105-101
FINALHouston
Rockets
57-33|L10: 6-4
Charlotte
Hornets
47-42|L10: 6-4
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Eastern Conference
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HOU • • #
2 months ago
Smith rolled his right ankle late in Thursday’s win over the Magic and limped back to the locker room immediately. His absence on Saturday opens up a spot in the starting lineup, with Reed Sheppard and Josh Okogie being potential replacements. Sheppard, who’s worth rostering in fantasy leagues in his current reserve role, offers a higher ceiling.
Source: NBA Injury Report
HOU • Forward • #35
2 months ago
Durant went nuclear in this game, setting new season highs for both scoring and shot attempts in the win. Since the All-Star break, KD has averaged 27.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.8 assists and three triples per game, and he has shot at least 50 percent from the floor in each of his last three games. He’ll look to stay hot in Miami on Saturday to wrap up the week.
HOU • G • #15
2 months ago
After knocking down a career-high seven three-pointers as a starter on Wednesday, Sheppard was back to playing his role off the bench in this game with Amen Thompson (quad) healthy. However, he was still able to make a huge impact on both ends of the floor. Along with the points and triples, Sheppard provided four “stocks” in the win. This game was another example of the fantasy superstar that he can be in a larger, more consistent role.
CHA • Small Forward • #24
2 months ago
Miller only needed 26 minutes to match his season high for scoring to help the Hornets win a third straight game on the road. During this three-game road trip, he averaged 26 points and 5.3 triples per game while shooting at least 55 percent from the floor in each game. Miller has had a few rough games in February after a strong finish to January, but he has been able to get back on track recently.
CHA • Point Guard • #1
2 months ago
The limiting factor for LaMelo recently has been that Charlotte keeps blowing teams out. He only played 22 minutes in this game but was efficient during his time on the floor. Ball has played 50 games this season, meaning he just needs to play in two more to surpass his total games played as a rookie and make this the second-most games he has played in during a season. With a player as talented as Ball, availability is the most important ability.
CHA • Small Forward • #
2 months ago
Not only did Knueppel match his career high for three-pointers in a game, but he broke the record for most three-pointers in a season by a rookie. He now sits at 209 triples on the season, surpassing Keegan Murray’s record of 206. Murray did it in 80 games, and the next two on the list are Donovan Mitchell (187 in 79 games) and Damian Lillard (185 in 82 games). Knueppel has played just 59 games and could get to 81 if he plays the rest of the season, meaning he should make the record borderline unbreakable. He has been a fantasy star as a rookie and has a bright career ahead of him.
HOU • Guard-Forward • #1
2 months ago
Thompson is back in the Rockets’ lineup after sitting out Wednesday’s win over the Kings, pushing Reed Sheppard to the bench. While Sheppard will remain in the rotation, his playing time will likely decrease.
Source: NBA Lineups
HOU • Guard-Forward • #1
2 months ago
Thompson was out on Wednesday, which allowed Reed Sheppard to step into the starting lineup and post 28 points with a career-high seven three-pointers made. Given how well he played, we’d have to assume that Sheppard will still see solid minutes on Thursday, but Thompson should be back in the starting lineup and play close to his normal role.
HOU • Forward • #35
2 months ago
Durant had a rather routine night at the office, as the Rockets were never really challenged by the Kings. He played 28 minutes, and that should keep the 37-year-old in good spirits for Thursday’s game against the Magic. Over the past month, Durant has been a top-25 player in eight-cat formats, according to Basketball Monster. Thursday’s game is the first of two that Houston will play before Week 18 concludes.
HOU • G • #15
2 months ago
Sheppard moved into the starting lineup on Wednesday, as the Rockets were without Amen Thompson due to a quad injury. The second-year guard certainly didn’t get cheated offensively, as he recorded career-highs in made three-pointers (seven) and three-point attempts (16). A double-figure scorer in seven straight games, Sheppard’s 28 on Wednesday were the most in a game for him since he hit that number in a December 20 win over the Jazz. Sheppard’s fantasy value for Thursday’s game in Orlando will depend on Thompson’s availability.
