NBA Player News

Kleber posted 15 points (5-7 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 4-4 FT), seven rebounds, two assists and one steal in 26 minutes off the bench during Friday's 98-89 win over the Suns.

With Dereck Lively (hip) unavailable, Kleber stepped into a bigger role and delivered a season scoring high while tying his season high in rebounds. The veteran center had managed just nine total points in his prior four contests, however, and with Lively not expected to be sidelined for long, Kleber's surge of fantasy relevance is likely to be brief.

Gafford produced 16 points (7-11 FG, 2-2 FT), five rebounds, one assist and two blocks over 29 minutes during Friday's 98-89 win over Phoenix.

With Dereck Lively (hip) banged up, Gafford made his first start since Dec. 1 and delivered solid numbers. The 26-year-old center bounced back from a zero-point dud in 13 minutes off the bench Christmas Day, but Gafford's main fantasy value comes at the defensive end of the court -- over the last 10 games, he's averaging 11.0 points, 4.8 boards and 1.2 blocks in only 18.5 minutes a contest while shooting 71.2 percent from the floor.

Sengun totaled 38 points (16-25 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 6-10 FT), 12 rebounds, one assist and one steal over 41 minutes during Friday's 113-112 loss to the Timberwolves.

It was a season-best scoring effort for Sengun, who hadn't even topped 30 points since Nov. 20. The fourth-year center also produced his 21st double-double of the season in 31 appearances, tying him for third in the league in that category behind only Domantas Sabonis (26) and Karl-Anthony Towns (25).

Bamba finished with two rebounds and one block across 12 minutes during Friday's 102-92 win over the Warriors.

Bamba continues to put together the worst season of his career, as he is averaging 3.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 12.8 minutes per game. Playing behind one of the most consistent centers in the league (Ivica Zubac), Bamba's opportunities have been few and far between. Should a meaningful role ever present itself, Bamba would then become a factor, at least on the defensive end of the floor.

Jokic accumulated 27 points (12-19 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 3-4 FT), 14 rebounds, 13 assists and three steals across 36 minutes during Friday's 149-135 loss to the Cavaliers.

Jokic recorded his league-leading 12th triple-double of the season, but as has happened in other games, it wasn't enough to carry the Nuggets to victory -- Denver has gone 7-5 when Jokic records a triple-double this season. Collective struggles aside, Jokic continues to have an elite individual season, and he should continue to benefit fantasy managers who decided to draft him in the early stages of the first rounds. Jokic has also scored at least 25 points in each of his last five contests.

Bryant accumulated 12 points (5-7 FG, 2-4 3Pt), seven rebounds, one block and one steal across 19 minutes during Friday's 142-105 loss to Boston.

Bryant took on the backup center role in the absence of small-ball five Obi Toppin (ankle), providing decent production in the form of a season-high 12 points in just 19 minutes off the bench Friday. Bryant has now made six appearances since latching on with Indiana, averaging a mere 4.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 0.5 steals, 0.5 blocks and 0.5 three-pointers in 11.3 minutes for the Pacers in 2024-25. Even with Toppin's status uncertain for Sunday's rematch with the Celtics, Bryant still doesn't appear likely to handle enough minutes to make a significant impact for fantasy managers in the vast majority of leagues.

Claxton closed with 11 points (5-13 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 1-1 FT), 10 rebounds, two blocks and three steals across 33 minutes during Friday's 96-87 loss to the Spurs.

Claxton didn't have his best shooting performance, as evidenced by the fact he ended with more field-goal attempts than points scored, but he still did enough to secure a double-double. This was his first double-double since Dec. 8 and the fifth time he accomplished this feat in the 2024-25 campaign. Claxton remains valuable in most fantasy formats due to his two-way upside, but his numbers are down compared to what he accomplished in 2023-24.

Theis provided 11 points (3-5 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 5-5 FT), 11 rebounds, six assists, one block and one steal in 21 minutes during Friday's 132-124 loss to the Grizzlies.

Theis recorded his first double-double of the season, logging a few extra minutes after Yves Missi was forced to the locker room for a brief period of time. After starting the first five games of the season, Theis has seen his role reduce over the course of the campaign. Over the past month, he has averaged just 3.6 points and 4.2 rebounds in 14.5 minutes per game. Based on what we have seen recently, this performance should be viewed as nothing more than an outlier.

Huff (ankle) recorded seven points (2-4 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT) and two rebounds in 13 minutes during Friday's 132-124 victory over the Pelicans.

Huff returned from a four-game absence due to a left ankle sprain, playing a limited role off the bench. Despite a hot start to the season which prompted the Grizzlies to upgrade him from his two-way deal, Huff has struggled to carve out consistent playing time at center behind Zach Edey and Brandon Clarke. Huff's role could continue to be muted so long as Edey and Clarke are both healthy.

Wembanyama recorded 19 points (7-14 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 2-2 FT), seven rebounds, four assists and six blocks over 35 minutes during Friday's 96-87 victory over the Nets.

Wembanyama couldn't repeat the 42-point performance he delivered in the loss to the Knicks on Christmas, but he was one of the top players for the Spurs due to his outstanding two-way contributions. This was just the second game in December in which he couldn't reach the 20-point mark, but fantasy managers won't be worried if the Frenchman has an off night or two considering all the other things he brings to the table. Wembanyama is also on an impressive stretch of six consecutive appearances with four or more blocks.