Month: December 2025

Malik Monk Confused By Doug Christie’s Decision To Pull Him From Rotation

Malik Monk Confused By Doug Christie’s Decision To Pull Him From Rotation

Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk said he does not understand why coach Doug Christie benched him despite private and public explanations. Monk spoke exclusively with The Sacramento Bee before Sunday’s 125-124 overtime victory over the Houston Rockets.

Monk, the 2023-24 Sixth Man of the Year runner-up, was benched in back-to-back losses to Portland before playing five minutes against Houston. He entered the game in the second half and scored on a driving layup during Sacramento’s rally from a 14-point deficit.

Monk said Christie told him the benching represented trying something new. The explanation left the guard confused.

“He just told me he’s trying something new,” Monk said. “That’s basically it, and I said, ‘Yeah, OK, I’ll be ready whenever my name is called.'”

When asked if he was confused by the decision, Monk responded directly.

“One thousand percent,” Monk said. “But it’s not my job to try to figure out why I’m not playing because I deem myself more than the whole, so I’ll just be ready when my name is called.”

The veteran guard attempted to sound unbothered by the situation. He said his experience helps him handle adversity.

“I’ve been in the league long enough where I don’t let this stuff get to me,” Monk said.

However, Monk could not completely hide his frustration about missing playing time.

“Everybody knows I want to be out there, especially playing in front of this crowd in Sac, but there ain’t s— I can do about it,” Monk said.

Kings fans gave Monk a large ovation when he entered Sunday’s game with 4:45 remaining in the third quarter.

Christie described a “logjam” in Sacramento’s backcourt with Monk as the “odd man out” in a numbers game before Sunday’s contest. The coach initially planned to play Keon Ellis instead of Monk but called on the veteran after Ellis fouled Houston guard Reed Sheppard on a three-point attempt with 0.9 seconds remaining in the first half.

“There’s a lot of challenges,” Christie said. “You can’t play everybody. It’s just the nature of what it is. This isn’t participation. It’s professional sports, and right now we have a logjam, but everyone is in play.”

Christie emphasized performance-based decisions moving forward.

“If someone isn’t playing great, there’s a really good chance someone else is going to play,” Christie said. “If someone isn’t playing to our standard of competitiveness, of all the different things that we value, then obviously there’s a strong possibility that they’re going to come out of the game.”

The victory ended Sacramento’s five-game losing streak.

by Editor

NBA power rankings 2025-26: Thunder, Knicks on top as we hand out Christmas gifts to every team

NBA power rankings 2025-26: Thunder, Knicks on top as we hand out Christmas gifts to every team

The weather outside is frightful (well, maybe not in Miami and Los Angeles, but most places) so let’s focus on seeing what’s in Santa’s bag for the 30 NBA teams.

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

(25-3, last week No. 1)
The hardest person to buy gifts for is the person you know who has everything. What Oklahoma City really wants for Christmas is not handed out until June. Do they also want to win 73 or more games this season and challenge the Warriors’ record? “Absolutely,” Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said. “Winning matters, and no matter what form it looks like to me. So absolutely.” SGA is also in the mix for another MVP award because of all those wins and how he is playing — he has scored 30+ points in less than 30 minutes of play 10 times this season, already an NBA record (and he’s played in just 27 games).

2. New York Knicks

(20-8, last week No. 2)
What the Knicks want for Christmas can’t be handed out until June — a ring. A championship they would actually host a banner for. That said, the NBA Cup title showed why this team has to be considered the favorite to come out of the East. It’s not simply that they have Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, it’s that when Towns’ calf is sore, he takes an extended rest in the game, Mitchell Robinson comes in and grabs 10 offensive boards. It’s the Spurs’ length keeping Brunson in relative check much of the night (although he fully deserved the Cup MVP award), it’s Jordan Clarkson and Tyler Kolek coming in with energy and big games off the bench. The Knicks showed real depth and grit, which is exactly what they will need in May and June. Jalen Brunson dropped a personal MSG-best 47 on the Heat on Sunday. New York is once again playing the opening game on Christmas Day, taking on Cleveland.

3. Detroit Pistons

(22-6, last week No. 3)
Do the Pistons need one more ball handler and shot creator for Christmas? Cade Cunningham has taken a step forward and looks like a guy who could end up on the MVP ballot this season — 27 points, 9.2 assists and 6.5 rebounds a game — while Jalen Duran is now a lock All-Star in the East and earned himself a big payday this summer. This team has stars. But come the playoffs, when good defenses load up on Cunningham, do they have the guy who can step up and be the secondary shot creator they will need? Or, do they need to make a trade? Lauri Markkanen would be a perfect fit on paper, but Utah may not be willing to part with him (or at least at a fair price). Is there anyone else? Detroit can be patient in looking for that player, because this already looks like a team ready for a deep playoff run.

