NBA Player News

Avdija is back after missing Portland’s last six games with a lower back injury. As a result, Scoot Henderson heads to the bench after struggling in two spot starts earlier this week. Kris Murray, who filled in for Avdija before missing the last two games, will also come off the bench.

After attempting nine shots in Wednesday’s win over the Warriors, Castle put up 15 on Thursday. A big reason for the increase was Victor Wembanyama (ankle) not playing, and the reigning Rookie of the Year took advantage of his opportunities. Castle did not record any defensive stats against the Clippers, but he’s still averaging one steal per game. The rebounds, assists and three-pointers were good, so there isn’t much for fantasy managers to worry about.

With no Victor Wembanyama, as he sat to rest his ankle, Fox was able to do a bit more scoring-wise than he did in Wednesday’s win over the Warriors. The Spurs’ guard doubled his point total from the night prior, and he did so on good percentages from the field and the foul line. Add in the rebounds, assists, and steals, and this was the kind of performance many Fox managers had hoped for once it was known that Wembanyama would not play.

Mathurin posted solid percentages and was active on the glass, but it wasn’t enough to keep the Clippers from being outclassed by the red-hot Spurs. And after scoring four points on 2-of-7 shooting in Tuesday’s loss to the Trail Blazers, he needed to have a good Thursday night individually. The Clippers play once more in Week 23, on Sunday in Sacramento, and that’s a matchup in which Mathurin can flourish.

Green didn’t have a great night shooting the basketball, but the overall stat line showed why he’s still rostered in more than 75 percent of Yahoo! leagues. In addition to the rebounds and assists, the veteran forward was responsible for four defensive contributions. The three blocks matched Green’s season high, which he last reached on November 25 against the Kings. The Warriors play once more in Week 23, when they host the Rockets on Sunday.

Podziemski, who shared the team lead in scoring with Gui Santos, has scored 20 points or more in five of his last six appearances. The Warriors’ guard has provided third-round value over the last two weeks, more than picking up the slack as the team remained without Stephen Curry (knee). Even if Curry returns on Sunday against the Rockets as expected, Podziemski’s role will be fine due to the Warriors’ need for offense. Plus, Curry’s playing time will be limited in his first game back.

Porziņǵis played 28 minutes against the Cavaliers, providing limited value outside of points and rebounds in a challenging matchup. He’s played at least 27 minutes in each of his five appearances, an encouraging run after injury and illness limited his availability at the start of his time with the Warriors. Golden State ends its Week 23 with a game against the Rockets on Sunday, and they may have Stephen Curry (knee) back. Even if his minutes are limited, Curry’s mere presence should help Porziņǵis and the others offensively.