Fantasy Basketball

Kessler logged eight points (4-6 FG), eight rebounds, one assist and six blocks across 29 minutes during Wednesday's 154-148 overtime victory over the Pistons.

Kessler blocked six shots in the win, playing at least 29 minutes for just the second time in the past seven games. He continues to come off the bench, a fact that has not been lost on fantasy managers. Despite the frustration, Kessler has still been able to put up borderline top-30 value over that time, thanks primarily to his 7.9 rebounds and 3.3 blocks per game.

Hartenstein finished Wednesday's 116-100 win over the Bulls with 11 points (4-6 FG, 2-3 FT), 20 rebounds, one assist and five blocks over 37 minutes.

Hartenstein outrebounded Bulls center Andre Drummond, 20-16, and the former also matched a career high with five rejections in Wednesday's victory. Since being named the starter Dec. 20, Hartenstein is averaging 6.9 points on 56.8 percent shooting, 10.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.5 blocks over 33.3 minutes per game.

Drummond registered 13 points (5-12 FG, 3-6 FT), 16 rebounds, one block and two steals over 30 minutes in Wednesday's 116-100 loss to the Knicks.

Drummond's eight offensive boards were the most in the game, though he was outrebounded 20-16 by his New York counterpart Isaiah Hartenstein. Drummond has started at center over the last five games with Nikola Vucevic sidelined with a groin injury. In that span, Drummond is averaging 14.0 points, 19.4 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.4 blocks over 29.6 minutes per game.

Lively (left ankle sprain) has been ruled out for the remainder of Wednesday's game against the Trail Blazers. He'll finish the contest scoreless (0-1 FG) with four rebounds, four assists, two steals and four blocks across 19 minutes.

Lively suffered a sprain on the same ankle that he sprained in December. While fantasy managers should certainly be keeping an eye on Lively's status ahead of Friday's rematch with Portland, Lively being ruled out so quickly could have been influenced by the lopsided score at the time. Regardless, expect Dwight Powell to handle most of the center work until Lively is able to return, while Markieff Morris could see more minutes.

Sarr logged 13 points (5-9 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-3 FT), 12 rebounds and three blocks in 30 minutes during Oklahoma City's 113-114 loss to the South Bay Lakers on Tuesday.

Sarr registered another double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds. He was more productive offensively in this game as he made five out of his nine shots.

Lively left Wednesday's game against the Trail Blazers and went to the locker room after sustaining a left ankle injury, Tim MacMahon of ESPN.com reports.

Lively missed four games in December after spraining his left ankle, making Wednesday's injury even more cause for concern if he's unable to return. While he's out, expect Dwight Powell and Markieff Morris to see more action.

Davis finished Wednesday's 110-96 loss to Miami with 29 points (10-17 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 9-10 FT), 17 rebounds, six assists, five blocks and three steals over 43 minutes.

Davis was on track to an even bigger total until the fourth quarter, when the Heat brought Bam Adebayo and Kevin Love on the floor together in an effort to control the paint. Davis could only manage three points against them, effectively squelching the Lakers' best chance of success. Davis is usually unstoppable, and opposing defenses have to resort to extreme measures to contain him. The Heat found an answer by going big in the final stanza. Despite the loss, Davis' work through three quarters earned him an excellent fantasy total.

Love contributed 10 points (4-7 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-6 FT), 14 rebounds, three assists, one block and one steal in 28 minutes during Wednesday's 110-96 win over the Lakers.

Although Love entered the lineup in the first quarter to spell Bam Adebayo, the team was most effective when the two big men shared the floor in the fourth quarter. The duo joined Duncan Robinson to spur a huge rally, putting the game out of reach. Love's playing time is averaging a career low currently, but he's a decent source of points and rebounds with the second unit.

Olynyk notched nine points (3-5 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 3-3 FT), five rebounds, four assists and one steal over 20 minutes during Wednesday's 154-148 overtime win over Detroit.

Olynyk continues to do just enough off the bench, keeping himself firmly in the standard league conversation. Despite averaging just 23.0 minutes per game over the past month, Olynyk has been a top 90 player in that time. With averages of 8.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.0 steals, he makes for a viable center option, especially for anyone needing out-of-position dimes.

Morris totaled three points (1-3 FG, 1-1 3Pt), three rebounds, one assist and one steal across 12 minutes during Wednesday's 126-97 win over the Trail Blazers.

Morris cracked the rotation for just the second time in the past seven games, called upon as the Mavericks ran away with the victory. Given he is outside the top 400 in fantasy this season, managers can rest assured he is not worth considering, even in the deepest of leagues.

Grant finished Wednesday's 126-97 loss to the Mavericks with 10 points (4-9 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 1-3 FT), one rebound and two assists in 20 minutes.

Grant attempted just nine shots in the loss, ending with 10 points in 20 minutes. With the game all but gone by half time, the starters were used sparingly down the stretch. Although Grant has a somewhat fantasy-friendly game, the fact Portland is likely to be involved in several blowouts does not bode well for his ceiling moving forward.