4. Denver Nuggets

(20-7, last week No. 5)
All the Nuggets want for Christmas is to get healthy, but credit the team for going 8-4 with Christian Brian and Aaron Gordon sidelined. The team had won six in a row before falling to Houston over the weekend (the Rockets and Nuggets split two games last week. Denver remains the team that is the biggest threat to Oklahoma City this season, but it needs to be healthy in May to have a shot. Usually, you can bank on the massive advantage the Nuggets have in their mile-high arena, except Denver is 12-2 on the road this season and just 8-5 at home. It will be interesting to see how that plays out the rest of the season.

5. Minnesota Timberwolves

(19-10, last week No. 6)
The Timberwolves are finding their footing and playing well of late (9-2 in their last 11), but could use a point guard for Christmas. We’re not talking about a big, expensive and ball-dominant one (not Ja Morant, Trae Young, James Harden or LaMelo Ball), but just a floor general who can help organize the offense at times and hit a few shots. The question is, where is that guy? Derrick White would be perfect, but Boston isn’t giving him up. Coby White’s name comes up, as does Darius Garland (although his health and play this season are a concern), but in an unforgiving West Minnesota feels like it needs one more guy to have a shot at returning to the conference finals (or beyond).

6. Houston Rockets

(17-9, last week No. 4)
What Houston wants for Christmas is to start taking better care of the ball. This was the biggest concern after point guard Fred VanVleet went down — Houston turns the ball over 16.3 times a game, second most in the league (to Portland), and their 13.8 turnover rate is seventh in the league. This is why the Rockets are mentioned in point-guard trade talks, but don’t expect them to go after a ball-dominant one (such as Ja Morant or LaMelo Ball). If they make a move, it will be more low-key than that. What I want for the Rockets for Christmas came after two great showdowns last week — especially Monday’s amazing game (on Peacock) — I want Denver and Houston to finish as the No. 2 and 3 seeds in the West, setting up a second-round playoff series between Alperen Sengun and Nikola Jokic. Catch the Rockets on Tuesday night on Coast 2 Coast on NBC and Peacock when they travel to Los Angeles to face the Clippers.

7. San Antonio Spurs

(21-7, last week No. 8)
What the Spurs want for Christmas is just more time. Becoming the team the Spurs want to be — a championship team — is a process. One that requires patience (and not a quick fix at the trade deadline). The NBA Cup final four showed all of that for San Antonio, starting with the impressive win against Oklahoma City, where Victor Wembanyama provided a spark. Then, in the title game, they looked more inexperienced, not taking advantage of their superior play through most of the first three quarters and lost to the gritty Knicks. “Playing really competitive games against really, really good teams…” Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said of what the Spurs took away from Las Vegas. “I’m not sure about all the Cup experience of all teams. But to be able to feel those games, work those games, be in the moment in those games, I think is a valuable experience.” Another valuable experience comes this week in two games against those Thunder — Tuesday night on NBA Coast 2 Coast on NBC and Peacock, and then again on Christmas Day.

8. Boston Celtics

(17-11, last week No. 7)
Celtics fans may have to wait a few more weeks — until after the All-Star break — but it looks like they are going to get their Christmas wish: Jayson Tatum back on the court. Behind the best season of Jaylen Brown’s career, the Celtics sit third in the East, have won 7-of-10, have a top-five offense. This is a good team in a relatively wide-open conference, adding its best player and… Celtics fans can dream for Christmas.

9. Los Angeles Lakers

(19-8, last week No. 9)
What the Lakers want for Christmas is a high-level point-of-attack defender who can also hit some 3-pointers. Jarred Vanderbilt returning to the rotation helps, but it’s just a start. This is a team with an elite offense when healthy — and with Austin Reaves out the last three games LeBron James has stepped up and averaged 30 points a night — but it’s the defense, particularly against teams with attacking guards (such as recent losses to Phoenix and San Antonio) that do them in. The problem is 3&D wings are in high demand around the league. Herb Jones would be perfect, but the Pelicans’ asking price is outside what the Lakers will pay. Keon Ellis with the Kings has been linked to the Lakers, but he is in demand, and the price may be higher than expected for him.

10. Philadelphia 76ers

(16-11, last week No. 12)
What the 76ers want for Christmas may be just to get (and keep) Joel Embiid and Paul George healthy enough to make this team a playoff threat. Tyrese Maxey is playing at an All-NBA (maybe even bottom of the MVP ballot) level this season and the backcourt with him, VJ Edgecombe, Quentin Grimes and Jared McCain is one of the best in the league. Embiid and George can help this team’s defense — Philly’s defense is 9.3 points per 100 possessions better this season with George on the court — and any offense is a bonus. If Philly is healthy, this is a very tough out in the postseason for any team in an open East.

