NBA Player News

Less than a month removed from recording five steals in a game, Adebayo matched his career-high with six steals in Tuesday’s blowout victory. The Heat center shot 1-of-7 from beyond the arc against the Nets, and that was the only issue for fantasy managers. The overall field goal percentage was solid, so the robust stat line did not lose any luster. With the Heat playing the Nets again on Thursday, fantasy managers who have Adebayo rostered are benefiting from a nice schedule to open Week 19.

Following a one-game absence with an ankle injury, which came after playing in 35 straight games, Williamson returned to take on Los Angeles. Excluding the game he exited early with the ankle injury, Zion has scored at least 20 points in six straight games. They have a back-to-back on Thursday and Friday, and while Williamson had been playing in back-to-backs, there is a chance he sits out as he manages this ankle injury. If he does, he’ll likely sit against the Kings on Thursday and play against the Suns on Friday.

This was Murphy’s second game back after missing five games with a shoulder injury. He scored 16 points in the first one, but he was more effective in this outing. Murphy has been excellent this season, but this two-game stretch hasn’t been his best. They have a back-to-back coming up on Thursday and Friday, but since it wasn’t a lower body injury, Murphy should be fine to suit up for both games.

Though Murray wasn’t able to get much going as a scorer in this game, he was able to stuff the stat sheet in a way that not many can. He also set a new season high for minutes, which is great to see after such a lengthy absence. Murray should be considered a must-roster player at this point, though that doesn’t mean he’ll play in back-to-backs. They play the Kings and Suns on Thursday and Friday, so expect him to be available for the more difficult matchup in Phoenix.

Dončić was whistled for his 14th technical foul in this game, which puts him just two away from facing a one-game suspension. He had been doing a good job of keeping the turnovers in check since the All-Star break, but that went out the window in this one. After turning it over a total of 12 times over his last six games, he had his most turnovers in a game since January. He’ll look to get back on track in that area in Denver on Thursday to help the Lakers push this winning streak to four games.

Smart has been solid all season, but this may have been one of his best performances. He made big contributions on both ends to help the Lakers finish the game on a 24-8 run. He now has nine steals over his last two games, and he set a new season high for blocks in this game. Of course, he also has nine triples over his last four games, making him an excellent fit as a three-and-D guard in this starting unit. Smart likely won’t continue racking up the defensive stats at this rate, but he’ll remain an excellent option for the Lakers.

He was able to get some offense going in the second half, but it was still a rough outing for him. He missed all six of his shots in the first half and entered the break with just two points. However, he was able to make up for it by making an impact in other ways. This was his sixth straight game with fewer than 20 points, which is quite different from how he started the season. His efficiency and volume have both dropped, but he has still been effective.

Richards has been a solid addition as center depth for Chicago. He has scored in double figures in three straight games, which includes two double-doubles during that stretch. Unfortunately, his upside has been capped as a reserve, even if his minutes have increased with Jalen Smith (calf) sidelined. As long as he is playing behind Guerschon Yabusele, Richards will be too limited to be worth rostering.

Buzelis injured his ankle during the third quarter, and while he wasn’t officially ruled out during the game, he didn’t end up checking back into the game. Head coach Billy Donovan said after the game that it is an ankle sprain, but Buzelis, who hasn’t missed a game this season, hopes that he won’t have to miss any time. Leonard Miller, who played 21 minutes off the bench in this game, could slide into the starting unit if he does.

Giddey injured his ankle during this game, but he was able to return to finish out the game. It wasn’t enough to get the win over his former team, but he came close to recording a triple-double. Giddey said after the game that his ankle “doesn’t feel too bad,” but he’ll know more on Wednesday. If Giddey ends up missing any time, Collin Sexton, who scored 20 points off the bench in this game, would likely move into the starting unit.

Yabusele has started all but two games since joining Chicago, and this was his third double-double during that stretch, as well as a new season high for scoring. As long as he continues to start, Yabusele will continue to be a strong option for fantasy managers. Jalen Smith (calf) still being sidelined has resulted in extra minutes for Yabusele, which has allowed him to average 11.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.3 triples per game as a Bull.