NBA Player News

Maxey’s third 30-point game of the series helped the 76ers become the most recent team to erase a 3-1 deficit. The 76ers’ guard had a big night offensively, shooting over 50 percent from the field and dishing out seven assists. And with Joel Embiid hobbled late, Maxey scored eight of his 30 points in the final two minutes to help get Philadelphia over the finish line. Next up for the 76ers are the Knicks, with Game 1 scheduled for Monday night in New York.

The Hawks didn’t play Onyeka Okongwu on Monday, so the available big men moved up a spot in the rotation. Ejiofor, the 23rd overall pick in June’s draft, finished one rebound shy of a double-double in 23 minutes. With Jock Landale in the fold, Ejiofor is in line to be the third center, but there may be some minutes available at the four, depending on the matchup. For now, he’s more valuable in dynasty leagues than redraft leagues.

Barnhizer is on a two-way contract, and even with the players Oklahoma City traded during the offseason, he’s unlikely to get the minutes needed to impact fantasy basketball. However, nights like Monday can open the door for a longer look, especially if the Thunder are shorthanded on the wings.

After not missing a shot in either of Oklahoma City’s first two preseason games, Mara’s hot streak ended on Monday. However, the rookie center still had a good night, recording a double-double along with six assists and five blocks. Mara’s regular-season minutes will depend on Isaiah Hartenstein’s and Jaylin Williams’ availability, but he’s looked good in the preseason.

With a home game scheduled for Tuesday, the Thunder kept most of their key contributors home rather than sending them to Atlanta. Stirtz started and showed why he was a first-round pick in June, knocking down six of nine three-point attempts. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander running the show, Stirtz is unlikely to get the minutes needed to be a factor in redraft leagues. But he’s a must-roster player in dynasty formats, especially as the price of contending continues to rise for Oklahoma City.

Alexander-Walker was the only Hawks starter available for Monday’s game, and he played 25 minutes. NAW is coming off the most productive season of his NBA career and won Most Improved Player honors. While capable of providing top-50 fantasy value, Alexander-Walker should come off the board just after that threshold in 12-team formats.

With Onyeka Okongwu off on Monday night, Landale started against the Thunder. The veteran center had a productive night at the office, reminding everyone of his streaming value. Landale isn’t a player who should be selected in 12-team drafts, but fantasy managers should be mindful of him if Okongwu sits due to injury.

Waived by the Hawks in April, Houston agreed to an Exhibit 9 contract with the Pelicans in early August. The 2022 second-round pick had long odds of making the Opening Night roster, so waiving him now gives Houstan more time to find a new home. His departure won’t affect fantasy basketball.