NBA Player News

Giddey came off the bench for the third straight game on Monday and logged one of his well-rounded performances that we’ve grown accustomed to. The fifth-year guard led the Bulls in assists and came within one point of being the third Bulls player to tally 20 points on Monday. Nonetheless, his scoring uptick against the Lakers was encouraging, considering the four-point performance he had against the Celtics on Saturday. As Giddey continues to work his way back from a hamstring injury, fantasy managers should expect him to round all the way back into form.

Bailey was able to score at least 20 points for the third time in his last four games. Unfortunately, even if it was an efficient night, he didn’t provide value in any other categories. Bailey should have more big scoring nights as the season progresses, but his value in category leagues will be dependent on how much he can contribute in other areas. Still, the minutes should be there, and he has had success on offense. He’ll look to stay hot against the Warriors on Wednesday.

Dunn’s fantasy impact this season, and for the last few seasons, has been strictly wrapped up in steals. That held true in this game as he matched his season high for swipes, but he was also able to have a strong night as a scorer. He isn’t a reliable option in standard leagues, but in deeper leagues that are utilizing Dunn as a category specialist, this was a pleasant surprise. Managers shouldn’t expect him to keep this up moving forward, even if it was a solid night.

For the fifth time this month, Harden was able to record a double-double, though he struggled as a shooter. This was the fourth straight game and the eighth time in his last nine that he shot below 40 percent from the floor. He also matched his season high for steals, which helped make up for the rough shooting. They’ve now won nine of their last 10 games, and they’ll look to stay hot in Denver on Friday.

Following a seven-game absence, Markkanen was back in the lineup for this game. However, it wasn’t the triumphant return that managers were hoping for. He was held to fewer than 20 points for the first time since Dec. 5, but the positive part is that he’s back out on the floor. Markkanen shouldn’t struggle like this often, and he’ll look to get back on track in their next game. This was the first night of a back-to-back, so Markkanen could get the night off on Wednesday after an extended absence, even if it was because of an illness.

Keyonte George got a rest game on the first night of a back-to-back, which allowed Collier to start for the sixth time this season. He came close to recording a double-double, and he is typically a consistent source of assists when he gets the minutes. This was the second straight game he had exactly nine assists, and he has reached that mark in three of his last four. If George misses more time over the final few months of the year, Collier should play enough to provide more than just dimes.

Two days after Brooks scored 26 points against Miami, he added 26 more in this one, though this outing was more efficient and a victory for the Suns. Brooks also had success against the Nets in their other matchup earlier this month, where he scored 27 points with six triples. Brooks has taken massive strides as a scorer this season and will look to stay hot with Devin Booker (ankle) and Jalen Green (hamstring) sidelined.

Williams’ production this season has been inconsistent, but the Nets simply didn’t have an answer for him in this game. He set a new season high for scoring while only missing two shots. He didn’t do much on the glass, but he was able to make up for it with a dominant night down low. The Pistons are next up on the schedule for the Nets on Thursday, where Williams will look to stay hot.

Goodwin got the starting nod for the third time this season, but he wasn’t able to take advantage of the increased opportunity. He has been incredibly effective as a rebounder when he’s gotten the chance this year, which held up in this game. He has some streaming appeal if Collin Gillespie (hand) remains out, but most of his impact will come on the glass and defensively. He only added one steal in this game, but he is averaging 1.4 swipes per game this year.

Similarly to last season when Domantas Sabonis was injured which opened up playing time for Valančiūnas to thrive on the Kings, Nikola Jokic’s injury has done the same for Valančiūnas on the Nuggets. That could be coming to an end as soon as next week as Jokic will be re-evaluated for his return then. Valančiūnas continues to be a great waiver wire addition since Jokic went down and Tuesday’s 16-point, 16-rebound effort showed that once again.

Two days after MPJ was held to nine points in a loss, which was the first time this season that he scored less than 10 points, he was able to bounce back in a big way. He set a new season high for scoring and was hyper-efficient while doing it. Porter has been a fantasy stud and will certainly be on the trade block for the rebuilding Nets ahead of next week’s deadline. He’ll make his return to Denver on Thursday and look to stay scorching hot.