Banchero left Wednesday's game against the Kings with a right ankle sprain, but he has returned to the contest.

Banchero was the third member of the Magic to go down during Wednesday's tilt. However, unlike Gary Harris (calf) and Franz Wagner (ankle), Banchero returned to the contest. With Orlando shorthanded, Banchero could be tasked with a larger offensive workload than usual.

George accumulated 33 points (8-14 FG, 5-10 3Pt, 12-14 FT), seven rebounds, three assists and two steals over 37 minutes during Wednesday's 131-122 win over Phoenix.

George recorded his first game of 30-plus points since Nov. 24, with nearly half of his tally Wednesday coming from beyond the arc. The veteran forward has knocked down multiple triples in 15 straight contests and is averaging 3.3 three-pointers per game on the season, eighth-most in the NBA. George has been efficient from deep, shooting 40.2 percent from long range after shooting 37.1 percent from that distance last season.

Leonard posted 30 points (9-16 FG, 4-6 3Pt, 8-8 FT), eight rebounds, three assists, two blocks and two steals across 40 minutes during Wednesday's 131-122 victory over the Suns.

Leonard and Paul George combined for 63 points in the win, with the former logging 30 points in just his second game back from a four-game absence due to a hip injury. Leonard's defensive effort paid dividends as well, as he recorded his first performance this year with multiple steals and multiple blocks. The star forward has scored at least 24 points in nine straight games, and over that stretch he's averaging 31.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 3.0 three-pointers, 1.7 steals and 0.8 blocks while shooting 61.3 percent from the field and 94.7 percent from the charity stripe.

James logged 12 points (6-18 FG, 0-6 3Pt), six rebounds and nine assists over 38 minutes during Wednesday's 110-96 loss to the Heat.

James appeared to lose a step in Wednesday's loss, obviously hampered by a non-COVID illness. Despite feeling under the weather, he decided to play and took a step back as a scorer in the loss. He logged nine assists and was effective distributing the ball to other playmakers, but his shooting stroke was off the mark throughout the game.. The team will remain in Los Angeles and face the Grizzlies at home on Friday, so James will have time to rest up and get past the illness.

Livers notched 10 points (4-7 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 1-1 FT), four rebounds, one assist and two steals over 36 minutes during Wednesday's 154-148 overtime loss to the Jazz.

Livers moved into the starting lineup Wednesday, logging a season-high 36 minutes. Although he has been able to carve out a somewhat consistent role this season, Livers has barely been inside the top 400 in standard leagues. Subsequently, there is little reason to consider picking him up, even in deeper formats.

Bogdanovic fouled out of Wednesday's 154-148 overtime loss to the Jazz after recording 36 points (13-26 FG, 8-15 3Pt, 2-2 FT), seven rebounds, five assists and one steal over 43 minutes.

Bogdanovic went off despite the loss, connecting on eight three-pointers en route to a season-high 36 points. Averaging 20.4 points per game this season, Bogdanovic remains outside the top 140 in nine-category leagues. He is a clear must-roster player but offers very little outside of points and threes. His role moving forward remains a little uncertain, especially as the trade deadline approaches. Managers could certainly investigate a sell-high opportunity should they wish to cash in on this performance.

Johnson tallied 28 points (11-18 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 4-4 FT), seven rebounds, three assists and four steals over 29 minutes in Wednesday's 141-138 win over the Thunder.

Johnson led Atlanta in scoring for the second straight game and had nearly one point per minute in Wednesday's win. He's provided a spark to the Hawks in his return from a 14-game absence due to a fractured wrist sustained Nov. 25. Johnson is averaging 19.5 points on 60.0 percent shooting, 11.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.3 steals over 32.4 minutes per game over his last four appearances.

Allen closed Wednesday's 131-122 loss to the Clippers with 10 points (4-9 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 0-1 FT), four rebounds, three assists and two steals across 32 minutes.

Allen just managed to hit the 10-point mark in the victory, giving him 11 straight double-digit scoring performances. He's had to be efficient to maintain that stretch of late, as he's averaging a modest 7.8 field-goal attempts over his past five contests. Allen is shooting 59.0 percent from the field during that stretch, including 47.6 percent from beyond the arc, and he's averaging 12.8 points, 3.4 assists, 3.2 rebounds, 2.0 triples and 1.2 thefts over that span to hang onto some end-of-roster fantasy value.

Beal amassed 21 points (7-20 FG, 0-6 3Pt, 7-7 FT), five rebounds, four assists, one block and two steals across 41 minutes during Wednesday's 131-122 loss to the Clippers.

Beal struggled with his stroke -- especially from deep -- Wednesday, but fantasy managers who roster him can be encouraged by the fact that he took a team-high 20 shots. The veteran guard has struggled to stay on the court this season, which has unsurprisingly affected his rhythm, as he's shooting only 32.4 percent from three-point range through 10 contests. That's on pace for the second-lowest mark of his career, and his 16.1 points per game is also well below his norm, though Beal has plenty of time to turn things around now that he's healthy.

