KJ

Simpson

Simpson signed a two-year, two-way contract with the Nuggets in February, so his status for the 2026-27 season is relatively secure. The lone issue with his performance on Saturday was the five turnovers, but he did enough in other areas to help Denver take the 101-82 victory. Simpson cleaned some things up after a subpar performance in the Nuggets’ first game in Las Vegas; the key now is to build on his showing against the Timberwolves.

Murray exited just a few minutes into Wednesday’s game due to this illness and could remain sidelined for another game. Jalen Pickett (knee) is also questionable, though he typically starts at point guard when Murray is out. KJ Simpson played 14 minutes off the bench in their last game and could get the nod if both Murray and Pickett are sidelined.

With Spencer Jones set to be upgraded to a standard contract, the Nuggets will have a two-way contract slot to work with. According to Charania, the team has decided to use the available slot to sign Simpson. The 42nd overall pick in the 2024 draft, the 6-foot point guard was waived by the Hornets after the trade deadline. A hip injury sidelined Simpson before Charlotte waived him, so there’s no guarantee he’ll be available immediately upon signing with the Nuggets.

Charlotte waived KJ Simpson in a subsequent move. Evbuomwan will offer forward depth, but he’s not likely to see enough run to be worth a look in most fantasy leagues.

Simpson last appeared in a game on December 18. His continued absence will not affect the Hornets’ rotation or fantasy basketball.

Simpson will remain sidelined, but with the guards ahead of him in the rotation all healthy, he likely wouldn’t have seen the floor even if he was able. This will be a third straight absence for him.

Simpson’s absence due to a strained right hip flexor does not affect fantasy basketball, as he is not in the Hornets’ rotation on most nights.

Sexton will return following a seven-game absence, and it’s likely he’ll face a minutes restriction after such a lengthy layoff. KJ Simpson and Tre Mann will likely see their roles reduced with Sexton back in action.

As expected, Sexton will miss a seventh straight contest, which should mean more minutes for Tre Mann and KJ Simpson. LaMelo Ball (wrist) is available, so he should handle a hefty workload, as usual.

Ball is dealing with a sore right wrist, but the probable tag suggests that he will ultimately be cleared to play. If so, he’ll look to redeem himself after a poor showing in Saturday’s loss ot the Pistons. If Ball can’t play, Tre Mann and KJ Simpson will absorb the available minutes.