NBA Player News

Wade sprained his right ankle during his pregame individual workout, and the Cavaliers have decided to hold him out for precautionary reasons. With Max Strus and Jaylon Tyson also out, this could be a spot where Nae’Qwan Tomlin picks up additional minutes, even if he comes off the bench.

While Traoré provided good value in the assist and steal categories, he was terribly inefficient against the Lakers. In addition to shooting 4-of-14 from the field, the rookie was responsible for six turnovers in 26 minutes. Ben Saraf dropped into the backup point guard role after starting the last time out, finishing with 10 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal in 22 minutes. Sunday’s game against the Kings is not part of a back-to-back, which may keep Traoré in the starting lineup. However, if he sits, Saraf will be worth streaming in deep leagues.

Claxton shot 80 percent from the field and was solid on the glass, providing good value in those categories. However, he logged 23 minutes and has not played 30 or more minutes in a game since February 24. Given where the Nets are in the standings, that’s unlikely to change between now and the end of the regular season. While Claxton is not a player who should be dropped in all leagues, fantasy managers in 12-team formats who need more production for Sunday’s action need to seek alternatives.

It is anyone’s guess which reserve frontcourt player will play the most minutes for the Nets on any given night. Against the Lakers, it was Minott, who was effective in 26 minutes on the floor. Chaney Johnson (two points, two rebounds and two assists), who’s had his moments recently, played 14 minutes. In theory, Minott’s superior night should earn him more minutes on Sunday when the Nets host the Kings, but that hasn’t been the case. Unless you’re competing in a 30-deep league, Minott and Johnson are too risky to roster.

Williams has started each of the Nets’ last five games, and he’s scored at least 16 points in each. Over the past week, he has provided sixth-round value in eight-cat formats. As long as Williams is in the starting lineup, he’s capable of providing the value needed to be an impactful addition during the silly season. The Nets play once more in Week 22, on Sunday against the Kings, which would be a good spot to stream Williams if he’s available.

Hayes had his best defensive night of the season on Friday, with the five blocks being one shy of his career-high. As a result, he played 26 minutes while starter Deandre Ayton (nine points, seven rebounds, one steal and three blocks) logged 22. Hayes remains a player who should only be in fantasy lineups on nights when Ayton is not available, but he should be applauded for his performance on Friday.

James took a back seat to Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves offensively on Friday, something he has been more willing to do in recent weeks. And the change in approach is one reason for the Lakers’ improved play, as they’re now 13-2 in March. Even with the limited scoring, James still recorded six rebounds and eight assists, which is good value in those categories. And since March 1, he has provided fourth-round value in eight-cat formats. That may not match LeBron’s prime, but he is 41 years old. The Lakers play four games in Week 23, starting with the Wizards on Monday.

Reaves was at his best in the fourth quarter, scoring 15 points to help the Lakers pull away from the Nets. He’s now scored at least 24 points in four straight games, the second time he’s accomplished that feat this month. If Luka Dončić has to serve a one-game suspension on Monday after picking up his 16th technical foul during the third quarter, Reaves could go off in a big way against the lottery-bound Wizards.

Dončić was rolling on Friday, and then the last thing that the Lakers or fantasy managers needed to see happened. The Lakers star got into it with Ziaire Williams during the third quarter, resulting in both players being assessed technical fouls. For Luka, that was his 16th of the season after a tech called in last week’s win over the Magic was rescinded. If this technical foul is upheld, he’ll have to serve a one-game suspension, with the Lakers hosting the Wizards on Monday. That would be a rough start to Week 23 for those rostering Dončić, especially with the Cavaliers visiting the following night.

Since being held to five points in a loss to Atlanta last Saturday, Podz has been on a tear. Over their last three games, he has averaged 21.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 2.3 triples per game. That has contributed to Golden State winning three straight games, and it has come at a crucial time for fantasy managers. He’ll look to stay hot in their final game of the week, which comes against the Nuggets on Sunday.

Santos has been on fire recently. He followed up his career-high 31-point performance on Wednesday with another strong scoring performance in this one. Plus, he shot better than 65 percent from the floor in each game. He has contributed a little value across the board, but his strongest attribute has been his efficient scoring. With Stephen Curry (knee) set to be evaluated next week, Santos’ time as a starter could be coming to a close, but he’ll continue to be an important piece for this team.