NBA Player News

Kispert closed with 14 points (5-9 FG, 4-7 3Pt), one rebound and one steal over 18 minutes during Monday's 108-104 win over the Pacers.

Kispert provided an efficient scoring boost off Atlanta's bench, tying for the team's second-highest point total while connecting on four three-pointers. The Hawks were without Jalen Johnson (ankle) and Kingston Flemings (suspension), opening additional opportunities across the rotation. Kispert's perimeter shooting makes him a potential three-point specialist in deeper fantasy leagues, though his limited minutes and scoring-dependent production restrict his overall upside.

The Nuggets have declined Holmes' $5.55 million rookie-scale team option for the 2027-28 season, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.com reports.

The decision puts Holmes, the 22nd overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, on track to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2027. Denver's decision raises questions about the young big man's long-term future with the franchise, though it doesn't immediately affect his role or fantasy outlook for the current campaign.

Huff closed with 22 points (8-14 FG, 0-5 3Pt, 6-7 FT), eight rebounds, two assists and two blocks across 40 minutes during Monday's 108-104 loss to Atlanta.

Huff paced Indiana in scoring and rebounding while taking on a massive workload with Ivica Zubac (ankle) unavailable. Although he missed all five of his three-point attempts, the big man was efficient inside the arc and came within two rebounds of a double-double. Huff's combination of scoring and shot-blocking gives him intriguing short-term fantasy upside, particularly if Zubac remains sidelined, though Monday's 40 minutes were largely a product of Indiana having just six available players.

Brown logged 16 points (6-11 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 2-2 FT), six rebounds, one assist and one steal over 38 minutes during Monday's 108-104 loss to the Hawks.

Brown was Indiana's lone available reserve and consequently played a substantial role, shooting efficiently while finishing fourth on the team in scoring. The 38-minute workload represented an unusual opportunity created by the Pacers' extensive injury list, including the maintenance-related absences of Pascal Siakam and Aaron Nesmith. Brown could remain relevant in deeper fantasy formats while Indiana is shorthanded, but his minutes should decline as the rotation returns to normal.

Slawson ended with 12 points (3-11 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 4-4 FT), seven rebounds, three assists, three blocks and three steals over 41 minutes during Monday's 108-104 loss to Atlanta.

Slawson struggled with his shot but compensated with a standout defensive effort, matching his three steals with three blocks. Indiana's severely depleted roster allowed him to play more than 40 minutes, creating an unusually favorable environment for counting stats. He could offer short-term streaming value for managers seeking defensive production, though his role remains dependent on the Pacers' injury situation.

Walker recorded 15 points (6-15 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 2-3 FT), seven rebounds, three assists, one block and one steal in 45 minutes during Monday's 108-104 loss to the Hawks.

Walker played a team-high 45 minutes as Indiana dressed only six players, providing steady contributions across multiple categories despite struggling from beyond the arc. With Pascal Siakam resting and several other frontcourt options unavailable, Walker was tasked with a substantial workload. His versatility offers some short-term fantasy appeal, but Monday's extreme playing time is unlikely to be sustainable once the Pacers regain depth.

Jackson registered 20 points (7-16 FG, 1-7 3Pt, 5-5 FT), seven rebounds, three assists, two blocks and four steals over 34 minutes during Monday's 108-104 loss to Atlanta.

Jackson made the most of Indiana's depleted backcourt, delivering an excellent defensive performance while finishing as the team's second-leading scorer. With Andrew Nembhard (neck) and several other rotation players unavailable, Jackson handled an expanded role and nearly helped the Pacers complete a late comeback. His six combined steals and blocks made this an especially productive fantasy outing, though his workload could shrink as Indiana gets healthier.

Diallo posted zero points (0-1 FG) and one rebound in six minutes during Monday's 118-110 loss to the Trail Blazers.

Diallo returned to action for the first time since Opening Night. However, he played 22 minutes in his first appearance and only six minutes Monday. As long as Denver's starting unit stays healthy, Diallo will struggle to get consistent playing time.

Strus recorded 11 points (3-10 FG, 3-9 3Pt, 2-3 FT), four rebounds, six assists and one steal over 23 minutes during Monday's 125-118 loss to the Raptors.

Strus made his season debut after being sidelined since the preseason opener due to a foot injury. The veteran wing wasn't shy and made an impact across the box score. Strus' playing time should tick up, and he might even enter the starting lineup as he gets further removed from the injury.

Harden closed with 14 points (5-10 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 1-3 FT), four rebounds, six assists and one steal over 33 minutes during Monday's 117-112 loss to the Thunder.

Harden connected on three shots from beyond the arc but attempted only 10 field goals as Cleveland spread its offensive opportunities across the starting lineup. He remained involved as a facilitator, though his modest scoring and unusual struggles at the free-throw line kept him from producing a more impactful fantasy performance.