NBA Player News

Valančiūnas did not play in Friday’s win over the Bucks, with Zeke Nnaji starting in his place and playing 37 minutes. Given Denver’s lack of depth in the frontcourt, Nnaji would be worth streaming in deep leagues if he starts.

The good news for fantasy managers is that Murphy offered solid rebounding production, with this being his first game with at least nine boards in over two weeks. He didn’t have a great night shooting the ball, going 3-of-11 from three, but Philadelphia’s wing defenders deserve some credit for that. Murphy remains a high-level fantasy option as the Pelicans go into a three-game Week 16.

Bey, who has now scored at least 20 points in five of his last six games, had it rolling on Saturday. The Pelicans’ forward recorded his second 30-point game, finishing two points shy of his season-high. Add in the assists and three-pointers, and Bey continues to provide value for fantasy managers who continue to roster him. The Pelicans play three games in Week 16, starting with the red-hot Hornets on Monday.

Limited to five points in Thursday’s win over the Kings, Edgecombe tripled that number on Saturday. In addition to the field-goal percentage, fantasy managers received solid value in the assist and three-point categories from the rookie guard. The 76ers open a four-game Week 16 on Monday against the Clippers, the first of five consecutive road games.

No Paul George (suspension) frees up scoring opportunities for 76ers not named Joel Embiid or Tyrese Maxey, with Oubre being at the top of that list. The Tsunami Papi had a good night against the Pelicans, recording his third double-double and first since returning from the knee injury that sidelined him for nearly two months. Oubre is still available in over 70 percent of Yahoo! leagues. He’s worth picking up ahead of Philadelphia’s four-game Week 16.

While he’s had better nights shooting the basketball, Maxey was a positive asset for managers seeking assists and a low turnover count. He’s dished out at least eight assists in three consecutive games, and Saturday’s eight helpers came with just one turnover. With Paul George suspended for 25 games, Maxey’s ability to set up others becomes even more critical. While high-scoring nights have been the norm for the All-Star guard, don’t be surprised if the assists increase in the coming weeks.

On a night when the 76ers were honoring the 2001 Eastern Conference champions, Embiid turned back the clock with one of his best performances of the season. The 7-footer finished with his first 40-point game and seventh double-double of the season. With Paul George serving a 25-game suspension, Embiid’s health and productivity take on added importance for the 76ers and for fantasy managers. Philadelphia now heads west for a five-game trip that begins on Monday against the Clippers, with four being played during Week 16.

Williams was injured during the first half when Rockets guard Reed Sheppard inadvertently dove into his left leg while both were attempting to corral a loose ball. Checking out of the game moments later, Williams went back to the locker room after a quick lookover on the bench and is now done for the night. His absence means more playing time for Ryan Nembhard, but the rookie won’t be worth the risk in most redraft leagues if Williams has to miss additional games.

Nembhard stepped up as Indiana’s primary catalyst early on, scoring 21 first-half points. He took a step back in the final two quarters as Pascal Siakam and Aaron Nesmith did most of the damage late to help the Pacers stave off a late rally. The 26-year-old facilitator dished out double-digit assists for the third time in his last five games and has eclipsed 25 points on two separate occasions during that span. He’ll aim to keep the hot streak going when the Pacers open a four-game week that features matchups against the Rockets, Jazz, Bucks and Raptors.

Johnson showed zero signs of rust in his return from a brief one-game absence due to left calf tightness, recording his eighth triple-double of the season. The 24-year-old rising star poured in 21 of his game-high 33 points during the opening half, ultimately hoisting a season-high 29 attempts as Atlanta mounted a late comeback effort that fell just short. He’s emerged as a certifiable all-around fantasy force, averaging 23.1 points, 10.5 rebounds, 8.0 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.5 blocks through 46 games. The Hawks have three games on tap next week including showdowns against the Heat, Jazz and Hornets.