NBA Player News

Potter will return from a one-game absence to face the Bucks on Friday. He’ll likely have a chance to play a bigger-than-usual role in the game, as the Pacers’ frontcourt suddenly looks thin while they await Ivica Zubac’s availability after recently trading for him and shipping out Isaiah Jackson. Potter is averaging 6.7 points and 3.8 rebounds across 18 appearances.

Raynaud did not record any defensive stats in Saturday’s victory, but the points and field-goal percentage were excellent. The rookie center missed just one shot, rebounding nicely from a four-point effort in Wednesday’s loss to the Hornets. Since the All-Star break, Raynaud has provided fifth-round value in eight-cat formats. The Kings play once more in Week 20, as they host the Jazz on Sunday in what could be an excellent matchup for Raynaud.

Achiuwa continues to shine during the silly season, and he has been an excellent option for category league managers. Since the All-Star break, the Kings’ forward has provided third-round value in eight-cat formats. Rostered in 36 percent of Yahoo! leagues, Achiuwa is worth adding in 12-team leagues, especially with the Kings hosting the Jazz on Sunday in their final game of Week 20.

Sacramento had a field day offensively, especially its top three scorers. DeRozan, Precious Achiuwa and Maxime Raynaud shot a combined 32-of-40 from the field, scoring 75 points. DeRozan led the way with his 27-point effort, and fantasy managers also received solid value in the assist category. As long as the Kings continue to play him starters’ minutes, the veteran wing will be a valuable option, especially in points leagues. The Kings play three games in Week 21, starting with the Spurs on Tuesday.

Leonard, who suffered a cut over his left eye during the first half of Saturday’s game, had to exit after injuring his left ankle early in the fourth quarter. His absence means that the Clippers will need more offensive production from Darius Garland and Bennedict Mathurin. Leonard finished with 31 points (13-of-23 FGs, 3-of-6 FTs), six rebounds, two steals and two three-pointers.

Johnson, who has struggled for most of his first season in Denver, appears to be turning things around. He’s scored at least 15 points in three straight games, with the 18 points in Friday’s overtime loss being the most in a game for Johnson since hitting that number in a February 19 loss to the Clippers. For fantasy managers, now would be a great time for Johnson to provide consistent production, especially with the playoffs in Yahoo! default leagues beginning in Week 21.

Gordon shot 5-of-10 from beyond the arc on Saturday, coming through with much-needed production on a night when Jamal Murray (5/6/2 with one three-pointer) shot 1-of-14 from the field before fouling out. This was his second game of the season with at least five three-pointers, the first being Gordon’s 10 three-pointer explosion against the Warriors on October 23. The Nuggets play four games in Week 21, starting with the shorthanded 76ers on Tuesday.