Fantasy Basketball News

Dru Smith totaled thirteen points (5-6FG, 3-4 3PT) four assists, two steals, and one block in the Heat’s 104-97 loss to the Thunder.

Fantasy Impact: Dis boy Dru Smith…. is balling. Forget the “tea leaves” - just check his game log. He’s proving his value night after night, and it’s time to take notice. He’s a DFS gem, and for category managers, he’s a must-watch, especially in deep leagues. Until his role in the rotation is fully solidified, Smith’s recent production makes him a player you can’t ignore. Dis boy Dru? Yeah, he’s balling.

Alex Caruso totaled four points (2-5 FG, 0-2 3PT), three rebounds, five assists, two steals, and two blocks in the Thunders’ 104-97 win over the Heat.

Fantasy Impact: Caruso is the player we all root for, and his move to the Thunder only heightened expectations for what he could bring. While he hasn’t quite developed into the high-end utility fantasy asset some hoped for, he remains a key contributor to the Thunder’s competitiveness this season. His 2.0 steals and blocks against the heat are a reminder of the gritty, impactful game we’ve come to love. As he settles into his role on this team, there’s reason to believe he’ll regain and even surpass the form he’s showcased in past seasons. While not a must-add in standard leagues, he should be on the radar for deeper formats, especially for managers seeking category boosts in steals, blocks, or efficiency. In DFS, he’s a solid option depending on the slate and value plays.

Sam Merrill totaled five points (2-6 FG, 1-5 3PT), three rebounds and one assist in the Cavaliers’ 124-101 win over the Bucks.

Fantasy Impact: After a breakout season last year, Merrill has struggled to sustain his momentum, seeing a dip in production despite increased playing time. His inefficiency was evident again in this matchup, and with Max Strus returning and the slow emergence of rookie Jaylon Tyson, Merrill’s path to a larger role appears increasingly difficult. For now, he’s best left off waiver radars. At most, he could serve as a contrarian flier in DFS for managers looking to take a risk on the right slate.

Andre Jackson Jr. totaled zero points (0-5 FG, 0-4 3PT), two rebounds, and one assist in the Bucks’ 124-101 loss to the Cavaliers.

Fantasy Impact: Jackson struggled mightily in this one, failing to make a shot and finishing with zero percent from both the floor and three-point range. While his opportunities have increased this season, his production hasn’t followed suit. Though he has potential, it’s unlikely we’ll see consistent contributions this year. Jackson is safe to leave off fantasy radars across all formats for now.

Ryan Rollins totaled nine points (4-7 FG, 1-2 3PT) and two assists in the Bucks’ 124-101 loss to the Bucks.

Fantasy Impact: Rollins had his best outing of the season, flashing his potential in just 12.0 minutes against a strong Cavaliers squad. His stat line - 9.0 points, 2.0 assists, three steals, 57.1 percent shooting from the floor, and 50.0 percent from three - was impressive. The Bucks appear to be in experimentation mode, shuffling their bench and starting rotation as they try to build off their in-season championship success. While Rollins is an intriguing prospect, he’s not worth serious consideration in season-long or DFS formats just yet. Keep an eye on him as we approach the mid-season or trade deadline when opportunities may shift.

DaQuan Jeffries totaled twelve points (5-9 FG, 2-4 3PT), five rebounds, one assists, one steal, and one block in the Hornets’ 121-108 loss to the Sixers.

Fantasy Impact: Jeffries is off to a slow start in his first season with the Hornets, but after bouncing between four teams over the past four years, he’s looking to solidify his role and make a lasting impact. Despite limited minutes, he’s posting career highs and arguably having his best season as a pro. His performance against the Sixers was encouraging as he filled the stat sheet across all major categories, showcasing his versatility. For deep-category leagues, Jeffries is worth monitoring, especially if his minutes hold steady. In DFS formats, he could be a sneaky value option if his price remains reasonable.

Isaiah Wong totaled eleven points (4-7 FG, 1-2 3PT, 2-4 FT), one rebound and four assists in the Hornets’ 121-108 loss to the Sixers.