11. Orlando Magic

(16-12, last week No. 10)
Can Santa have something, anything in his bag that can help the Magic keep their stars healthy? Desmond Bane can hit some game winners, as he did in Utah, but until we get a lengthy stretch with both Franz Wagner (out with a high ankle sprain) and Paolo Banchero together, it’s hard to get a great read on this team’s ceiling. The Magic are 2-2 since Wagner went down with this latest injury, and that latest win is thanks to Bane.

12. Toronto Raptors

(17-13, last week No. 14)
What Toronto wants for Christmas is some help in the front court. It has been linked in trades to Anthony Davis and Daniel Gafford from Dallas, as well as Nick Richards in Phoenix and Domantas Sabonis in Sacramento. Both Sabonis and Davis have injury histories and more expensive contracts, which make a trade for Gafford or Richards (or another solid but less pricey big) more likely. The big issue in Toronto is the offense, which has been the worst in the league over the last 11 games when Toronto is 3-8. RJ Barrett’s injury is part of that, as is Jakob Poeltl being in and out of the lineup due to injuries. Good test in Miami on Tuesday for the Raptors.

13. Miami Heat

(15-14, last week No. 13)
Miami wants the return of its pace and mojo from early in the season for Christmas. The Heat’s pace has fallen off significantly of late, and with that, so has the offense, which is 25th in the league over the last five games. Miami is 1-7 in its last eight games and is sliding down the East standings (they currently sit eighth). The one bright spot is Kel’el Ware, who has started the team’s last three games and averaged 24.7 points and 15 rebounds a night.

14. Cleveland Cavaliers

(15-14, last week No. 11)
What do the Cavaliers need for Christmas? How about some intensity against the Knicks on Christmas Day? Part of why the Cavaliers have stumbled out of the gate — and why there are people watching how hot the seat of coach Kenny Atkinson gets (although the organization is being patient right now, it’s still a cool chair) — is because the Cavaliers look uninspired and listless on the court most nights, then ask Donovan Mitchell to do too much to bail them out. It’s never just one thing that leads to a disappointing season like the one in Cleveland, it’s always more of a perfect storm. There are injuries causing Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen and Max Struss to miss time (and in Garland’s case, his play has fallen way off when on the court, he is not healthy). There is the shooting — last season the Cavaliers were second in the league shooting 38.3% from beyond the arc, this season that has fallen to 33.9%, 27th in the league. There is Evan Mobley being good but not taking the step forward this franchise needed (he is on the bubble to make the All-Star team this season). Can the Cavaliers find that intensity and turn things around?

15. Phoenix Suns

(15-13, last week No. 15)
What the Suns want for Christmas is to get Devin Booker and the offense back on track. The Suns have gone 2-4 in their last six and have the second-worst offense in the league over the last five games. This is more of just a slump (in part because Booker missed a few games) but it’s a concern, as is this team’s weakness on the glass. Starting the day after Christmas, the Suns head out for four on the road.

16. Golden State Warriors

(14-15, last week No. 17) 1-1
For Christmas, the Warriors just want to give Stephen Curry one more chance at a ring. Right now, this team is not close to that and Curry will be the first to say so, as he did after a loss last week to the Suns: “We’re obviously not a good team right now because of what our record says and the fact that we found ourselves in these kind of positions.” It’s going to take a roster change to make that Christmas wish a reality, which is why Golden State is being active on the trade market, dangling Jonathan Kuminga in trade talks looking for a player that better fits their needs and can change the tide of this season. But for a team hard-capped at the second apron and with little financial wiggle room, that change may be hard to come by.

17. Memphis Grizzlies

(13-15, last week No. 18)
Can Santa bring the Grizzlies some wins against good teams? Memphis is 2-12 this season against teams over .500 (and 11-3 against teams below that mark). The Grizzlies only play one team over .500 this week, but it’s a team way over that mark in the Thunder (a game you can watch on Peacock NBA Monday). Also, Santa, bring Brandon Clarke some health luck — he made his season debut on Wednesday and now is going to be out three weeks (at least) with a calf strain.

18. Chicago Bulls

(13-15, last week No. 24)
Can Santa bring the Bulls some defense? This was a concern about this roster entering the season and giving up 150 to Atlanta (in a win) Sunday is just the tip of the iceberg. The Bulls have the 25th-ranked defense in the league this season and have allowed 110+ points in each of their last nine games (their D is 26th-ranked over the last two weeks). That said, the Bulls are finally fully healthy, have won three in a row, and would be in the play-in if it started today.

