NBA Player News

Mitchell dealt with a shoulder injury earlier this season, which forced him to miss time in late January. However, he’ll play through a contusion in this game, meaning he’ll occupy his typical spot in the starting unit.

Having missed six of the Clippers’ last seven games with a neck injury, Collins’ playing time was limited on Saturday. For that reason, he was used in a reserve role, with Derrick Jones Jr. (2/3/1/1/1) starting and playing 32 minutes. The Clippers play four games in Week 21, including a back-to-back, and it’s unknown if (or when) Collins will return to the starting five. If Kawhi Leonard (ankle) has to miss time, that could open the door for Collins to start as soon as Monday against the Spurs.

Garland played 30 minutes on Saturday, matching his high since joining the Clippers. However, he appeared to tweak something in his right foot during the second half, which is concerning given the Clippers’ guard’s injury history. Garland did play through the issue, and the Clippers will need similar performances from him moving forward, especially if Kawhi Leonard (ankle) has to miss time.

Mathurin extended his streak of 20-point games to five on Saturday, and he may be thrust into a more prominent role to begin Week 21. Kawhi Leonard left Saturday’s game early in the fourth quarter after spraining his left ankle, which could rob the Clippers of their best player. Mathurin may not be a lock to start if Leonard misses time, but his scoring ability will be needed. The Clippers play four games in Week 21, starting with the Spurs on Monday.

Westbrook finished Saturday’s triple-double with the 209th of his NBA career, but fantasy managers took a hit in the percentages. Since the All-Star break, the veteran point guard has shot 41.4 percent, limiting his category league value. While Westbrook has provided seventh-round value during this stretch, it would be much better if he were more accurate shooting the basketball. With Westbrook not playing both games of a back-to-back since before the All-Star break, he should be considered questionable for Sunday’s game against the Jazz.

Raynaud did not record any defensive stats in Saturday’s victory, but the points and field-goal percentage were excellent. The rookie center missed just one shot, rebounding nicely from a four-point effort in Wednesday’s loss to the Hornets. Since the All-Star break, Raynaud has provided fifth-round value in eight-cat formats. The Kings play once more in Week 20, as they host the Jazz on Sunday in what could be an excellent matchup for Raynaud.

Achiuwa continues to shine during the silly season, and he has been an excellent option for category league managers. Since the All-Star break, the Kings’ forward has provided third-round value in eight-cat formats. Rostered in 36 percent of Yahoo! leagues, Achiuwa is worth adding in 12-team leagues, especially with the Kings hosting the Jazz on Sunday in their final game of Week 20.

Sacramento had a field day offensively, especially its top three scorers. DeRozan, Precious Achiuwa and Maxime Raynaud shot a combined 32-of-40 from the field, scoring 75 points. DeRozan led the way with his 27-point effort, and fantasy managers also received solid value in the assist category. As long as the Kings continue to play him starters’ minutes, the veteran wing will be a valuable option, especially in points leagues. The Kings play three games in Week 21, starting with the Spurs on Tuesday.

Leonard, who suffered a cut over his left eye during the first half of Saturday’s game, had to exit after injuring his left ankle early in the fourth quarter. His absence means that the Clippers will need more offensive production from Darius Garland and Bennedict Mathurin. Leonard finished with 31 points (13-of-23 FGs, 3-of-6 FTs), six rebounds, two steals and two three-pointers.

Johnson, who has struggled for most of his first season in Denver, appears to be turning things around. He’s scored at least 15 points in three straight games, with the 18 points in Friday’s overtime loss being the most in a game for Johnson since hitting that number in a February 19 loss to the Clippers. For fantasy managers, now would be a great time for Johnson to provide consistent production, especially with the playoffs in Yahoo! default leagues beginning in Week 21.

Gordon shot 5-of-10 from beyond the arc on Saturday, coming through with much-needed production on a night when Jamal Murray (5/6/2 with one three-pointer) shot 1-of-14 from the field before fouling out. This was his second game of the season with at least five three-pointers, the first being Gordon’s 10 three-pointer explosion against the Warriors on October 23. The Nuggets play four games in Week 21, starting with the shorthanded 76ers on Tuesday.