106-108
FINALHouston
Rockets
44-26|L10: 6-4
New
York Knicks
48-26|L10: 6-4
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Eastern Conference
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HOU • G • #15
15 days ago
The Rockets won’t have Jabari Smith Jr. (ankle) for a few games, which opened up a spot in the starting lineup for Sheppard. He didn’t have a great day shooting the basketball, with the second-year guard making four of his 11 attempts from beyond the arc. However, Sheppard did not commit a turnover in his 36 minutes. Having shown at various points this season that he can provide suitable fantasy value, Sheppard is worth slotting into lineups ahead of Houston’s four-game Week 19.
HOU • Guard-Forward • #1
15 days ago
While his percentages weren’t good, Thompson did finish Saturday’s defeat with a double-double and his second 20-point performance in three games. While it’s highly unlikely to change between now and the end of the season, Thompson needs to further develop his perimeter shot, at least to the point where opposing teams have to respect it. While he can still be effective without a reliable shot, it makes producing offense as a scorer and creator more difficult.
HOU • Forward • #35
15 days ago
The Heat used multiple defenses to slow down Durant, but nothing worked. In addition to shooting 60 percent from the field, the Rockets’ forward dished out eight assists, equal to his tally in his prior two games. Add in the rebounds, blocks and three-pointers, and this was an excellent afternoon to have Durant rostered. The Rockets play four games in Week 19, starting with the Wizards on Monday in the final game of their road trip.
HOU • G • #15
15 days ago
The Rockets won’t have Jabari Smith Jr. for the next two games, as he sprained his ankle during Thursday’s win over the Magic. Sheppard moves into the starting lineup, raising the second-year guard’s short-term fantasy ceiling.
Source: NBA Lineups
HOU • • #
15 days ago
Reed Sheppard is set to start for the next two games in Smith’s absence and is worth rostering in most formats. With Smith ruled out for the next two games, the earliest he could return would be Thursday against the Warriors.
NYK • Shooting Guard • #44
15 days ago
Shamet continues to provide the Knicks with solid production off the bench. After a rough night in Cleveland ended a run of three straight games in double figures, he got back on track in Milwaukee, shooting 5-of-7 from beyond the arc. Offensively, Shamet is mainly an option in extremely deep leagues for managers needing three-pointers. Outside of fantasy basketball, he’s played well enough to lock down his place within Mike Brown’s rotation.
NYK • Center and Power Forward • #32
15 days ago
Towns recorded another double-double on Friday. While the Knicks center did not have a prolific night offensively, the team’s ball movement ensured that everyone was taken care of offensively. Seven Knicks scored in double figures as the team won by a 127-98 final score. Towns should face far greater resistance on Sunday when the Knicks host the Spurs in their final game of Week 18.
NYK • Small Forward and Power Forward • #8
15 days ago
Since his return from a toenail injury, Anunoby struggled with inconsistency, reaching double figures in just one of the four games played. He got untracked in Milwaukee, shooting 80 percent from the field overall. Anunoby scored the Knicks’ first nine points to open the second half, and he made five of his seven attempts on the night. When Anunoby is aggressive on offense, the Knicks are a far more dangerous team, and it also boosts his fantasy value.
NYK • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #11
15 days ago
Brunson and the Knicks jumped the Bucks early on Friday. He scored 22 of the Knicks’ 38 first-quarter points, and New York would score 39 more in the second. Due to the game being a blowout, Brunson only needed to play 31 minutes in Milwaukee. That extra rest could come in handy on Sunday, as the Knicks host the Spurs in their final game of Week 18.
HOU • • #
16 days 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
16 days 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
16 days 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.
HOU • Guard-Forward • #1
17 days 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
17 days 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
17 days 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
17 days 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
17 days 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
18 days 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
18 days 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
NYK • Center and Power Forward • #32
18 days ago
The good news for fantasy managers is that Towns didn’t miss a shot from the field. However, he attempted only five shots and matched that with five turnovers. Give Cleveland credit for its work on the defensive end, but this was a disappointing effort from KAT. While Towns has probably been too much of a lightning rod this season, there are still nights when he puts forth maddening performances like the one he produced in Cleveland. He and the Knicks will look to bounce back on Friday in Milwaukee.
NYK • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #25
18 days ago
The good news for category league managers is that Bridges recorded a complete stat line on Tuesday. However, he shot 5-of-14 from inside the arc, including a 1-of-6 effort during a third quarter in which the Knicks scored 11 points. Bridges doesn’t need to be a prolific scorer to provide reliable fantasy value, but it would help fantasy managers if he were more consistent on that end of the floor. That can also be said of OG Anunoby (five points, three rebounds, two assists, one block and one three-pointer), who shot 2-of-9 from the field on Tuesday.
NYK • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #11
18 days ago
Brunson and the Knicks had a rough night, with things getting especially bad during the third quarter. As a team, New York scored 11 points, and Brunson shot 0-of-5 from the field while scoring just one point. While he’s shot 44.3 percent from the field over the past week, Brunson’s fantasy value has taken a hit, regardless of league format. The Knicks play two more games in Week 18, starting with the Bucks on Friday.
HOU • Guard-Forward • #1
19 days 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
HOU • • #
19 days 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
19 days 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
NYK • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #25
20 days ago
Bridges got off to a slow start against the Bulls, shooting 1-of-5 from beyond the arc in the first three quarters. However, he hit a critical three-pointer with 26.6 seconds remaining to extend New York’s lead to six and essentially end the game. The good news for fantasy managers is that Bridges provided solid value in the assist, steal and blocked shot categories. Over the last month, his fantasy value has slipped due to a decrease in three-point production, but Bridges remains a valuable option in category leagues.
