NBA Player News

At long last, the Pacers’ 16-game losing streak has come to an end. The motivation to end it on Monday likely influenced the minutes played by Siakam and the other starters, with four of them playing between 33 and 35 minutes. Siakam shot 50 percent from the field and made all nine of his free throw attempts in one of his more efficient efforts of the season. The Pacers play three more games in Week 22 without a back-to-back, but that does not guarantee fantasy managers of a fully available Siakam, especially with the losing streak now over.

Saraf is dealing with back tightness, casting some doubt on his availability for Sunday’s game. Nolan Traoré is available, and his status as the starting point guard won’t change. If Saraf doesn’t play, Malachi Smith would figure more prominently in the rotation.

Not only is Mann dealing with a sore left Achilles, but also a sore right knee. He is considered probable, so the Nets may have the veteran wing in the rotation. With Nic Claxton (hand) unavailable, Mann could figure more prominently in the Nets’ offensive attack, mainly as a facilitator.

Oubre moved into the starting lineup on Saturday, his first start since returning from an elbow injury. And he struggled, shooting 25 percent from the field and not offering much value outside of the rebounds. Dominick Barlow, who moved to the bench, finished with eight points (3-of-6 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), two rebounds, two assists and one blocked shot in 29 minutes. Philadelphia begins a four-game Week 24 in San Antonio on Monday.

George played both games of the 76ers’ first back-to-back since his return from suspension, logging 28 minutes in Saturday’s defeat. His production was solid, with the veteran forward shooting 50 percent from the field and finishing a blocked shot shy of a complete stat line. Philadelphia’s Week 24 schedule includes another back-to-back, with George’s availability likely depending on potential playoff seeding implications.

Limited to eight points in his last outing, Edgecombe more than doubled that number on Saturday. The 76ers’ rookie did not have the most efficient night, but he did finish with a complete stat line. With the 76ers still fighting for seeding in the East, fantasy managers whose leagues run through Week 24 should benefit from Edgecombe having four games on the schedule.

Maxey led all scorers with 23 points, but this was not one of his better games. The 76ers guard, who Ausar Thompson hounded for most of the night, recorded just one assist in 33 minutes. Given how many fantasy managers have benefitted from Maxey’s production throughout the season, this was a disappointing end to Week 23 for those competing for league championships. For managers whose seasons will be active in Week 24, Philadelphia plays four games.

Jenkins has hit double digits in assists on four occasions this season, with Saturday’s tally being one shy of his career-high. With the second-year guard filling in for the injured Cade Cunningham (lung), the Pistons have not missed a beat. Saturday’s win guaranteed Detroit the top seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. For managers whose leagues will still be active, the Pistons play four games in Week 24, and Jenkins is worth rostering.

While Philadelphia’s Tyrese Mazey led all scorers with 23 points, Thompson did an outstanding job of making him work for everything. The 76ers’ point guard was able to get his, but he could not get others going. Maxey was responsible for just one assist, while Thompson recorded three steals and a blocked shot. Add in the points and rebounds, and the Pistons’ wing had a very good night in Philadelphia.

After exiting Thursday’s win over the Timberwolves with a knee contusion, Harris played 27 minutes without issue on Saturday. The 19 points were the most he’s scored in a game since March 25, when he put up 22 in a loss to the Hawks. The win over the 76ers secured for the Pistons the top seed in the East, which could lead to key players getting a little more rest during Week 24.

Clowney has been dealing with a sore left ankle for a little while now, but his Friday night was cut short due to a third-quarter ejection. With Nic Claxton (hand) already out, Clowney would figure prominently in the starting lineup, even if his minutes are limited.