19. Atlanta Hawks

(15-15, last week No. 16)
For Christmas, can we all give Jalen Johnson some more love? He should not be on the bubble for the Eastern Conference All-Stars, he should be a lock. He’s averaging 23.8 points, 10.5 rebounds and 8.2 assists a game this season, recently had a run of four-straight triple-doubles, and has had 7+ points, rebounds and assists in 17 straight games. Trae Young is back and dropped 35 on the Bulls in a loss Sunday, and the Hawks have dropped three straight. The Hawks are home against the Bulls, Heat and Knicks this week.

20. Portland Trail Blazers

(12-16, last week No. 20)
Can Santa get Deni Avdija on the All-Star Team? If he were in the East, his averages of 25.8 points, 7.1 rebounds and 6.4 assists a game would make him a lock, but in the deep West he’s on the bubble. In recent games he has been getting downhill (as has Shaedon Sharpe) which has sparked the offense. Portland sits 10th in the West but has a home-heavy stretch of the schedule coming up that could help them move up the standings into a more secure play-in spot. That home stretch this week includes the Pistons, Magic, Clippers and Celtics.

21. Dallas Mavericks

(11-18, last week No. 19)
Christmas came early to Dallas in the form of Cooper Flagg, and while what it could really use this holiday is depth at the point guard spot Ryan Nembhard has at least plugged that hole until Kyrie Irving returns. Anthony Davis is going to grab the headlines here and elsewhere heading into the trade deadline — right now, he is the best player actually available — and there will be talk about Klay Thompson, but the reality is that a Daniel Gafford trade is far more likely.

22. Milwaukee Bucks

(11-18, last week No. 21)
There are times someone you know asks for a gift you wish you could get for them, but know you can’t. What Bucks fans want for Christmas is an end to Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors, and while that’s a fair thing to ask for, it’s not happening. The only way it does happen is if Antetokounmpo agrees to sign an extension with the team next summer, and he has said before he reconsiders his position with the franchise every offseason, so no decision along those lines comes until then. What we can wish for in the short term is a few wins while he remains out with a calf strain, and then a trade that vaults this team back up to being a threat in the East (once Antetokounmpo gets healthy).

23. Charlotte Hornets

(9-19, last week No. 22)
For Christmas, Charlotte could use some players to go around Kon Knueppel. The No. 4 pick leads all rookies in scoring at 19.4 points per game, and he’s already second on the team in scoring. As noted by the NBC Sports research team, Knueppel is on pace to become the first rookie in Hornets franchise history to average 19+ points per game since Alonzo Mourning averaged 21 in the 1992-93 season. By the way, the LaMelo Ball trade rumors are not going to go away, but there isn’t much of a market for him at his salary (with his injury history and lack of production this season).

24. Utah Jazz

(10-17, last week No. 23)
You have to love what LeBron James said about what is different about Keyonte George this season after he dropped 34 on the Lakers: “Confidence.” Sorry to say this Jazz fans, but as great as George has been he is not likely to make the All-Star team in an insanely deep West where a lot of good players are going to miss that cut. Utah continues to shoot down teams calling about trades for Walker Kessler and Lauri Markkanen, we’ll see if the Markkanen part changes closer to the deadline, but the Kessler part will not.

25. New Orleans Pelicans

(7-22, last week No. 29)
Give this team a direction for Christmas. Maybe we started to see that last week, when the Pelicans won four straight, including coming from 16 points down in the fourth quarter to beat the Rockets in overtime — all of that comeback with Zion Williamson on the bench and healthy. Interim coach James Borrego chose to sit Zion when the team thrived without him on the court, and one has to wonder whether we are starting to see that the franchise is recognizing the direction it should take next. While trade rumors swirl around Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones, league sources told NBC Sports that the Pelicans’ asking price is high. Very high.

26. Brooklyn Nets

(8-19, last week No. 25)
What do the Nets want for Christmas? One of Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, or Cameron Boozer. The Nets are looking ahead to the draft but have been good enough this season to have “only” the sixth-worst record in the league (and with that a 27.6% chance at a top-three pick). Brooklyn is 5-3 so far in December, largely due to improved defense and rebounding.

27. Los Angeles Clippers

(7-21, last week No. 27)
Everyone has that one person they don’t know what to get for Christmas, so you fall back on gift cards to a favorite spot. That’s the Clippers. They can’t tank because OKC controls their pick, and while people love the rumors, the logistics of a James Harden or Kawhi Leonard trade at the deadline are next to impossible. Several teams are interested in Ivica Zubac, but the Clippers are shooting down those calls. Zubac is now out for a few weeks with a sprained ankle, which means Brook Lopez is back in the rotation as the starting center. The Clippers are a team that is going to try to turn it around and make the postseason, with Tyronn Lue this week laying out the path for the team to finish .500 at the end of the season (which would mean the Clippers going 34-20 the rest of the way).

