NBA Player News

With the Thunder down to eight active players, JayWill took on a prominent role within the team’s offense. His ability to facilitate was something Oklahoma City drew on throughout the game, and he finished with four assists and a double-double. Williams’ fantasy value moving forward depends on the availability of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, who both sat out Wednesday’s game. With the Thunder off until Saturday, there’s no need to add Williams immediately. But he’ll be worth streaming the next time Oklahoma City is down its starting two bigs.

Sunday’s game is the second in as many nights for the Bucks, who beat the Jazz on Saturday. Giannis’ absence opens a massive hole in the starting lineup, with Bobby Portis and AJ Green being potential replacements. With head coach Doc Rivers declaring that he wanted to go with a bigger lineup, which led to Green coming off the bench on Saturday, Portis may be the choice.

Cunningham is on track to play after sitting out Saturday’s loss to the Nets. His return would push Marcus Sasser to the bench, where there may still be some minutes available to the young guard with Caris LeVert (wrist) out.

LeVert played 16 minutes in Saturday’s loss to the Nets. With Cade Cunningham considered probable, he can absorb LeVert’s minutes, and then some.

Isaac has missed Orlando’s last two games with a sore left knee, resulting in rookie Noah Penda picking up additional minutes off the bench. Neither player is in a position to affect redraft leagues, but Penda will be a player of interest for dynasty league reasons.

Richardson’s potential absence does not affect fantasy basketball, even with Anthony Black (back) potentially not playing. The rookie could pick up a few minutes if available, but his short-term fantasy value is minimal at best.

Black exited Saturday’s win over the Timberwolves during the first quarter after suffering a lower back strain. He was replaced in the lineup by Tristan da Silva, who would move into the starting five if Black can’t play in Milwaukee.

Mitchell and Wade are back after missing time with groin and ankle injuries, respectively. However, the Cavaliers will be without Jarrett Allen (knee), so Merrill will be the fifth starter. Jaylon Tyson, who moved into the lineup following Mitchell’s injury, returns to the bench.

Wiggins, who missed Friday’s win over the Hornets due to patellar tendinitis in both knees, is dealing with inflammation in his left big toe. Myron Gardner moved into the starting lineup, but Jaime Jaquez Jr. is the player whose fantasy value receives the most significant boost with Wiggins unavailable.

After a three-game absence with a sprained ankle, Wade is good to go for Sunday’s key matchup with the Celtics. He’ll likely slide into the space that was occupied by Jarrett Allen, who has been ruled out with a knee injury. This would also mean Evan Mobley is the starting center.

Tyson is available despite dealing with a strained neck suffered during Tuesday’s win over the Pistons. With Donovan Mitchell and Dean Wade also available, the second-year wing could be headed to the bench, with Sam Merrill serving as the fifth starter. However, Tyson should play enough to retain value in 14-team leagues.