NBA Player News

George will sit out Monday’s game due to left knee injury management, and the change in start time may have been a factor. The game will start at 3 PM Eastern instead of 7 PM, cutting down on the time that George and Joel Embiid would have to get their bodies ready. So, both will sit. George’s absence may push Dominick Barlow back into the starting lineup, but he isn’t worth streaming. However, fantasy managers should target Kelly Oubre Jr.

Due to a sprained lower back, Clowney will miss a fifth consecutive game on Sunday. Terance Mann has been the replacement, and that’s unlikely to change on Sunday. There’s no need to consider streaming Mann; there should be better options on the waiver wire on a 10-game day.

Monk returned to the Kings’ rotation on Friday after missing two games with a sore right ankle, playing 23 minutes in a loss to the Celtics. Since Sacramento was still without Russell Westbrook, there was room in the rotation for Keon Ellis, who logged 20 minutes. If Monk and Westbrook can’t play on Sunday, Ellis’ fantasy ceiling will be raised.

Westbrook has missed Sacramento’s last two games with a sore right foot. After performing well in Thursday’s loss to the 76ers, Dennis Schröder had a brutal night in Friday’s blowout loss to the Celtics. Given the matchup, Schröder would be worth streaming if Westbrook remains out.

Sabonis did not play in Friday’s loss to the Celtics, as it was Sacramento’s second game in as many nights. His return means that Maxime Raynaud, who logged 36 minutes as the spot starter, will head back to the bench. Managers who can afford to hold onto the rookie should do so, as his playing time will likely increase after the All-Star break, if not sooner.

Brown did not play in Friday’s rout of the Kings, resulting in Baylor Scheierman moving into the starting lineup. The second-year guard played 31 minutes, tallying 16 points, five rebounds, one assist, one steal and four three-pointers. With Brown available, there won’t be much to gain from rostering Scheierman in redraft leagues.

Sunday’s game will be the third that McBride has missed due to left ankle injury management. In his absence, Landry Shamet and Tyler Kolek have figured more prominently in the Knicks’ rotation.

Harris sat out Thursday’s loss to the Wizards with a sore left hamstring. While his availability does not affect fantasy basketball, Harris’s not playing on Thursday led to Gary Trent Jr. picking up additional minutes.

After contributing 16 points off the bench in Wednesday’s win over the Rockets, Harper recorded his fifth 20-point game of the season in Charlotte. While the role does limit the rookie guard’s ceiling, he’s been close to a top-100 player over the past two weeks. If Devin Vassell sits out Sunday’s game against the Magic because it’s San Antonio’s second game in as many days, Harper may receive a slight boost despite coming off the bench.

While Castle’s perimeter shooting has been a concern for some fantasy managers, how he values the basketball is far more critical. The second-year guard has now committed three turnovers or fewer in five straight games, the first time he’s done so this season. Also, Castle has dished out 36 assists during this period. Slowly but surely, the 2024 lottery pick is making strides with his decision-making.

Vassell returned to the starting lineup on Saturday after coming off the bench in his first two games back from a strained adductor. While he recorded a complete stat line in Charlotte, the impact was a bit muted. However, Vassell getting back to 30 minutes is the most notable aspect of his line. Harrison Barnes moved to the bench, finishing with 11 points, three rebounds, two assists and three three-pointers in 25 minutes. With the Spurs hosting the Magic on Sunday, Barnes would likely be back with the starters if they decide to sit Vassell.