HOU • Center • #28
2 months ago
Şengün put on a show at the Kings’ expense on Wednesday, recording the 11th triple-double of his NBA career. With no Amen Thompson due to injury, even more of the playmaking responsibilities landed on Şengün’s shoulders, and he was excellent. Over the past month, the Rockets’ center has been a fourth-round player in eight-cat formats, according to Basketball Monster. Şengün and the Rockets should face a far stiffer test on Thursday when they visit the Magic.
HOU • Forward • #17
2 months ago
Finney-Smith’s availability does not affect fantasy basketball, but it does free up minutes for some of Houston’s other reserves. Josh Okogie and Aaron Holiday should play more against the Kings, but neither is worth the risk in most fantasy leagues.
Source: Lachard Binkley
HOU • G • #15
2 months ago
Thompson is dealing with left quad tendonitis and will not play against the struggling Kings. Sheppard moves into the starting lineup, and the second-year guard is a worthwhile streamer in this spot. Kevin Durant, Tari Eason, Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Şengün will complete the Rockets’ starting five.
Source: Lachard Binkley
CHA • Small Forward • #
2 months ago
McNeeley has not appeared in a game since January 28. Fantasy managers, who should not have the rookie rostered, must operate under the assumption that McNeeley is out indefinitely.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CHA • Power Forward and Small Forward • #0
2 months ago
Bridges was back in the lineup after serving a four-game suspension, though he only played 22 minutes in his return due to the lopsided score. He was able to put together a solid stat line, and if the game was closer, he may have been able to have a more productive outing. They’ll head to Indiana to play on Thursday, and Bridges should be able to contribute more in his typical role.
CHA • Center • #14
2 months ago
Diabaté suited up for the first time since Feb. 9, which was when he got into an altercation with the Pistons that led to his four-game suspension. He immediately made his presence felt in his first game back. He produced a well-rounded stat line, especially on the defensive end. Diabaté should be an excellent option for the remainder of the season as the Hornets’ starting center.
CHA • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #0
2 months ago
White’s first game with the Hornets was also his return to Chicago. His first NBA game as a member of a team other than the Bulls was where he spent the first 6.5 seasons of his career. He was productive in his 16 minutes on the floor in the blowout win, but he’ll need to play a larger role to hold standard league value. However, he is returning from a calf injury, so he should take on more minutes as he logs more games.
CHA • Center • #14
2 months ago
Bridges and Diabaté are back after serving four-game suspensions for their roles in a fight with the Pistons on February 9. Their returns push Grant Williams and Ryan Kalkbrenner to the bench. While both will remain in the rotation, Williams and Kalkbrenner take hits to their respective fantasy values.
Source: NBA Lineups
HOU • Guard-Forward • #1
2 months ago
Thompson is dealing with left quadricep tendonitis, and the injury will cost him at least one game. In Thompson’s absence, Reed Sheppard could join the starting lineup, making him an intriguing streamer in a favorable matchup with Sacramento’s shorthanded defense.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CHA • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #0
2 months ago
It’s unclear if White will face a minutes restriction after such a lengthy layoff, but his return will likely mean fewer minutes for Tre Mann and Sion James.
Source: NBA Injury Report
HOU • • #
2 months ago
Smith led the Rockets in scoring with 31 points in the victory over the Jazz on Monday. The Rockets turned the ball over 26 times combined, but still cruised to a 20-point victory. The 22-year-old power forward has provided top-40 per game value over the last two weeks, according to Basketball Monster. The Rockets have three more games in Week 18, the next of which comes on Wednesday against the Kings.
HOU • Forward • #8
2 months ago
Udoka admitted that a grade two MCL sprain typically sidelines players for 4-6 weeks, but noted that the Rockets will re-evaluate Tate every two weeks. This isn’t good news for the 30-year-old small forward. His absence doesn’t impact fantasy basket ball, though Dorian Finney-Smith could see more minutes off the bench.
