NBA Player News

After a two-game absence, Avdija was back in the Trail Blazers’ lineup without any restrictions. He played 27 minutes, which aligned with the other starters in a game Portland won by 17, finishing two assists shy of a triple-double. Avdija’s lower back didn’t give him any trouble, but that may not prevent the Blazers from keeping him out of one of their final two games before the All-Star break. Portland plays road games against Minnesota (Wednesday) and Utah (Thursday).

Sensabaugh hadn’t scored at least 28 points in a game since he dropped 43 points in a loss to the Bulls on January 14. The 22-year-old shooting guard played 34 minutes that night and 36 minutes against the Trail Blazers on Thursday. Sensabaugh is worth rostering if the Jazz decide to consistently play him that much during silly season.

Clingan became the first Trail Blazer since Scottie Pippen in 2003 to have a game with at least 20 points, at least 15 rebounds, at least five assists and no turnovers. The 21-year-old center has provided second-round per game value over the last two weeks. Clingan looks like a great fantasy center for years to come.

Holiday’s 31 points in Thursday’s win over the Jazz were his most in a game since the 2023 season. The 35-year-old point guard was also just a rebounds and three assists away from a triple-double. While Holiday was able to turn back the clock against the Jazz, he’s provided just 11th-round per game value over the last two weeks heading into the All-Star break.

Tshiebwe had one rebound and three assists in five minutes off the bench before heading to the locker room. The 26-year-old center was ruled out with a concussion at halftime. Tshiebwe hasn’t been a factor in fantasy basketball this season.

Williams appeared to say the wrong thing to an official and was ejected in the first half of Thursday’s game against the Trail Blazers. The 25-year-old shooting guard had six points in seven minutes prior to the ejection. John Konchar could be in line for more minutes with Williams unavailable. It’s unclear if he’ll face any further disciplinary action.

Joe continues to pick up some of the slack with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander out. The 26-year-old guard has shown over the last six games that he’s not going to contribute much in the other categories, but he can provide 17 points and three three-pointers every night. Joe will have value as long as this arrangement and his solid play continue.

Portis showed again Thursday why he leads all active bench players in double-doubles with 15 points and 12 rebounds in the win over the Thunder. The 31-year-old small forward seems to be over his hip injury. With the All-Star break approaching, Portis and the Bucks are off until Friday, February 20 against the Pelicans.

Dieng has struggled to produce or see minutes consistently this season, but has flashed a high-ceiling in the last two games. The 22-year-old small forward followed up a 17-point performance in 23 minutes in the win against the Magic on Wednesday with a full stat line in the win over the Thunder on Thursday. Dieng had 19 points and was just four assists shy of a triple-double while also contributing on the defensive end with a steal and four blocks. He also made three three-pointers. The Bucks deciding to keep giving him more minutes could lead to more games like this in the future.

Marshall, coming off a 31-point performance in Tuesday’s loss to the Suns, will start with Cooper Flagg (foot) out while Brandon Williams replaces Tyus Jones. The 28-year-old small forward should be in line for big minutes again Thursday in a good matchup against the Lakers.

LeBron sat out Tuesday’s loss to the Spurs, which was the second game of a back-to-back for the Lakers. He’s back in the starting lineup on Thursday against the Mavericks. James and Marcus Smart returning will push Luke Kennard and Kobe Bufkin to the bench.