasy managers.

Coulibaly will sit out the first game of Washington’s back-to-back to end Week 16. With Kyshawn George also out, the Wizards will rely even more on Justin Champagnie and Will Riley. Both players are worth streaming and should also have value during the silly season.

Barrett was held out of Thursday’s win over the Bulls due to injury management. His return to the lineup means that Ja’Kobe Walter will head to the bench. While productive against the Bulls, Walter should only be rostered in dynasty leagues when the Raptors’ perimeter rotation is whole.

Quickley sprained his right ankle during Friday’s practice and is now questionable for Sunday afternoon’s game. Jamal Shead has been the replacement when Quickley’s been unavailable in the past, and that should be the case against the Pacers if Toronto has to go that route.