Booker amassed 35 points (11-15 FG, 5-8 3Pt, 8-9 FT), two rebounds and six assists over 37 minutes during Wednesday's 131-122 loss to the Clippers.

Booker's team-leading point total came on a very efficient 11-for-15 line that included a 5-for-8 mark from deep. The five triples tied a season high for the star guard, and it's a mark he's hit twice over his past four games. Despite Wednesday's loss, Booker's performance was a nice bounce-back from the 10-point, 4-for-16 outing he recorded against Portland on New Year's Day in his previous outing.

Reaves had 24 points (7-12 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 8-9 FT), five rebounds and eight assists in 37 minutes during Wednesday's 110-96 loss to the Heat.

Reaves got the start for the first time since Dec. 15 thanks to better stat lines to end the month, and although the Lakers came up short, coach Darvin Ham might be inclined to give Reaves his old job back. Jarred Vanderbilt has played well but isn't the best fit for the Lakers' scheme, as Reaves' off-the-ball skills combined with his passing ability complement LeBron James and the other playmakers. The lineup will shuffle again when D'Angelo Russell (lower body) returns to action, but drawing the start was an encouraging sign of increased confidence in Reaves.

Robinson supplied 13 points (5-14 FG, 3-12 3Pt), two assists and one steal in 30 minutes during Wednesday's 110-96 win over the Lakers.

Robinson was ineffective for most of the game, but the sharpshooter righted the ship with a momentum-shifting performance in the final stanza. He drilled three key three-pointers in quick succession and helped to increase the lead over the Lakers. Robinson's long-range proficiency makes him a viable target in roto formats that include a three-point category.

Thybulle ended with 12 points (4-6 FG, 4-6 3Pt), two rebounds, one assist and one steal in 23 minutes during Wednesday's 126-97 loss to the Mavericks.

Thybulle moved back to the bench but played more than a number of the starters. This was an ugly game, resulting in the Trail Blazers trotting out several strange lineups. Even when starting, Thybulle cannot be trusted as a consistent fantasy asset. At best, he should be viewed as a defensive specialist.

Harden provided 22 points (7-13 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 4-4 FT), five rebounds, 11 assists and one block over 36 minutes during Wednesday's 131-122 win over the Suns.

Harden has really picked up the pace as a passer of late, notching double-digit assists in three straight games for the first time this season. Over that span, he's averaging a double-double with 17.7 points, 11.3 dimes, 4.3 boards, 3.0 three-pointers, 2.0 blocks and 0.3 steals over 37.0 minutes. It look a little while for the Clippers to click after Harden came over from Philadelphia, but the team is excelling now, winning 18 of its past 23 games.

Herro ended with 21 points (7-19 FG, 4-8 3Pt, 3-3 FT), six rebounds, four assists and three steals across 28 minutes during Wednesday's 110-96 win over the Lakers.

Herro hit four three-pointers in the win, effectively negating an otherwise mediocre shooting performance. The Heat struggled with shooting for the first three quarters but held a huge rally in the fourth led by Duncan Robinson. Herro's usage will remain high while Jimmy Butler (foot) is absent from the starting lineup.

Clarkson notched 36 points (11-20 FG, 4-5 3Pt, 10-11 FT), six rebounds, three assists and one steal across 38 minutes during Wednesday's 154-148 overtime victory over the Pistons.

Clarkson scored 29 of his team-high 36 points in the second half and overtime, helping the Jazz to a stirring come-from-behind victory. He has scored at least 20 points in four of the past six games, finding his rhythm despite shifting to the bench. While he is likely to cool off at some point in the near future, Clarkson should be added across all leagues right now.

Burks totaled 27 points (9-17 FG, 5-9 3Pt, 4-5 FT), four rebounds and one assist over 34 minutes during Wednesday's 154-148 overtime loss to the Jazz.

Burks turned in arguably his best performance of the season, connecting on a wild three-pointer to send the game into overtime. Although the Pistons walked away on the wrong end of the scoreline, Burks ended with his second straight 20-point performance. He has scored double-digit points in five straight contests, proving his value as a points streamer. Given he had scored no more than six points in the previous six games, managers should not expect for these numbers to continue for long.

Williams racked up zero points (0-1 FG, 0-2 FT), two rebounds and one steal across six minutes during Wednesday's 126-97 victory over Portland.

Williams cracked the rotation for the second straight game but failed to score in six minutes. After recently signing a two-way deal with the Mavericks, Williams has benefitted from injuries to other players. While it's great to see young players getting a taste for the NBA, it's hard to see him being anything more than a depth piece on most nights.

Doncic supplied 41 points (13-21 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 11-14 FT), six rebounds, five assists and one steal across 31 minutes during Wednesday's 126-97 victory over Portland.

Doncic needed only three quarters to rack up another dominant performance, lifting the Mavericks to a comfortable victory. The Trail Blazers simply had no answers for Doncic, allowing him to get to his spots with ease. The two teams will face each other again Friday.