28. Washington Wizards

(5-22, last week No. 30)
What do the Wizards want for Christmas? Same as Brooklyn and some other teams in this range: One of Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, or Cameron Boozer. The Wizards have the worst record in the league so far, although in the last three years, the team with the worst record came out of the lottery with the No. 5 pick. There are good young players on this roster, such as Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, and Bilal Coulibaly, but this team needs a No. 1 option, and they are going to have to get that through the draft.

29. Sacramento Kings

(7-22, last week No. 28)
Can Santa bring some hope to the deserving Kings fans? It was good to see them celebrate a dramatic win over the Rockets Sunday (Houston’s Tari Eason is not going to enjoy the next team film session after sagging off Dennis Schroder for no good reason), and the team does have the easiest remaining schedule in the league (although not this week with the Pistons and Lakers coming up). What the Kings could use is a young star, and if the season ended today they would have a 38.6% chance at a top-three pick.

30. Indiana Pacers

(6-22, last week No. 26)
Can Santa bring Rick Carlisle his 1000th win as an NBA coach? The future Hall of Famer is stuck on 999 and has been for four games as the Pacers’ offense has struggled (again), and the team has dropped four straight. The team that couldn’t seem to miss from 3-point range during last season’s playoff run is shooting 32.3% as a team from beyond the arc this season, dead last in the league.

by Editor

Woody Marks injury: What status means for Week 16 vs. Raiders

Woody Marks injury: What status means for Week 16 vs. Raiders

The Houston Texans host the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday as whopping 14.5-point favorites. The Texans have won six in a row, but the Jaguars have won five in a row and hold the AFC South division lead by one game over Houston. This matchup looks like a cake walk, but the Texans still need to make sure they win this game to stay in the division title hunt.

Coming into this matchup both of the Texans running backs are questionable to play, Woody Marks and Nick Chubb. Chubb was overtaken by Marks as the lead back and missed last week, giving Jawhar Jordan a big workload while Marks dealt with his ankle injury. Jordan hit 101 yards rushing on 15 carries against the Cardinals and possibly moving him ahead of Chubb on the depth chart.

Woody Marks injury updates

Game day update: Adam Schefter is reporting that Woody Marks is NOT expected to play in Week 16 vs. the Raiders. He has been unable to get much practice in due to an ankle injury and it appears it will cost him at least one week. Houston plays at 4:25 p.m. ET, which means we will get their official inactive report no sooner than 2:55 p.m. If you have to make a decision on Marks for the 1 p.m. kickoffs, you can bench him for Week 16.

Marks was unable to practice on Wednesday or Thursday, but was able to get in a limited practice on Friday and get the questionable listing. Head coach DeMeco Ryans was hopeful early in the week, saying the injury wasn’t severe. There’s a decent chance the team just wanted to give him the most rest possible to get him ready to play.

Nick Chubb on the other hand got in two full practices this week, but was still listed as questionable with a ribs injury.

Fantasy football analysis

If Marks can’t play and Chubb can, I’d still likely lean toward Jawhar Jordan as the lead back. It would be nice to get some confirmation on that before starting him in your fantasy playoffs, but he is an option in that scenario.

This matchup with the Raiders is good enough to start Marks as long as he is active, which I expect him to be, but would try to pick up Jordan if he’s available still.

by Editor

Luka Doncic leaves Lakers loss at half with left leg contusion

Luka Doncic leaves Lakers loss at half with left leg contusion

Luka Doncic left the Lakers’ loss to the Clippers Saturday at halftime and did not return with what the team is calling a left leg contusion.

Doncic left the building without talking to reporters, and coach J.J. Redick’s postgame comments didn’t shed much light on the situation (quote via Dave McMenamin of ESPN).

“I saw him hobbling towards the end of the first half. He came to me at halftime and said he couldn’t go… I don’t have any other information.”

The injury clearly bothered him for much of the game. Doncic, the NBA’s leading scorer at 35.2 points per game, scored just 12 points on the night shooting 4-of-13 (1-of-6 from 3-point range).

Doncic wasn’t the only significant injury in this game. Clippers center Ivica Zubac went to the ground in the first quarter and instantly limped back to the locker room with what was described as an ankle injury. He did not return to the game and the Clippers said he would be re-evaluated on Sunday. Zubac has been one of the few consistent bright spots in the Clippers’ season, averaging 15.6 points and 11.1 rebounds per game.

The Clippers picked up their first home win since Halloween with the 103-88 victory over the Lakers. Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 32 points and 12 rebounds, while James Harden pitched in with 21 points and 10 assists.

