NBA Player News

Duren wasn’t on the initial injury report, and while he still isn’t expected to miss this game, he is managing soreness in his right knee. This is the first leg of a back-to-back, so this could be setting up a potential absence against the Pelicans on Thursday. Isaiah Stewart (calf) has already been ruled out on Wednesday, so Paul Reed could start if both Duren and Stewart are out against New Orleans.

Scheierman got the starting nod with Jaylen Brown (Achilles) sidelined for this game. He played 26 minutes, but he wasn’t able to contribute much in the box score, outside of a decent effort on the glass. Still, Scheierman has had strong nights as a starter this year, so if Brown ends up missing more than just this game, Scheierman could remain a starter and have upside as a streamer. They have a back-to-back on Sunday and Monday, and it would be surprising if Brown played both legs.

Tatum’s field goal percentage continues to be an issue, but he was able to make up for it in other ways in this game. He set a new season high for scoring in this game, and he recorded his third straight double-double. It’s only been 10 games, but he has been better on the glass than he has ever been in his career. He’ll continue to get better as he plays more games, and his availability is going to give the Celtics to make a deep run in the playoffs.

Pritchard stepped up on the offensive end with Jaylen Brown (Achilles) sidelined. He had his second-highest scoring performance of the season, surpassed only by his 42-point outing in November. Pritchard has been productive all season, though he hasn’t been as explosive as a reserve. This was a fantastic performance for him, but managers shouldn’t expect him to put together outings like this one often. However, if Brown continues to miss time, Pritchard could receive a short-term boost.

NAW has had an incredible first season with the Hawks, but he has taken things up a notch in March. He has scored at least 20 points in seven of his last eight games and averaged 23.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.6 steals and 3.5 triples while shooting 53.6 percent from the floor, 50 percent from deep and 93 percent from the free throw line. He’s making a strong push for the Most Improved Player award and will look to stay hot against the Kings on Saturday.

McCollum wasn’t able to match his 27-point effort from Wednesday’s win, but he was able to score at least 20 points for the fourth time in his last six games. This was only the Hawks’ third loss since the All-Star break, and McCollum has filled in well with this team, which has led to him having some productive outings for fantasy managers. He’ll look to keep it going against the Kings on Saturday.

Traoré and Clowney are back in the Nets’ lineup after not playing in Wednesday’s loss to the Warriors. As a result, Ben Saraf and Terance Mann will come off the bench, limiting the fantasy value of both.

CMB logged 12 minutes before his night came to a close. Sandro Mamukelashvili and Jonathan Mogbo should take on extra minutes with CMB unavailable for the rest of this game.

Despite limited playing time, Toppin has scored in double figures in five of his last six appearances. Friday’s output was aided, in part, by Jarace Walker (concussion) having to leave during the first quarter. Toppin matched his season-high with 20 points, and the 23 minutes are the most he’s played since before injuring his foot in late October. If Walker has to miss time, starting with Sunday’s game against the Heat, Toppin may be worth the risk in deep leagues. Kobe Brown started the third quarter in place of Walker, finishing with 11 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals, one block and one three-pointer in 27 minutes.

For the first time this season, Nembhard has recorded at least 10 assists in three consecutive games. And he’s kept the turnovers in check during this run, totaling 43 assists and six turnovers. Nembhard’s field-goal percentage against the Clippers wasn’t the best, but fantasy managers will be pleased with the assists and “stocks.” He’ll look to end Week 22 on a high note when the Pacers host the Heat on Sunday.

Nesmith has now reached double figures in three straight and eight of his last nine appearances, scoring at least 20 points in three. Against the Clippers, he was highly efficient shooting the basketball, making over 71 percent of his attempts. The five turnovers weren’t great, but that was the lone issue for fantasy managers to be disappointed in. The Pacers play once more in Week 22, as they host the Heat on Sunday.