NBA Player News

Brown and the Celtics started slowly, with the Heat outscoring Boston 29-15 in the first quarter and the All-Star wing shooting 1-of-6 from the field. The home team would eventually get going, pulling even with a 25-7 third-quarter run. Brown has scored at least 29 points in seven of his last ten games, continuing to play at an elite level. The Celtics end Week 16 with a home game against the Knicks on Sunday.

Despite Friday’s contest coming on the second night of a back-to-back, Jokić performed more like his usual self than he did on Thursday. The three-time MVP shot efficiently and tallied more points than he did minutes. He cut back on his turnovers, contributed as a rebounder and passer, per usual, and even led Denver in steals. Limited minutes were the only thing to get in Jokić’s way on Friday.

Leonard exited the game midway through the fourth quarter with what’s being described as ankle soreness. He had tallied 31 points in as many minutes before exiting, leading all Clippers players in scoring. Leonard was replaced by Kris Dunn in the lineup after subbing out. If Leonard is forced to miss any time, Bennedict Mathurin immediately becomes the Clippers’ go-to offensive option.

Sharpe was one of three Nets players to score in double figures against the Thunder. All of his scoring came from inside the arc, where he also had success securing rebounds. Friday’s total marked the fourth time in February he’s finished a game with double-digit points. While he won’t often log massive performances from a numbers standpoint, he’s certainly a double-double candidate on a nightly basis.

Traoré had another impressive performance on Friday, scoring in double figures for the fifth time in his past six appearances. The rookie guard used a combination of interior scoring and free-throw production to tally most of his points, and did a good job defensively of collecting stocks. Traoré has come into his own late and carved out a nice role. He’s trending in the right direction, and as long as his minutes remain high, he should finish the end of the fantasy season relatively strong.

Collins took a hard fall during the second quarter of Friday’s game, hitting the side of his head on the court after being bumped by Lakers center Jaxson Hayes while in mid-air. The Clippers’ forward was helped off the floor immediately and did not return. If Collins enters the concussion protocol, Benedict Mathurin appears to be the most likely replacement in the starting lineup.

While it wasn’t his best shooting performance, MPJ volumed his way past the 20-point mark and used the free-throw line for help along the way. His inefficient three-point shooting was what specifically held him back, but Porter still contributed on the glass and led Brooklyn in assists on Friday before subbing out for the final time. He’ll remain the Nets’ go-to guy the remainder of the season, barring anything unforeseen. Fantasy managers should feel good about his production the rest of the way.

Holmgren didn’t log any blocks or steals against the Nets, but was still able to put together a decent performance from a fantasy standpoint. Almost half of his scoring came from the free-throw line, and he went perfect on his two attempts from beyond the arc before concluding as the Thunder’s second-leading scorer on Friday. Holmgren’s 26 minutes of game action likely prevented him from achieving a stronger stat line. He’ll have a chance to be more productive on Sunday against the Cavaliers.

Hartenstein returned from a calf injury and logged 24 minutes in OKC’s win over Brooklyn. In his time on the floor, he led all Thunder players in rebounds and blocks, while finishing the game as one of five OKC players to score in double figures. Hartenstein’s production on Friday was about where it’s been throughout the season. He’s capable of more, but fantasy managers should expect him to stick around these numbers that fall pretty close to his averages.

Just five games into his tenure with the Thunder, McCain logged one of his most productive performances of the season. Off the bench, he shot well inside and outside the arc before finishing as OKC’s top scorer on the evening. McCain’s production was fairly limited elsewhere, aside from less than a handful of rebounds. His role with a fully healthy Thunder roster remains unclear. Nonetheless, he’s made good on his early opportunities after being acquired via trade.

Queen made good use of his 28 minutes against the Bucks, nearly flirting with a points-rebounds double-double while being disruptive on the defensive end. His five stocks led the Pelicans, and he was also the team’s most productive rebounder on the evening. The rookie center shot very well from the floor in what ended up being his highest-scoring game of February. Queen could build off this momentum Saturday against the Sixers.