LeBron James led the Lakers with 36 points, but every other Laker combined to shoot 31.7% on the night, including 3-of-30 from beyond the arc.

by Editor

NBA outlines tighter rules for injury info, prop bets

NBA outlines tighter rules for injury info, prop bets

The NBA is considering potential policy changes to address tanking, increase the frequency of injury reporting and restrict what sportsbooks offer, according to a memo sent to all teams.

by Editor

Edwards returns, helps Wolves hand OKC 3rd loss

Edwards returns, helps Wolves hand OKC 3rd loss

Anthony Edwards returned from a three-game injury absence with 26 points and 12 rebounds, hitting the go-ahead 3-pointer with 38.5 seconds left to lead the Timberwolves past the Thunder 112-107.

by Editor

Kobe-MJ Logoman card fetches $3.17M at auction

Kobe-MJ Logoman card fetches $3.17M at auction

A 2003 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection dual Logoman card of Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan sold via Heritage Auctions for $3,172,000, the seventh-most expensive basketball card sale.

by Editor

Fantasy Basketball Weekend Must-Starts: Stephon Castle spurring the offense in San Antonio

Fantasy Basketball Weekend Must-Starts: Stephon Castle spurring the offense in San Antonio

In head-to-head fantasy basketball leagues, it all comes down to the weekend. You can have a comfortable lead in multiple categories or by a bunch of points, but if you don’t make the most of the weekend, you can walk out with a loss.

Twelve teams play twice this weekend, including the Hawks, Celtics, Bulls, Rockets, Heat, Timberwolves, Knicks, 76ers, Kings, Spurs, Raptors and Wizards. Prioritize those teams if you’re just looking to maximize your games played.

[High Score is a new way to play Fantasy Basketball on Yahoo with simple rosters and scoring. It’s not too late to create or join a league]

That’s often what it comes down to in standard points and category leagues, but that’s not always the case. Leagues with some sort of games cap or best ball formats like Yahoo!’s High Score leagues aren’t just looking for volume, though having two chances at a big night is a good strategy in best ball leagues.

Absolute must-start: Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs

Castle is a must-roster player in every format, which I wasn’t optimistic about at the beginning of the season. With De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper in the mix, I wasn’t convinced Castle would see enough usage to be consistently productive. I was wrong. The Spurs have put the ball in his hands, and he’s been able to set his teammates up for good looks. Castle is also shooting the ball at a higher percentage at the rim and from the mid-range. He’s taken a genuine leap forward in year two, which has allowed him to thrive despite the competition in the guard rotation.

This weekend, San Antonio takes on Atlanta and Washington. The Spurs played the Wizards on Thursday night and blew them out, which allowed the key players to play fewer minutes. They should be well-rested against the Hawks on Friday despite both teams playing a back-to-back. Of course, playing the Wizards again on Sunday provides another favorable matchup. Over their last five games, Atlanta is first in pace, and the Spurs are third. Extra possessions mean extra production.

Guards:

Coby White, Chicago Bulls

There’s not much going right in Chicago right now, but White has been playing well lately. Now, they get matchups with the Cavaliers and Hawks. Both teams have been in the top 10 in pace over their last five games, and the Bulls are 11th over the same stretch. During the same stretch, nobody has allowed more 3-pointers than the Hawks, and the Cavs have allowed the sixth-most triples. This feels like a perfect recipe for White to have a strong night.

Payton Pritchard, Boston Celtics

Pritchard has cooled off lately, but matchups with the Heat and Raptors are opportunities to get back on track. Both teams have allowed plenty of 3-pointers recently, and even if they’ve played slower recently, nobody has played with more pace than Miami this season. Pritchard could certainly pop this weekend.

Jaime Jaquez Jr., Miami Heat

Miami plays the Celtics and Knicks this weekend, which doesn’t make this a favorable opportunity for Jaquez. However, he’s been a staple of this article all season because of how fast Miami plays. Even in tough matchups, Jaquez can be productive despite coming off the bench because of how the Heat have utilized him this season. Plus, with Tyler Herro still out with a toe injury, there have been extra minutes for Jaquez. Check out our player news section for updates on Herro’s status throughout the day, but even if he’s back, Jaquez should be productive.

Forwards:

Julius Randle, Minnesota Timberwolves

Anthony Edwards has missed Minnesota’s last three games due to “right foot injury maintenance,” and he’s questionable to play on Friday against the Thunder. Randle has taken more shots with Edwards out, and even if the matchup is tough, Randle should get plenty of chances. Like he usually is, Randle will be a better option in points leagues against OKC. However, Sunday’s matchup with the Bucks is a favorable one. Over their last five games, Milwaukee has allowed the fourth-most 3-pointers in the NBA and has the second-worst rebounding percentage.

