NBA Player News

Making his second appearance as a Bull, Richards once again came off the bench on Monday. And the 2020 second-round pick has taken advantage of his opportunity in Chicago. In two games, Richards has totaled 26 points, 13 rebounds, three steals and three blocks. Guerschon Yabusele (three points, two rebounds, one assist, one steal and one three-pointer in 22 minutes) once again stepped in for the injured Jalen Smith, but deep league managers should not sleep on Richards, especially after the All-Star break.

Having missed the Kings’ final two games before the All-Star break, Monk will be available on Thursday. He should take on his usual role as the second unit’s top offensive option in the short term. However, Monk’s playing time could decrease as the Kings look to develop Devin Carter while also improving their draft lottery odds.

Westbrook sat out the Kings’ final game before the All-Star break, resulting in Devin Carter making his first career start. The veteran’s return should push Carter to the bench, but playing time won’t be an issue for the second-year guard, given where the Kings are in the standings.

While Hunter participated in Wednesday’s practice, he is not yet ready to play in games. The good news for the Kings is that Keegan Murray (ankle) will be available for the first time since late January. He should absorb a good percentage of the minutes that would go to Hunter.

With Spencer Jones set to be upgraded to a standard contract, the Nuggets will have a two-way contract slot to work with. According to Charania, the team has decided to use the available slot to sign Simpson. The 42nd overall pick in the 2024 draft, the 6-foot point guard was waived by the Hornets after the trade deadline. A hip injury sidelined Simpson before Charlotte waived him, so there’s no guarantee he’ll be available immediately upon signing with the Nuggets.

Batum is back after sitting out the Clippers’ February 11 win over the Rockets. His return does not affect fantasy basketball, so the veteran forward can be left on the waiver wire.

Richard did not play in the Warriors’ final game before the All-Star break, a February 11 loss to the Spurs. His return gives the Warriors another option off the bench, which will be helpful with Stephen Curry (knee) unavailable. However, there isn’t much to gain from rostering the rookie in redraft leagues.

Porziņǵis was a full participant in the scrimmage the Warriors held on Wednesday, opening the door for him to make his debut for the team on Thursday. If Porziņǵis can play, fantasy managers should expect him to be under a minutes restriction. Quinten Post, whose minutes have decreased recently, may take another hit with Porziņǵis in the fold.

Curry did not participate in Wednesday’s practice, as he did not “feel right,” according to Warriors head coach Steve Kerr. Gui Santos has played well since moving into the starting lineup, and he is worth streaming in deeper leagues while Curry remains out.

While Garland, who has yet to make his Clippers’ debut, practiced on Wednesday, he did not get in any “live” work. “Everything except for live,” Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue said Wednesday when asked about Garland. “He didn’t do 3-on-2, 2-on-1. But yesterday, he did the defensive stations live and all the full-court stuff, all the pre-practice stuff, and all the plays and stations, as well. He felt good.” Until Garland is healthy enough to play in games, the Clippers will stick with Kris Dunn as the starting point guard.

While injuries to multiple rotation players moved Pickett into the starting lineup earlier this season, he came off the bench in each of Denver’s last three games before the All-Star break. And the third-year guard did not exceed 12 minutes in any of those three appearances. Pickett is on track to be available Thursday night, but there isn’t much to gain from rostering him in redraft leagues.