Source: Adam Wexler
CHA • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #0
2 months ago
White hasn’t appeared yet in a game for Charlotte since coming over before the trade deadline. The 26-year-old point guard is now likely to make his Hornets debut in Tuesday’s game against his former team the Bulls given his probable listing with a left calf strain. Tre Mann and Sion James are candidates to lose minutes with White returning.
CHA • Center • #
2 months ago
Kalkbrenner went to the locker room with an ankle injury, though he was cleared to return later in the game. The 24-year-old center ended up only playing 15 minutes. Kalkbrenner’s value will decrease back to what it had been for most of the new year now that Moussa Diabaté’s suspension is over.
CHA • Small Forward • #
2 months ago
Knueppel wasn’t the star of the game, only because his teammate LaMelo Ball had 37 points and 10 three-pointers. The 20-year-old shooting guard had 28 points and five three-pointers, following up a 33-point performance on Friday. He also had seven rebounds and four assists. Knueppel has provided second-round per game value over the last two weeks, according to Basketball Monster.
CHA • Point Guard • #1
2 months ago
LaMelo’s 10 three-pointers tied the Hornets franchise record. The 24-year-old point guard played only 27 minutes, but caught fire from beyond the arc. Ball also had seven assists and zero turnovers, only adding to his masterful performance. The Hornets have three games upcoming in Week 18, starting with a matchup against the Bulls on Tuesday.
HOU • Forward • #8
2 months ago
Tate sprained his right knee during Saturday’s loss to the Knicks. His absence does not affect fantasy basketball, but the Rockets may give fellow reserve Dorian Finney-Smith a few more minutes.
Source: NBA Injury Report
HOU • Guard-Forward • #1
2 months ago
Thompson, whose defense kept Jalen Brunson under wraps for the first three quarters of Saturday’s defeat, recorded his 11th double-double of the season. All that was missing from his stat line was a three-pointer, but that has never been a strength of the third-year guard. Even with Thompson not bringing three-point value to the table, he has been a top-50 player in eight-cat formats. Given his role within the Rockets’ rotation, that should not change anytime soon.
HOU • • #
2 months ago
Smith shot 4-of-8 from three against the Knicks, with the four triples being the most in a game for him since hitting seven in a January 18 win over the Pelicans. The Rockets forward filled his stat line, and he’s been a top-50 player in eight- and nine-cat formats over the past three weeks, according to Basketball Monster. The Rockets open a four-game Week 18 on Monday against the Jazz.
HOU • Forward • #35
2 months ago
Durant has scored at least 30 points in both of Houston’s post-break games, but he was far less efficient against the Knicks than he was in Thursday’s win over the Hornets. Things went south for KD and the Rockets in the fourth quarter, as he shot 2-of-7 from the field and Houston blew an 18-point lead. The good news for fantasy managers is that Houston opens its four-game Week 18 with games against the Jazz and Kings, which should be big nights for Durant.
HOU • Forward • #8
2 months ago
Tate injured his right knee during the second quarter when his leg was landed on by New York’s Karl-Anthony Towns as the two were scrambling for a loose ball. Tate has been diagnosed with a sprained knee, but more will be learned about the severity of the injury in the coming days. His absence does not affect fantasy basketball.
Source: Will Guillory
CHA • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #0
2 months ago
White’s continued absence protects the minutes of Tre Mann and Sion James, neither of whom is worth the risk in most redraft leagues.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CHA • Small Forward • #
2 months ago
McNeeley has not appeared in a game since January 28, and he isn’t in the Hornets’ rotation when healthy. The rookie’s absence does not affect fantasy basketball.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CHA • Power Forward • #2
2 months ago
Williams did not play in Friday’s loss to the Cavaliers, as it was Charlotte’s second game in as many nights. With Miles Bridges serving the final game of his four-game suspension, Williams will likely move into the starting lineup. If so, that would bump Sion James to the bench.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CHA • Center • #
2 months ago
Making his third consecutive start as the Hornets await Moussa Diabaté’s return from a four-game suspension, Kalkbrenner had one of his most productive nights of the season. The rookie center recorded his third double-double of the season and first since November 4, playing 36 minutes. The 13 rebounds were a season-high for Kalkbrenner, who hit double figures in that category for the fourth time. Diabaté will also be suspended for Sunday’s game against the Wizards, so don’t hesitate to add Kalkbrenner if he’s sitting on the waiver wire.