Fantasy Impact: Keep an eye on Wong. While he might not be a part of your immediate fantasy strategy, there’s no denying his talent. Wong has been impressive at every level, from his collegiate dominance as a Miami Hurricane to his standout performances in the G-League. With the Salt Lake City Stars this year, he averaged 31.4 minutes, 24.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game while shooting an efficient 46.3 percent from the floor and 41.0 percent from deep. Those marks even show improvement from his previous year’s production. That consistency carries over to his NBA minutes this season. In just 15.5 minutes per game, Wong is averaging 7.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 0.5 steals, while shooting 45.7 percent from the field and 40.0 percent from three. Double those numbers, and his production aligns closely with his G-League output. Against a competitive Sixers team, he put up an intriguing 11.0 points, 4.0 steals, and 1.0 rebound, which could earn him additional opportunities. While it might take a series of injuries or the team streamlining their roster decisions to fully unleash Wong, his potential makes him a player worth monitoring as the season progresses. For now, he’s best left as a speculative flier in DFS formats, as he doesn’t yet warrant consideration in category leagues.

Tidjan Salaun totaled eight points (3-8 FG, 2-5 3PT), eight rebounds, five assists, and two steals in the Hornets’ 108-98 loss to the Sixers.

Fantasy Impact: Despite being on a struggling team crowded with options, Salaun continues to find success while building on his potential and showcasing his capabilities. His transition to the NBA from Cholet has been seamless, as he’s replicated his international production while carving out a niche as a defensive and rebounding asset. While his current situation doesn’t lend itself to fantasy relevance in most formats, Salaun could offer intriguing salary relief in DFS for managers looking to stack stars into their lineups.

Moussa Diabate totaled seven points (2-4 FG, 0-0 3PT, 3-3 FT) and seven rebounds in the Hornets’ 108-98 loss to the Sixers.

Fantasy Impact: With the Hornets' frontcourt regaining health, Diabate’s opportunity and role have taken a hit, but his ability to crash the boards remains undeniable. He snagged 7.0 rebounds in this contest, showcasing his positional value despite limited playing time. The Hornets’ trade-season plans remain uncertain, but Diabate has proven he can contribute at the NBA level when given a chance. For now, he’s a deep-league waiver consideration in category formats and an intriguing DFS flier depending on slate construction and matchup dynamics.

KJ Martin totaled two points (1-2 FG, 0-0 3PT), three rebounds, two steals, and two blocks in the Sixers’ 108-98 win over the Hornets.

Fantasy Impact: While Martin’s stat line may not have jumped off the page, his performance was impactful. Boasting the team’s highest +/- at 20.0, Martin’s hustle and attention to detail contributed to the Sixers’ much-needed win. His career so far has been a tale of flashes and potential, but with the team searching for consistency in their rotations, Martin might find himself with more opportunities ahead. At this stage, he remains off the radar for fantasy leagues but could be a speculative play in DFS formats on slates requiring value picks.

Kyle Lowry totaled zero points (0-0 FG, 0-0 3PT), one rebound, one assist, and one steal in the Sixers’ 108-98 win over the Hornets.

Fantasy Impact: Lowry made his presence felt off the bench, though his production was underwhelming. His return to the floor, however, could prove pivotal as the Sixers search for answers to salvage their postseason hopes. While Lowry’s experience and leadership may help fill gaps in their rotation, his current role doesn't translate to significant fantasy relevance. For now, he’s unlikely to warrant consideration in season-long formats, though his veteran presence might offer intangible value to the team.

Jerami Grant chipped in 13 points (4-14 FG, 3-10 3PT, 2-2 FT) while also dishing out four assists, recording one steal, grabbing five rebounds, and blocking one shot in the Trailblazers' 126-124 win over the Nuggets Thursday night.

Fantasy Impact: Grant continues a solid stretch on both ends of the floor, grabbing four or more rebounds and scoring 13 or more points in four of his last five games. The veteran forward continues to make the most of his role as part of a young Portland starting five, averaging 16.0 points per game to go along with a 20.3% usage rate so far this season.

Deni Avdija led the second unit for the Trailblazers Thursday night, scoring 19 points (6-9 FG, 3-6 3PT, 4-4 FT) while also blocking one shot, grabbing two rebounds, and dishing out one assist in a 126-124 win over the Nuggets.

Fantasy Impact: Avdija continues a solid stretch on the offensive end of the floor, finishing with 13 or more points in each of his last four games. The 23-year-old continues to fight consistency issues that would lead to a larger role moving forward, averaging 12.5 points, 3.0 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game to go along with a usage rate of 20.2% so far this season.

