Nemanja Bjelica draws the start on Friday

Nemanja Bjelica
PF, Sacramento Kings

Nemanja Bjelica will start at PF for the Kings on Friday vs. the Blazers.

Bjelica is replacing Marvin Bagley in the starting lineup after the news that Bagley will miss 4-6 weeks with a thumb fracture. He's worth a flier in standard leagues for as long he continues to start but don't expect too much.

Source: Jason Jones on Twitter

Marvin Bagley III Nemanja Bjelica Sacramento Kings
October 25, 2019, 2:28 pm

Fantasy News & NBA Updates

Lauri Markkanen
PF, Chicago Bulls

Lauri Markkanen has indicated his plan is to remain in Chicago long term, although hasn't hinted on whether he would like an extension at this point, per Cody Westerlund.

Markkanen is coming off what was a disappointing season for the Bulls but has affirmed his wishes to remain in the Windy City. He struggled to find his rhythm under former head coach Jim Boylen and along with injury, he presented as one of the more frustrating fantasy players last season. Markkanen has made it clear he is out to prove people wrong and that his personal expectations are at an all-time high. He appears happy with the decision to hire Billy Donovan and should he be overlooked in drafts, Markkanen could be a solid value-play across many formats.

Source: Cody Westerlund on Twitter
September 28, 2020, 5:49 pm
Kawhi Leonard
SF, Los Angeles Clippers

Doc Rivers's tenure with the Clippers appears to have come to an end, according to Adrian Wojnarowski, although the exact details are yet to be revealed.

While this does come as somewhat of a shock, the writing may have been on the wall, so to speak. The Clippers were unceremoniously ousted from the playoffs, bringing to an end what was seen as their best chance for a title. While the blame can be placed on any number of individuals, the chemistry within the team appeared to be an ongoing issue. Rivers has put together an impressive coaching resume and if he elects to remain as a lead man, he should have no trouble finding a willing suitor for the upcoming season.

Source: Adrian Wojnarowski on Twitter
September 28, 2020, 5:30 pm
Kevin Huerter
SG, Atlanta Hawks

Kevin Huerter's knees are feeling great thanks to an improved diet and increased strength training, as reported by Brad Rowland.

Huerter is coming off what was a promising season, derailed somewhat by various injuries. His knee problems were of obvious concern and it appears as though that has been his primary focus during the enforced isolation. An unfortunate ankle sprain suffered a month ago has limited his activity, although he reports his knees are feeling great. The Hawks have one of the most exciting young rosters in the league and Huerter is primed to take his game to the next level should he be able to stay healthy. After finishing as a top-110 player last season, he makes for a sneaky upside target if you can get him late in drafts.

Source: Brad Rowland on Twitter
September 28, 2020, 5:11 pm
Victor Oladipo
SG, Indiana Pacers

Victor Oladipo is reportedly looking to leave the Pacers once his contract ends, according to Jared Weiss of The Athletic.

If this reporting is true, then it's likely Oladipo would get his wish sooner rather than later. Oladipo still has one more year left on his contract but the Pacers would have every incentive to trade him this offseason if he makes it clear he has no intention of signing an extension. Oladipo has come nowhere close to replicating his stunning top-10 fantasy finish in the 2017-18 season, due primarily to big drops in his efficiency and defensive stats. In the Orlando bubble he averaged 16.7 points on just 40% shooting, 2.0 threes, 5.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.2 blocks per game. His ADP next season may be depressed, but even if he is able to bring his counting stats back up he'll likely continue to be a big detriment to any team's field goal percentage.

Source: Jared Weiss for The Athletic
September 28, 2020, 2:38 pm
Karl-Anthony Towns
C, Minnesota Timberwolves

The Wolves are reportedly confused by the 2020-21 draft class and will most likely attempt to trade the No. 1 pick, according to Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report.

Wasserman reports the Wolves' priority is to trade the pick for an established star or more likely a pick later in the draft. The team is allegedly anxious about the draft after "messing up last year" by picking Jarrett Culver. If the Wolves are unable to find a suitable trade and are forced to keep their pick, they will target LaMelo Ball over Anthony Edwards. The team is in an unfortunate position as none of the projected top-3 picks really fit alongside Karl-Anthony Towns and D'Angelo Russell. If they want a player who works with their current roster, it's in their best interest to find a selection later in the draft.

Source: Jonathan Wasserman for Bleacher Report
September 28, 2020, 1:56 pm