NBA Player News

With P.J. Washington (ankle) sidelined, Williams was back in the Mavericks’ starting lineup for the first time since before the All-Star break. While he didn’t have a great night shooting the basketball, the eight rebounds were a nice bonus for the few who streamed Williams. Unfortunately, the move into the starting lineup did not mean starters’ minutes for Williams, who logged 26 while Tyus Jones (six points, four assists and two three-pointers) played 22 off the bench. The Mavericks host the Thunder on Sunday in their final game of Week 18.

Alexander-Walker had a rough night in New Orleans, missing all six of his three-point attempts. As a result, his streak of five straight games with at least two three-pointers to begin the season ended. Add in the lackluster assist and steal production, and this was a tough night for fantasy managers rostering Alexander-Walker. He’ll look to bounce back on Monday against the Pacers.

Johnson played the entire third quarter, but that would be the last we’d see of him on the court Saturday night. The Hawks forward sprained his left ankle, and while Johnson was questionable to return, he didn’t, as the game got out of hand. Atlanta’s four-game Week 3 begins on Monday against the Pacers and includes a back-to-back. If Johnson misses time, Aaron Wiggins (10/2/1/1/1 with two three-pointers) could become more important.

Playing in New Orleans for the first time since he was traded to Washington in the summer of 2025, McCollum had a relatively quiet Saturday night. The field-goal percentage was good, but CJ’s overall stat line was a bit lean. The Hawks lost Jalen Johnson to a sprained ankle in the second half, and McCollum may be needed to produce more offensively if the star forward misses time. Atlanta plays four games next week, starting with Indiana on Monday.

While Williamson’s defensive effort has been questioned at times, he’s provided consistent value in steals this season. He’s had at least two in each of the Pelicans’ first six games and is averaging 3.2 per game. His most productive season was 2024-25, when Zion averaged 1.2 steals per game. This early production is definitely out of the norm for him, so fantasy managers should plan for a likely decrease at some point.

The Pelicans have been without Dejounte Murray for the past two games due to personal reasons, and Fears has been excellent as the lone point guard in the starting lineup. Coming off a 22-point, 13-assist performance against the Kings on Thursday, the second-year guard had another strong showing on Saturday. Will New Orleans hand the key to Fears sooner rather than later? We’ll see.

The Pelicans outscored Atlanta 35-18 in the first quarter, with Bey scoring eight. He finished with a season-high 25, recording his second 20-point stat line this season. Just as impressive as Bey’s scoring output were the four steals, one shy of his career-high. Despite coming off the bench, Bey is productive enough to be rostered in 14-team leagues. The Pelicans play four games next week, starting with the Grizzlies on Monday.

Flemings was ejected after an altercation with New Orleans’ Bryce McGowens. After McGowens blocked Flemings’ layup attempt, the rookie guard threw an elbow at the face of the Pelicans’ wing while play headed in the opposite direction. Multiple players from both teams left their benches, but no one else was ejected because the Hawks had called a timeout. Flemings finished with 12 points, two rebounds, six assists, four steals and one three-pointer.

Johnson suffered a sprained left ankle during the third quarter and has not played at all in the fourth. With Asa Newell shifting to the backup center role due to Jock Landale’s hip injury, Aaron Wiggins may have to pick up the slack if Johnson can’t return.

Reid has been in a bit of a funk since Charlotte’s October 24 win over the Heat. Over his last four games, the Hornets’ forward has shot 35.1 percent from the field and 21.7 percent from beyond the arc while averaging 12.8 points per game. That’s not the production fantasy managers were hoping for, especially as the Hornets continue to play without Coby White and Kon Knueppel. Hopefully, Reid can turn things around next week, with the Hornets hosting the Pistons on Monday.

After scoring 14 points on 4-of-18 shooting in Charlotte’s prior two games, Allen needed a night like Saturday. He shot a stellar 7-of-10 from beyond the arc, including 3-of-3 in an 11-point first quarter. The 27 points are a new season-high for Allen, who scored 20 or more in two of Charlotte’s first three games. He’ll have a higher fantasy ceiling until Coby White and Kon Knueppel are cleared to return from their injuries.