NYK • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #11
20 days ago
Brunson didn’t score much in Chicago, but he did dish out 9 assists. The last was on a Mikal Bridges three-pointer with 26.6 seconds remaining that extended New York’s lead to six. Brunson, who made one of his six three-point attempts, didn’t shoot the ball efficiently, but he was good at making plays for others. The Knicks begin a three-game Week 18 on Tuesday against Cleveland in what will be a vital game for tiebreaker purposes.
NYK • Center and Power Forward • #32
20 days ago
For the second straight night, Towns picked up the slack offensively when some of his Knicks teammates could not get going offensively. Having scored at least 21 points in five straight, KAT’s 28 on Sunday were the most in a game for him since he dropped 37 on the Hawks on December 27. The Knicks play three games in Week 18, starting with a critical matchup with the new-look Cavaliers on Tuesday.
HOU • Forward • #8
21 days 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
NYK • Center • #23
21 days ago
Knicks head coach Mike Brown said before Saturday’s win over the Rockets that he did not expect Robinson to play in Chicago, an unsurprising statement given how the center’s availability has been handled this season. Robinson played 18 minutes on Saturday, finishing with six points and four rebounds. His absence on Sunday frees up minutes for Ariel Hukporti and possibly Jeremy Sochan as well.
Source: Kristian Winfield
HOU • Guard-Forward • #1
21 days 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 • • #
21 days 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
21 days 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.
NYK • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #11
21 days ago
The Rockets did an excellent job of keeping Brunson under wraps for the first three quarters, with the Knicks point guard shooting 2-of-8 from the field. Brunson came to life in the fourth, making all four of his shots to help New York erase a deficit that grew to as large as 18 points. He also added three more charges drawn to his league-high tally, showing off his skill as a “below-the-rim rim protector.” Brunson and the Knicks play once more in Week 17, as they visit the Bulls on Sunday.
Source: CJ Fogler
NYK • Small Forward and Power Forward • #8
21 days ago
Anunoby had a brutal night in his first game back from a toe injury, scoring eight points on 3-of-13 shooting in Thursday’s loss to the Pistons. He was much sharper against the Rockets, shooting 50 percent from the field while also recording four steals. Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns may be the headliners, but the Knicks are at their best when Anunoby is aggressive and efficient as a scorer. He’ll look to end Week 17 on a high note when the Knicks visit the Bulls on Sunday.
NYK • Center and Power Forward • #32
21 days ago
On a night when Jalen Brunson didn’t get going offensively until the fourth quarter, Towns shot 7-of-10 from the field in the first three quarters. KAT was more engaged from the start than he was in Thursday’s loss to the Pistons, a welcome step forward for the 7-footer. Sunday’s matchup with the Bulls should be a good one for Towns and those who have him rostered, but only if he’s aggressive from the start.
HOU • Forward • #8
21 days 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
NYK • Power Forward • #10
23 days ago
Signed to a contract for the rest of the season at the All-Star break, Sochan made his Knicks’ debut on Thursday. And those who were concerned that his playing time would come at Mohamed Diawara’s (two rebounds, one assist and one steal) expense were proven right, as the rookie was limited to nine minutes. Neither Sochan nor Diawara stands to affect fantasy basketball, but the hope is that one (or both) can provide some defense on the wings. That didn’t happen against the Pistons, who completed their sweep of the regular-season series.
NYK • Small Forward and Power Forward • #8
23 days ago
Anunoby was back in the Knicks’ lineup after a four-game absence, and he certainly looked rusty from beyond the arc. The Knicks’ wing shot 1-of-8 from deep, and even worse for fantasy managers was the lack of rebounds and assists. Anunoby matched his career-high with four blocked shots, but fantasy managers will hope for better from him when the Knicks host the Rockets on Saturday.
NYK • Center and Power Forward • #32
23 days ago
Towns put up another double-double on Thursday, but he was unable to grab control of the paint in a game that the Pistons played without Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart due to suspension. KAT attempted only three shots in the first half, and while he was more involved offensively in the second half, the lackluster defense proved problematic. Towns and the Knicks will look to bounce back in games against the Rockets (Saturday) and Bulls (Sunday) to end Week 17.
NYK • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #11
23 days ago
While Brunson shot the ball far better on Thursday than he did in either of the Knicks’ first two losses to the Pistons, that doesn’t tell the entire story. The efficient scoring wasn’t matched in the playmaking department, as Brunson was responsible for six of the Knicks’ 12 turnovers. While the Knicks won’t have to see the Pistons again during the regular season, how they lost the three meetings is a concern should the teams meet in the playoffs.
HOU • Forward • #35
23 days 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.
NYK • Small Forward and Power Forward • #8
24 days ago
Anunoby is back after missing the Knicks’ final four games before the All-Star break. His return pushes Landry Shamet to the bench, eliminating most of the reserve wing’s fantasy value.
Source: Kristian Winfield
NYK • Small Forward and Power Forward • #8
24 days ago
Anunoby was initially listed as questionable for this game but is now expected to play. He missed the final four games before the All-Star break, which allowed Landry Shamet to start in his place. Shamet will return to the bench with Anunoby expected back.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NYK • Small Forward and Power Forward • #8
25 days ago
Anunoby missed the Knicks’ final four games before the All-Star break, with Landry Shamet providing solid value as the replacement in the starting lineup. Shamet should get another start if Anunoby cannot play against the team with the East’s best record.
Source: NBA Injury Report