NBA Player News

Ingram continues to score at will recently as he’s had at least 25 points in three of his last four games. He wasn’t very efficient Wednesday against the Timberwolves as his 25 points came on 22 field goal attempts. The 28-year-old small forward has provided fourth-round per game value over the last two weeks. The Raptors take on the Bulls on Thursday on the second night of a back-to-back.

The 57th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Jackson-Davis’ playing time decreased in each of his three seasons with the Warriors. He was essentially passed in the rotation by Quinten Post, a second-round pick in the 2024 draft. Jackson-Davis appeared in 36 games this season, averaging 4.2 points and 3.1 rebounds in 11.1 minutes. This transaction is unlikely to affect fantasy basketball, as the Raptors added a frontcourt player in last summer’s draft lottery (Collin Murray-Boyles) and in free agency (Sandro Mamukelashvili). Add in Jakob Poeltl, provided his lower back issues subside, and Jackson-Davis may struggle to carve out a role for himself in Toronto.

The Warriors have been mentioned as one of the teams hoping to move for Giannis Antetokounmpo, but that appears unlikely after the trade they reportedly pulled off late Wednesday night. Porziņǵis can provide excellent production as a floor spacer, but he has struggled to remain healthy. The 7-foot-2 forward/center last played on January 7, with an Achilles injury sidelining him for most of the games that he missed. If and when he’s healthy, Porziņǵis can be an excellent fantasy option, but that’s been the entire issue this season.

Days after trading Vit Krejčí to the Trail Blazers, the Hawks have added a shooter to their ranks in Hield. The consistent minutes needed to affect fantasy basketball were challenging to come by in the Bay Area when the Warriors were whole, so the change of scenery may do Hield some good. In 44 appearances, he averaged 8.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.5 three-pointers in 17.5 minutes per game.

After a contentious contract negotiation during the offseason, Kuminga was essentially on borrowed time in the Bay Area. He requested to be traded almost immediately after becoming eligible to be moved on January 15, and the athletic forward gets his wish the night before the trade deadline. Kuminga, who has been out with a knee injury, averaged 12.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 0.9 three-pointers in 23.8 minutes in 20 appearances. With the Hawks’ rotation including Jalen Johnson, Zaccharie Risacher and Dyson Daniels, getting the minutes he desires to showcase himself may not be there for Kuminga. But he is worth watching.

With Jaylen Brown out due to injury and Anfernee Simons traded, the Celtics called on Harper to move into the starting lineup. Making the first start of his four-year NBA career, Harper was effective as a scorer and rebounder while also taking on the assignment of guarding Kevin Durant for lengthy stretches. Wednesday’s game doesn’t affect his standing in redraft leagues, but Harper may have earned himself another opportunity the next time the Celtics are shorthanded.

Bey has now made four three-pointers in two of his last three games. The 26-year-old shooting guard has been on fire, providing first-round per game value over the last two weeks. This run ultimately won’t last for Bey, but fantasy managers have to enjoy it while it’s ongoing. The Pelicans have one more game in Week 16, coming up Friday against the Timberwolves on the road.

Due to the moves the Hornets have made over the last two days, there was a need to free up a roster spot. As a result, Connaughton, who had not been in the rotation on most nights, has been waived. This transaction does not affect fantasy basketball, and Connaughton will be able to sign with any team as a free agent once he clears waivers.

Williamson displayed his unique athleticism midway through the third quarter when he took the ball the length of the floor, made multiple defenders miss and finished with a dunk at the rim. The play was equally as impressive as the fact he was able to execute it so effortlessly. Zion has provided 10th-round per game value over the last two weeks. The Pelicans have one more game left in Week 16, coming up Friday against the Timberwolves on the road.

Murphy became just the eighth player in NBA history to make at least 12 three-pointers in a game in Wednesday’s OT loss to the Bucks. The 25-year-old small forward broke out of a mini-slump with 27 points Monday against the Hornets and completely went off with 44 points Wednesday against the Bucks. Unfortunately, neither performance was enough to get the Pelicans the win. Murphy has provided eighth-round per game value over the last two weeks. The Pelicans have one more game this week, coming Friday against the Timberwolves.

Green showed why he’s worth adding while Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) is out of the lineup in Wednesday’s OT win versus the Pelicans. The 26-year-old guard saw more opportunities to score, mostly coming from behind the three-point line. Green had six threes on his way to a 20-point game, his first since December 26 against Memphis.