NBA

Champagnie made four of the Spurs’ 17 three-pointers on Saturday, the second time this season he’s made at least that many in a game. While the rebounds were solid, Champagnie is most valuable to managers needing points and three-pointers. Tobias Harris’ continued absence makes Champagnie a little more important for offensive spacing reasons, but he’s only worth a look in deep leagues.

Castle has scored in double figures in nine of 10 games this season, except for his scoreless effort in an October 31 win over the Timberwolves. Like the other starters, Castle did not play in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s victory, which likely robbed him of chances to post better numbers. His current value hasn’t aligned with his top-60 ADP, but Castle is closing in on the top-100 in eight- and nine-cat formats.

One of three Spurs starters to make multiple three-pointers, Vassell is averaging 1.6 per game this season. Despite his low field-goal percentage, the Spurs wing provides solid middle-round value in 12-team formats. With the Spurs playing four games next week, Vassell may be worth a look for those needing three-pointers and steals, as he’s available in 48 percent of Yahoo leagues.

While the final stat line wasn’t as robust as his showing in Wednesday’s win over the Mavericks, Wembanyama thoroughly outplayed Portland’s Donovan Clingan on Saturday. The Spurs center only played 24 minutes, as San Antonio outscored Portland 87-56 in the second and third quarters. Wemby and the other Spurs starters watched the entire fourth quarter from the bench, which may have annoyed some fantasy managers hoping for an elite stat line. The Spurs play four games next week, starting with the Suns on Monday.

Unfortunately for fantasy managers who believed a move into the starting lineup would improve Henderson’s value, he hasn’t delivered. Since Ja Morant (hamstring) went down in an October 29 loss to the Grizzlies, Scoot’s category-league value has ranked outside the top-300 in nine-cat formats. Unsurprisingly, Jrue Holiday (11 points, one steal and one three-pointer) has been far more valuable, regardless of league format. Portland plays three games next week, starting with a home back-to-back against the Thunder on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Lillard’s streak of games with at least 20 points ended at four on Saturday, with the veteran point guard also attempting a season-low eight shots from the field. Lillard shot a solid percentage from the field, but many expected more, especially with Ja Morant (hamstring) sidelined. The good news is that Lillard played both games of Portland’s back-to-back. Saturday’s game was a blowout, so he played only 20 minutes.

Avdija led the Trail Blazers in points and field-goal attempts on Saturday, but the overall stat line was underwhelming. Deni didn’t shoot well from the field and recorded just one assist. Surprisingly, Avdija’s fantasy value has slipped after Ja Morant’s hamstring injury. Over the last five games, he sits just outside the top-200 in nine-cat formats. Avdija will look to contribute more when Portland hosts Oklahoma City on Tuesday.

There’s no such thing as “garbage time"; those minutes are vital for non-rotation players looking to give their coaches a reason to call their name when the stakes are higher. While Yang’s showing against the Spurs is unlikely to make him a fixture in the Trail Blazers’ rotation, it was a step forward. The former first-round pick recorded his first double-double, establishing new career highs in points and rebounds. As good as it was to see him perform well, Yang should still be rostered only in dynasty leagues.

Black didn’t have a great night shooting the basketball, but his final stat line included seven defensive contributions and six assists. Unfortunately, the Magic guard was not on the floor for the second half of overtime, as cramping sidelined Black with 2:47 remaining in the period. Orlando doesn’t play again until Tuesday against the Kings; hopefully, that’s enough time for Black to rehydrate and play without any issues.

Curry’s sublime start to the year continued in this one as he topped the 40-point plateau for the second time in eight games. His signature sequence came in the final minute of regulation when he knocked down a three-pointer before sinking a pair of free throws and converting a go-ahead layup in the closing seconds. He added five points in overtime as Golden State was finally able to pull away for good. The 38-year-old legend has delivered first-round fantasy value so far, averaging 31.3 points through eight games. Are you not entertained? The Warriors are in line for a three-game week that features matchups against the Pelicans, Rockets and Spurs.