Betting

After putting up All-Star-level numbers with the Clippers last season, Powell was traded to the Heat ahead of the final year of his current contract. And the move east has been a successful one for the guard individually, going into the All-Star break with averages of 23.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.2 steals, and 2.9 three-pointers per game. That production was good enough to earn Powell his first All-Star nod, and he hopes to continue the relationship with the Heat for years to come. “Hopefully, there’s some good synergy from what they’ve seen that I bring to the table,” Powell said, according to the Miami Herald. “And hopefully a deal is able to be done sometime. But yeah, I see myself being here and being a part of the Heat organization for however long they’ll have me.” Having entered the season with a Yahoo! ADP of 86, Powell has offered top-50 fantasy value for most of the season. A lingering subplot for the Heat is Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee, and the team is one of many that will have more resources at its disposal in the summer to make a move for the star forward if he becomes available.

After scoring 17 points in the semifinals, including a run of ten consecutive points, the 76ers guard scored six more in Team Vince’s championship game victory over Team Melo. His two free throws gave Team Vince the 25-24 win in the title game. Thus far, Edgecombe has exceeded expectations in Philadelphia from a fantasy standpoint, providing seventh-round per-game value in eight- and nine-cat formats.

Due to a right fifth finger injury, LaVine missed Sacramento’s final three games before the All-Star break. Apparently, the injury is more serious than the Kings may have let on, as the guard will reportedly undergo season-ending surgery after the break. LaVine, who appeared in 39 games and averaged 19.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.7 steals and 2.5 three-pointers, has a player option for next season worth nearly $49 million. As for how his absence affects the Kings in the short term, rookie Nique Clifford has moved into the starting lineup and should remain there for the rest of the season.

Dončić missed the Lakers’ last four games before the All-Star break, but he went through a rigorous workout ahead of Thursday’s win over the Mavericks. He’s come out of that session in good condition and will be available for a short stint on Sunday. With the new format for the All-Star Game, the question is whether he’ll play in just one of the potentially three short games for Team World. At the very least, Dončić’s participation on Sunday should ensure that he’s available for the Lakers’ first game after the break, February 20 against the Clippers, provided he does not aggravate the hamstring injury.

Paul was waived by the Raptors on Friday afternoon and shortly afterwards, took to Instagram to announce his official retirement, saying, “This is it! After over 21 years, I’m stepping away from basketball.” Paul had previously announced that this would be his final season, but then tensions flared with the Clippers earlier in the year, which led to his departure from the team. Paul was a 12-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA point guard, five-time assists leader, nine-time All-NBA defensive team honoree, and two-time Olympic gold medalist with the United States men’s basketball team. He averaged 16.8 points, 9.2 assists, and 4.4 rebounds in his career and will undoubtedly be a Hall of Famer.

James returned after missing Tuesday’s loss to the Spurs and became the oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double against the Mavericks on Thursday. The 41-year-old small forward had 28 points to go with 10 rebounds and 12 assists. LeBron has provided 11th-round per game value over the last two weeks heading into the All-Star break.

Clingan became the first Trail Blazer since Scottie Pippen in 2003 to have a game with at least 20 points, at least 15 rebounds, at least five assists and no turnovers. The 21-year-old center has provided second-round per game value over the last two weeks. Clingan looks like a great fantasy center for years to come.

Dieng has struggled to produce or see minutes consistently this season, but has flashed a high-ceiling in the last two games. The 22-year-old small forward followed up a 17-point performance in 23 minutes in the win against the Magic on Wednesday with a full stat line in the win over the Thunder on Thursday. Dieng had 19 points and was just four assists shy of a triple-double while also contributing on the defensive end with a steal and four blocks. He also made three three-pointers. The Bucks deciding to keep giving him more minutes could lead to more games like this in the future.

In a statement released by the NBA less than an hour before the Jazz tipped off against the Trail Blazers on Thursday, commissioner Adam Silver said, “Overt behavior like this that prioritizes draft position over winning undermines the foundation of NBA competition and we will respond accordingly to any further actions that compromise the integrity of our games.” The Jazz were held accountable for holding out starters, notably Jaren Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen, in the fourth quarter of the February 7 game against the Magic and February 9 game against the Heat. It’s been an active week for Silver, who also levied multiple suspensions against players stemming from a benches-clearing incident with the Hornets and Pistons. Only time will tell if the Jazz receive this message or decide to get more creative in their pursuit of better lottery odds.

Turner wasn’t on the initial injury report, but was a late scratch with right calf soreness. Ousmane Dieng had 17 points in 23 minutes in Wednesday’s win over the Magic and could be in for even more minutes with Turner out Thursday against the Thunder, Dieng’s former team.