Deandre Ayton filled the stat sheet for the Trailblazers Thursday night, grabbing 13 rebounds, blocking four shots, dishing out four assists, recording one steal, and scoring 15 points (7-14 FG, 1-2 FT) in a 126-124 win over the Nuggets.

Fantasy Impact: Ayton continues a modest stretch on both ends of the floor, finishing with six or more points and three or more rebounds in each of his last five games. The center will look to remain a more reliable option in the Portland starting five as the season continues, averaging 14.3 points and 10.4 rebounds per game to go along with a 19.5% usage rate so far this season.

Shaedon Sharpe flirted with a triple-double for the Trailblazers Thursday night, grabbing six rebounds, dishing out four assists, and scoring 27 points (9-18 FG, 2-8 3PT, 7-8 FT) in a 126-124 win over the Nuggets.

Fantasy Impact: Sharpe continues a solid stretch on both ends of the floor, dishing out two or more assists, grabbing two or more rebounds, and scoring 10 or more points in each of his last five games. The 21-year-old continues to grow into a reliable option as part of the Portland starting five, averaging 17.3 points per game to go along with a usage rate of 24.4% so far this season.

Anfernee Simons posted a double-double for the Trailblazers Thursday night, dishing out 10 assists and scoring a team-leading 28 points (11-20 FG, 4-11 3PT, 2-3 FT) while also grabbing one rebound in a 126-124 win over the Nuggets.

Fantasy Impact: Simons continues an impactful stretch on the offensive end of the floor, finishing with four or more assists and 14 or more points in each of his last five games. The talented guard continues to guide an inconsistent Portland starting five, averaging 17.7 points and 4.8 assists per game while posting a usage rate of 24.5% so far this season.

Russell Westbrook III led the Nuggets bench attack Thursday night, scoring 19 points (8-12 FG, 2-4 3PT, 1-2 FT) while also dishing out seven assists, recording one steal, grabbing four rebounds, and blocking two shots in a 126-124 loss to the Trailblazers.

Fantasy Impact: Westbrook III continues a modest stretch on the offensive end of the floor, dishing out five or more assists and scoring five or more points in each of his last five games. The veteran guard continues to make an impact leading the second unit for Denver most nights, averaging 11.6 points, 6.5 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game to go along with a usage rate of 22.1% so far this season.

Michael Porter Jr. flirted with a double-double for the Nuggets Thursday night, grabbing six rebounds and chipping in 16 points (6-11 FG, 3-7 3PT, 1-2 FT) while also recording one steal and dishing out three assists in a 126-124 loss to the Trailblazers.

Fantasy Impact: Porter Jr. continues a solid stretch on both ends of the floor, finishing with five or more rebounds and 11 or more points in each of his last five games. The forward remains a steady option as part of a Denver starting five carried by all-world center Nikola Jokic, averaging 18.4 points and 7.1 rebounds per game to go along with a 19.1% usage rate so far this season.

Jamal Murray posted a double-double for the Nuggets Thursday night, dishing out 10 assists and scoring 24 points (9-19 FG, 3-6 3PT, 3-4 FT) while also grabbing three rebounds and recording three steals in a 126-124 loss to the Trailblazers.

Fantasy Impact: Murray continues a solid stretch on both ends of the floor, finishing with two or more rebounds, three or more assists, and 12 or more points in each of his last five games. The guard continues to provide fantasy managers with a stable option in lineups, averaging 18.7 points and 6.3 assists per game while posting a 22.5% usage rate so far this season.

Nikola Jokic flirted with a triple-double for the Nuggets Thursday night, grabbing six rebounds, dishing out eight assists, and scoring a team-leading 34 points (13-18 FG, 4-6 3PT, 4-4 FT) while also recording one steal in a 126-124 loss to the Trailblazers.

Fantasy Impact: Jokic continues an impressive stretch on both ends of the floor, dishing out eight or more assists, grabbing seven or more rebounds, and scoring 20 or more points in four of his last five games. The superstar center remains an elite option in all formats for fantasy managers, averaging 31.0 points, 9.8 assists, and 13.0 rebounds per game while carrying a 30.0% usage rate so far this season.