Jabari Smith Jr., Houston Rockets

Houston has a back-to-back in Denver and in Sacramento on Saturday and Sunday. The Nuggets aren’t a favorable matchup, but the Kings have been the worst rebounding team in the league this season, and they play with a ton of pace. Denver has also not defended the 3-point line as well as they have over the course of the season. Smith has recorded three straight double-doubles, and though he didn’t shoot well during Thursday’s loss to the Pelicans, he did get 18 shot attempts.

Bogdan Bogdanović, Los Angeles Clippers

Bogdanović stepped into the starting lineup on Thursday with James Harden sidelined with a calf contusion. If Harden remains out against the Lakers on Saturday, Bogdanović should remain a starter against the team that has allowed the second-most 3-pointers per game over their last five games. Even if he comes off the bench, this is a favorable matchup for the Clippers’ best deep-range threat.

Centers:

Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves

Gobert has been producing at a high level recently and now has an opportunity to keep that going this weekend. The Thunder aren’t a favorable matchup, but the Bucks are on Sunday. They’ve been one of the worst rebounding teams in the league without Giannis Antetokounmpo, so Gobert should be able to dominate the paint. Even if the OKC game is unlikely to be a productive one, Sunday’s outing is a golden opportunity.

Derik Queen, New Orleans Pelicans

Indiana has been one of the worst rebounding teams in the league this season, and Queen should feast down low. His production has been inconsistent, but he had 16 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks against the Rockets on Thursday. This is a good opportunity for him to add another double-double.

Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers

Portland played Sacramento on Thursday, and the Trail Blazers have a rematch on Saturday. Clingan played 35 minutes in the overtime win and finished with 19 points, eight rebounds, four assists, two blocks and two 3-pointers. A rough night at the free-throw line (5-of-13) put a damper on his night, but he should have no issues controlling the paint against the Kings on Saturday.

by Editor

Risers and fallers: Add Dylan Harper, Cam Spencer for instant offense

Risers and fallers: Add Dylan Harper, Cam Spencer for instant offense

Steve Alexander highlights fantasy basketball names trending upwards or downwards, with key takeaways for each.

by Editor

Knicks Injury Tracker: Karl Anthony-Towns, Josh Hart probable vs. 76ers with Joel Embiid out

Knicks Injury Tracker: Karl Anthony-Towns, Josh Hart probable vs. 76ers with Joel Embiid out

Here are the latest news updates and possible return dates for Knicks players…

Dec. 19, 2:00 p.m.

On the heels of a back-to-back, the Knicks will get some of their core back in the lineup on Friday night against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Karl-Anthony Towns (knee soreness) and Josh Hart (rectus abdominis strain) are listed as probable, while Mitchell Robinson and OG Anunoby aren’t on the injury report and should be available. Towns, Hart, and Robinson all did not play in Thursday’s win over the Indiana Pacers. 

Miles McBride (ankle) and Landry Shamet (shoulder) will remain out for New York on Friday. Additionally, Pacôme Dadiet was assigned to the Westchester Knicks.

The Sixers will be without former MVP Joel Embiid (illness, right knee injury management), who was downgraded from questionable. Embiid has played in just 11 of Philly’s 25 games this season, averaging only 20.5 points and 6.6 rebounds when on the court (26.2 minutes per game). Philadelphia will also be without Kelly Oubre Jr. (left knee sprain) and Trendon Watford (left adductor strain).

Dec. 18, 5:15 p.m.

Fresh off the NBA Cup triumph, the Knicks are going to be without a host of players for Thursday night’s matchup with the lowly Indiana Pacers (6-20).

Karl-Anthony Towns (knee soreness), Josh Hart (rectus abdominis strain),  and Mitchell Robinson (ankle management) will all not feature due to slight injuries. New York will already be without Miles McBride and Landry Shamet, who are on the shelf with longer-term injuries.

OG Anunoby (knee contusion) was on the injury report, but will play.

Dec. 7, 3:22 p.m.

Knicks guard Miles McBride exited Sunday’s win over the Orlando Magic in the first half, and according to SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley, the guard is still in the process of being evaluated for a left ankle injury.

The Knicks say they will know more on McBride’s status on Monday. 

As a starter or a bench player, McBride has been terrific this season. In 19 games (nine starts), McBride has averaged a career-best 15.8 points per games while shooting 46.2 percent from beyond the arc.

Dec. 4, 5:10 p.m.

The Knicks are seemingly close to getting OG Anunoby back. According to SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley, Anunoby (hamstring) has been upgraded to questionable for Friday’s game against the Utah Jazz at MSG.

Begley noted on Thursday’s episode of The Putback that this weekend’s games are a target for the Knicks to get Anunoby back on the court.

