NBA Player News

Gafford is missing the second game of a back-to-back as he continues to manage an ankle injury. With Marvin Bagley III (neck) also out, expect P.J. Washington and Dwight Powell to see additional minutes at center.

After sitting out Wednesday’s loss to the Spurs, Melton, Santos and Porziņǵis are back and will start. As a result, LJ Cryer, Nate Williams and Will Richard will come off the bench. All three should remain in the rotation, but their fantasy outlooks aren’t as promising when used in a reserve role.

While Devin Booker cooled off considerably in the second half of Thursday’s 127-107 defeat, Green was solid throughout. The Suns’ guard shot over 50 percent from the field and finished with a complete stat line, including seven assists and three “stocks.” With Phoenix ending its Week 22 in Chicago on Sunday, that could be a big day for Green, with the Bulls headed for the draft lottery.

After scoring 17 first-half points, Booker appeared poised for a big night in Charlotte. Unfortunately for him and those rostering the Suns’ star, the Hornets did a much better job of defending him in the second half. Booker shot 2-of-6 from the field after halftime, scoring just five points. The good news for fantasy managers was that he put up solid rebound and assist numbers, salvaging something from what was a disappointing night.

After shooting a combined 4-of-19 from beyond the arc in his previous three games, Knueppel had a better night against the Suns. In addition to making four of his nine three-point attempts, the rookie wing is up to 35 games with at least 20 points. At a minimum, Knueppel is one of the favorites for Rookie of the Year, along with college teammate Cooper Flagg. And given his role in the Hornets’ success, it would be unsurprising if many voters viewed Knueppel as the clear leader going into the final week of the regular season.

Ball’s point total may not have been as high as many fantasy managers have grown accustomed to, but he had one of his best floor games of the season on Thursday. In addition to racking up 11 assists, the Hornets point guard did not commit a turnover. This was Ball’s first game of the season in which he reached double figures in assists without committing a turnover. His efficiency has improved since the All-Star break, a big reason the Hornets have locked up a spot in the Play-In tournament and can still finish in the top-6 of the East.

After scoring an efficient 19 points in Tuesday’s win over the Nets, Bridges was even better against the Suns. Recording his first 20-point game since March 14, the 25 were the most in a game for the Hornets’ forward since a March 11 win over the Kings (26 points). Add in the three-pointers, and Thursday was a good night for those rostering Bridges.

The Hornets received 46 points from their bench on Thursday, with White’s 19 leading the way. The reserve guard has averaged 18.7 points per game over his last ten appearances, shooting 49.2 percent from the field. Since he brings little to the table in the defensive categories, White holds superior value in points leagues and in category leagues where managers are targeting points and three-pointers.

Murphy is available after a three-game absence. His return will push Yves Missi to the bench, but the second-year center should play plenty due to the need to account for Portland’s Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams III.

With Williams and Hartenstein back in the lineup after sitting out Monday’s win over the Pistons, the Thunder will roll out their preferred starting five on Thursday. Ajay Mitchell and Cason Wallace head to the bench, lowering the fantasy ceilings of both young guards.