CHA • Point Guard • #1
2 months ago
In the past, a poor shooting night would lead to Ball having a terribly inefficient night overall. He’s grown this season, and the Hornets point guard committed two turnovers in Friday’s defeat. That was one of the reasons why Charlotte was able to hang with the Cavaliers despite LaMelo struggling with his shot. Fantasy managers may not take much solace in that, but it’s a clear sign of growth for the point guard.
CHA • Small Forward • #
2 months ago
Knueppel entered Friday’s game trailing Donovan Mitchell by one three-pointer in the race for the most triples in the NBA. The rookie took over the top spot with a 7-of-15 effort against the surging Cavaliers. While his performance didn’t result in a victory for the Hornets, Knueppel continues to play at a high level in his debut campaign. And with the Hornets visiting the Wizards on Sunday, he could be in for another big night to end Week 17.
CHA • Shooting Guard • #
2 months ago
James will start in place of Grant Williams on the second game of a back-to-back for the Hornets. Charlotte, one of the hottest teams in basketball, will look to avoid consecutive losses, which haven’t happened since the beginning of January. The Hornets are currently 10th in the Eastern Conference standings but just a half-game behind the Hawks for 9th place.
Source: Owen O’Connor
CHA • Power Forward • #2
2 months ago
Williams had a strong outing on Thursday as a starter, but he’ll get the night off for rest on the second leg of Charlotte’s back-to-back set. Miles Bridges is still suspended, which should mean increased playing time for Tidjane Salaün. Salaün logged 20 minutes in Thursday’s loss to Houston.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CHA • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #0
2 months ago
White hasn’t appeared in a game for Charlotte since being traded in early February, and fantasy managers will have to wait at least one more game for that debut. Tre Mann and Sion James will continue to handle backcourt responsibilities off the bench until White is back in action.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CHA • Center • #
2 months ago
Kalkbrenner continues to start and dominate the center minutes for the Hornets while Moussa Diabaté is suspended. The 24-year-old center had 12 points, four rebounds and four assists in 30 minutes in the loss to the Rockets. Kalkbrenner will still be usable in deeper formats for two more games with Diabaté suspended.
CHA • Power Forward • #2
2 months ago
Williams got another start with Miles Bridges still suspended and came through for fantasy managers that needed him as a streamer in deeper formats. The 27-year-old had 20 points, nine boards and made four three-pointers. Williams will be usable in deeper formats for another couple of games before Bridges is back, though this level of production can’t be expected on a nightly basis.
CHA • Small Forward • #24
2 months ago
To say that Miller struggled with his shooting on Thursday would be putting it mildly. The 23-year-old small forward was hardly efficient with 17 points on 22 field goal attempts, which included a 1-of-12 performance from behind the three-point line. Miller should continue to get more shots with Miles Bridges still suspended, but he’ll need to do better than volume scoring to his reach his ceiling.
HOU • Forward • #35
2 months ago
Durant was flawless in the victory over the Hornets on Thursday. The 37-year-old small forward was efficient with 35 points on 20 attempts from the field and had a full stat line. Durant has provided second-round per game value this season, according to Basketball Monster. The Rockets will finish out the week on Saturday against the Knicks on the road.
CHA • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #0
2 months ago
White has yet to make his Hornets’ debut, and that won’t change on Thursday. The Hornets will continue to rely on Sion James and Tre Mann to provide perimeter depth off the bench. Neither qualifies as a must-roster player in fantasy leagues.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CHA • Small Forward • #
2 months ago
McNeeley continues to miss time with a sprained left ankle. His continued absence does not affect fantasy basketball, as he has not logged consistent rotation minutes when healthy.
Source: NBA Injury Report