Anunoby has missed every game since suffering the injury on Nov. 14 against the Miami Heat.

Head coach Mike Brown said that Anunoby has progressed to taking contact in practice and it seems as though the forward is reacting to it in a positive manner. Of course, this doesn’t mean Anunoby will play on Friday, but it leaves open the possibility.

Dec. 3, 6:40 p.m.

Knicks head coach Mike Brown gave a short update on OG Anunoby (hamstring). The coach said that Anunoby has progressed to taking contact in practice.

“It’s still the same, he’s still progressing in the right direction,” Brown said of Anunoby before Wednesday’s game against the Hornets. “We’re not going to rush him.”

Brown also confirmed that Mitchell Robinson (injury management) will miss Wednesday’s game, as it’s the second of a back-to-back. 

Nov. 19, 9:05 p.m.

Jalen Brunson (ankle) will return to the court and start on Wednesday night in Dallas against the Mavericks, the team announced prior to tip-off.

Brunson suffered a Grade 1 right ankle sprain against the Orlando Magic on Nov. 12 and missed the team’s next two games against the Miami Heat. New York split the two contests, winning at home and losing on the road. The team is still searching for its first road win of the season, dropping all four games away from the Garden.

Over 11 games this year, Brunson is averaging 28.0 points on 46.7 percent shooting and 6.5 assists per game. 

Meanwhile, the Mavs will be without rookie Cooper Flagg (illness) on Wednesday night as he’ll miss the first game of his career.

Nov. 18, 6:50 p.m.

The Knicks upgraded Jalen Brunson (ankle) to questionable for their Wednesday tip against the Mavericks in Dallas. 

Brunson had missed the team’s last two games since suffering a right ankle sprain back on Nov. 12 against the Orlando Magic at MSG. Already without OG Anunoby (hamstring), the Knicks could use their captain to try and get their first road win of the season. 

Oct. 28, 7:18 p.m.

Before the Knicks’ tip-off against the Bucks, the Knicks announced that Towns (right quad strain) will play, but Yabusele (left knee sprain) will be out, joining McBride (personal) and Robinson (ankle sprain management) as players who are unavailable for Tuesday’s game.

Oct. 28, 3:35 p.m.

Miles McBride has been downgraded from questionable to out for the Knicks’ game on Tuesday at the Milwaukee Bucks, the team announced. This is the second-straight game the guard missed due to personal reasons. He was out for Sunday’s loss against the Miami Heat.

Oct. 27, 6:45 p.m.

Mitchell Robinson still isn’t ready to make his season debut, as the Knicks have officially ruled him out again for Tuesday night’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks. 

Robinson has been sidelined for the first three games due to left ankle injury management, and it’s still unknown when he’ll make his return to the court. 

New York has also listed Karl-Anthony Towns (right quad strain), Miles McBride (personal reasons), and Guerschon Yabusele (left knee sprain) as questionable for the contest. 

Yabusele is the only new addition to the injury report. Towns has been included heading into each of the first three games, but played in all three, and McBride missed Sunday’s game against the Heat for personal reasons. 

Yabusele left Sunday’s game at one point and had his knee checked, but he was able to return and saw regular time off the bench down the stretch.

Oct. 23, 6:10 p.m.

The latest NBA injury report has been released and the Knicks have designated center Mitchell Robinson (left ankle injury management) as out for Friday’s home game against the Celtics.

Robinson missed Wednesday’s season opener and the Knicks are being cautious with their big man this season as they want to have him at close to full strength for an anticipated long playoff run.

The Knicks have also designated both Josh Hart (lower back) and Karl-Anthony Towns (right quad strain) as questionable. 

Hart also missed the season opener but has not seen action since the first preseason game where he tweaked his back. Towns almost missed Wednesday’s game but toughed out his quad strain and to help the Knicks’ win against the Cavaliers.

OG Anunoby, who played Wednesday despite being questionable with an ankle sprain, is probably for Friday’s game.

Oct. 22, 10:59 p.m.

Karl-Anthony Towns was questionable, then doubtful, then questionable again in the hours leading up to the Knicks’ win over the Cavaliers and now we know exactly why.

The Knicks forward told reporters after Wednesday’s win that he is playing through a Grade 2 quad strain. 

“I’ve been banged up and haven’t really got a chance to practice or play in the last two preseason games,” Towns said. “I didn’t want to disappoint the fans, dealing with a Grade 2 quad strain. It’s not something that’s easy to do. We made it happen tonight. Glad the fans respect the effort I put in to play tonight, and my teammates, too. Shoutout to them for supporting me, knowing the situation that I was in.”

Towns played through the pain to give the Knicks 19 points and 11 rebounds in 30 minutes.

by Editor