NBA Player News

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.

Inclement weather, which prevented the Spurs from getting back to Texas after losing on Saturday in Charlotte until mid-afternoon Sunday, is the reason for the time change. Fantasy managers with Pelicans or Hornets on their rosters will need to set their lineups a few hours earlier than they may have planned.

Given the high-profile nature of Sunday’s game, there was hope that Reaves would be able to return after missing 18 games with a strained calf. Unfortunately, after going through his pregame workout, the Lakers’ guard could not play. While there is hope that Reaves will be able to play on Thursday, Redick noted that the guard needs to have “100 percent confidence” in his calf before returning. Reaves is considered day-to-day, and Marcus Smart will remain in the starting lineup until that changes.

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.