NBA Player News

Jokić was supposedly still under a minutes restriction on Wednesday. Due to the combination of the game requiring two overtimes and Jonas Valančiūnas (two points, three rebounds and two assists) struggling with foul trouble, the three-time MVP’s restriction appeared to be nothing more than a suggestion. Jokić played 44 of a possible 58 minutes, recording his 17th triple-double of the season. There was an injury scare during the first quarter when The Joker hit the floor with a left leg injury, but he was able to return. The lone issue for him was three-point shooting, with Jokić going 1-of-13 from beyond the arc.

With Nic Claxton (hip) sidelined for this game, Sharpe was able to start for the fourth time this season. He was able to match his season high for scoring and record a double-double while still contributing in other categories. If Claxton misses more time down the stretch, Sharpe will be a fantasy stud in an increased role. He’s currently rostered in just 15 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Walker returned from a one-game absence due to an illness and was inserted into the starting unit with multiple starters sitting out. That led to his fourth 20-point outing of the season, which was enough for the Pacers to win their second straight game. Walker should continue to play a significant role down the stretch, and while there will likely be some inconsistency mixed in, he should have some big performances like this one.

Due to an illness, Edwards was initially questionable for Wednesday’s game. That may have factored into his attempting just ten shots, but he still made half of them. That included a 4-of-6 night from beyond the arc and a complete stat line. So, all wasn’t lost for those who had Edwards on their fantasy rosters. After the All-Star break, the Timberwolves play two more games to conclude Week 17.

After totaling eight points in the Timberwolves’ final two games of Week 16, losses to the Pelicans and Clippers, McDaniels has gotten back on track. He’s totaled 39 points in Minnesota’s first two games of Week 17, recording complete stat lines in both. And McDaniels has been a menace defensively, totaling three steals and six blocked shots. Despite providing top-75 fantasy value, he’s still rostered in 46 percent of Yahoo! leagues, which may be a bit low.

One game removed from dropping his third triple-double of the season, Randle exploded for a season-high 41 points. The Timberwolves forward was at his best in the fourth quarter, scoring 23 points before being subbed out. That’s an impressive way for Randle to go into the All-Star break, after which the Timberwolves will play two more games to complete Week 17.

Potter started the Pacers’ game on Tuesday but was pushed to a reserve role for this one. However, his minutes only decreased by two. He ended up setting a new season-high for scoring and recorded his third double-double of the season. With Ivica Zubac expected to be sidelined for a while, Potter should be a big part of the rotation in Indiana for the remainder of the season, which could lead to more productive outings like this one.

This wasn’t an efficient shooting night for Suggs, but it was certainly a productive outing. He recorded at least 10 assists for the third time in his last seven games and continued to be a defensive stat monster. Over his last four games, he has averaged 4.0 steals and 2.5 blocks per game. Health has been an issue for him, but Suggs is a fantasy beast when he’s on the floor. He’ll look to keep that going after the All-Star break.

Bane got off to a scorching hot start to this game, scoring 15 points on five triples in the first quarter. He ended up matching his career high for three-pointers in a game, though he only three more over the final three quarters, which wasn’t enough for Orlando to get the win. Still, Bane has scored at least 20 points in four straight games entering the All-Star break and will look to pick up where he left off after some time off.