NBA Player News

While the Bucks’ poor play in the second and third quarters did them in on Sunday, Porter’s performance was excellent as far as fantasy basketball is concerned. He was efficient as a scorer and playmaker, committing one turnover while recording his eighth double-double of the season. As long as Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) is out, Porter will boast a higher fantasy ceiling. Milwaukee plays four games in Week 18, starting with the Heat on Tuesday.

Leonard is good to go after his left ankle tightened up on him late in Friday’s loss to the Lakers. He’ll take on his usual role as the focal point of the Clippers offense. Kris Dunn, Kobe Sanders, Derrick Jones Jr. and Brook Lopez complete the starting five in LA’s final game of Week 17.

Hayes sprained his right ankle during the first half, limiting his first stint to five minutes. With Deandre Ayton in foul trouble, the Lakers were forced to go small, with Rui Hachimura serving as the small-ball center. If Hayes misses time beyond Sunday, there may be a few minutes available to Drew Timme.

After scoring 12 points in each of Indiana’s first two games out of the All-Star break, Brown put up 15 against the Mavericks. Add in the rebounds, three-pointers and percentages, and Sunday’s performance was a good one for the former Clipper. Brown hasn’t reached the point where he’s a must-roster player for the silly season, but the potential is there, especially on nights when the Pacers don’t have Pascal Siakam.

Returning to the Pacers’ lineup after missing Friday’s loss to the Wizards, Nembhard recorded his ninth double-double of the season on Sunday. And he was efficient, shooting 50 percent from the field and committing just one turnover. Nembhard played 30 minutes, a positive development for fantasy managers, but that may not be the norm for him the rest of the season. Kam Jones (10 points, three assists, one steal and two three-pointers) started alongside Nembhard, and his role may expand as the Pacers focus more on evaluating their younger talents.

Back in the Pacers’ lineup after a two-game absence for personal reasons, Siakam recorded his 11th 30-point game of the season on Sunday. If there was a negative for the Pacers’ forward beyond the game’s outcome, it was that he recorded five turnovers. Siakam didn’t record any defensive stats against the Mavericks, but that hasn’t been the norm for a player who’s averaging one steal per game. The Pacers begin a three-game Week 18 on Tuesday against the 76ers.

Playing against the team that was his biggest rival while with the Bucks, Middleton enjoyed his best performance of the season on Sunday. The veteran guard’s 25 points were a season-high and his first with at least 20 since dropping 23 in his first game of the season on October 22. Also of note was Middleton playing 30 minutes for a second straight game; the minutes restriction that limited his value in Washington does not appear to be an issue in Dallas. The only concern for Middleton in Week 18 is that Dallas’ four-game week includes a back-to-back, so he may be limited to three appearances.

Having missed Friday’s loss to the Timberwolves, Christie returned to the starting lineup on Sunday and logged 31 minutes. The percentages, assists and three-pointers were a solid capper to his Week 17, and the good news for Christie managers is that Dallas plays four games in Week 18. Tuesday’s matchup with the Nets could be another positive one for the guard, who’s scored at least 16 points in four of his last five appearances.

After struggling with his shot in Friday’s loss to the Timberwolves, Washington was much better against the Pacers. In addition to recording his first 20-point game since January 28, the Mavericks’ forward recorded a complete stat line. Due to Dallas’ injuries, particularly Cooper Flagg’s, Washington has a higher fantasy ceiling. However, he’s rarely made good on that promise, with Sunday’s performance being an exception. Dallas begins a four-game Week 18 on Tuesday against the Nets.

The Suns lost Dillon Brooks to a fractured left hand during Saturday’s win over the Magic, opening up a spot in the lineup. Dunn, who started the third quarter against Orlando, will take on that responsibility. While not the best streaming option, he’s worth the risk in deeper leagues due to the Suns’ many injuries on the wings.