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Amen Thompson Amen Thompson records 17/10/6/1/3 line vs. MIN
Fri, Feb 21, 2025, 6:46 PM
Amen Thompson finished Friday's win over the Timberwolves with 17 points (7-of-9 FGs, 3-of-3 FTs), 10 rebounds, six assists, one steal, and three blocked shots in 30 minutes.
Analysis: Thompson continues to shine as a starter, providing excellent fantasy value regardless of league format. Since replacing the then-injured Jabari Smith Jr. in the starting lineup on January 5, Thompson has recorded eight double-doubles and three triple-doubles. Averaging 16.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.9 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game, Amen has been a top 20 player in eight- and nine-cat formats. Smith returned to action on Friday, but Thompson continues to start with Fred VanVleet (ankle) sidelined. Rockets coach Ime Udoka may have a difficult decision once VanVleet returns, especially if Thompson continues to be this productive. |
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Alperen Sengun Alperen Sengun records 24/13/2 line vs. Minnesota
Fri, Feb 21, 2025, 6:41 PM
Alperen Sengun tallied 24 points (8-of-21 FGs, 8-of-10 FTs), 13 rebounds, and two assists in 36 minutes in Friday's win over the Timberwolves.
Analysis: Sengun finished Friday's victory with his 33rd double-double of the season, but how he got there wasn't pretty. Worse than the field goal percentage was the turnover count, as the Rockets center was responsible for a season-high eight on the night. The good news for fantasy managers is that Sengun is averaging 2.5 turnovers per game this season, and he's only had four games with five or more. However, his fantasy value has slipped recently, with Sengun being ranked outside the top 200 in eight-cat formats over the past month. |
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Jalen Green Jalen Green leads Rockets with 35 points in win
Fri, Feb 21, 2025, 6:33 PM
Jalen Green shot 12-of-24 from the field and 6-of-9 from the foul line in Friday's 121-115 win over the Timberwolves, scoring 35 points with five rebounds, four assists, two steals, and five three-pointers in 39 minutes.
Analysis: After shooting 36 percent from the field in his final three games before the All-Star break, Green got the post-break portion of the schedule off to an excellent start. The 35 points are the most he's scored in a game since January 13, when the Rockets guard went off for 42 in a win over the Grizzlies. Green has been a top 100 player in eight-cat formats, as the turnovers (2.9 per game) are removed from the equation. The shooting efficiency can still be problematic, but that was not the case on Friday. |
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Jabari Smith Jabari Smith Jr. (hand) plays 38 minutes in return
Fri, Feb 21, 2025, 6:18 PM
Jabari Smith Jr. (hand) amassed 15 points (5-of-9 FGs, 1-of-2 FTs), nine rebounds, two assists, one block, and four three-pointers in 38 minutes in Friday's win over the Timberwolves.
Analysis: Active for the first time since fracturing his left hand on New Year's Day, Smith was used in a reserve role on Friday. However, that did not keep him from playing starters' minutes in his first game back. While he did commit five turnovers and was responsible for two silly fouls during the final minute, Smith's overall production was solid. Tari Eason (12 points, three rebounds, one assist, one steal, and two blocks in 27 minutes) remained in the starting lineup, but he won't be available for Saturday's game against the Jazz. If Smith is allowed to play, he'll likely resume his starting duties. |
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Fred VanVleet Udoka: Fred VanVleet (ankle) at about '80 percent'
Fri, Feb 21, 2025, 2:01 PM
Adam Spolane
Ime Udoka told reporters that Fred VanVleet felt some soreness in his ankle after practice on Thursday and is âat about 80 percent.â
Analysis: Udoka added that the Rockets will see how VanVleet feels heading into their back-to-back on Tuesday and Wednesday. That means that VanVleet will remain sidelined in Utah on Saturday. Jabari Smith Jr. (hand) is making his return on Friday, but he will come off the bench in his first game back. It is unclear what Udoka will do, but when VanVleet returns, one of Smith Jr., Dillon Brooks and Amen Thompson will be pushed to the bench. |
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Jabari Smith Jabari Smith Jr. to come off the bench Friday
Fri, Feb 21, 2025, 1:57 PM
Danielle Lerner
Jabari Smith Jr. (hand) will come off the bench for Friday's game against the Timberwolves.
Analysis: Smith has been out since January 1 with a fractured left hand. He will play in Friday's game but as a reserve, with Eason remaining in the starting lineup. Eason doesn't need to be a starter to provide reliable fantasy value, but this should ensure he doesn't take a hit. Joining Eason in the starting lineup are Amen Thompson, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and Alperen Sengun. |
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Jabari Smith Jabari Smith Jr. (hand) absent from injury report
Thu, Feb 20, 2025, 12:48 PM
NBA Injury Report
Jabari Smith Jr. (hand) is not on the injury report for Friday's game against the Timberwolves.
Analysis: Smith has been out since January 1 with a fractured left hand. His return may push Tari Eason to the bench, cutting into his fantasy value. However, fantasy managers should hold onto Eason, as the Rockets will remain without Fred VanVleet. Amen Thompson should continue to start, taking on the primary playmaker responsibilities. |
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Fred VanVleet Fred VanVleet (ankle) out Friday vs. Minnesota
Thu, Feb 20, 2025, 12:40 PM
NBA Injury Report
Fred VanVleet (ankle) is out for Friday's game against the Timberwolves.
Analysis: Friday's game will be the eighth straight missed by VanVleet, who sprained his right ankle during a February 1 loss to the Nets. Amen Thompson will continue to spend more time with the ball in his hands as the Rockets' primary playmaker, while Tari Eason continues to start. While the former is already rostered in most leagues, the latter should be available in some shallow formats. |
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Fred VanVleet Fred VanVleet (ankle) questionable Friday vs. MIN
Thu, Feb 20, 2025, 9:10 AM
Fred VanVleet (ankle) is questionable for Friday's game against the Timberwolves.
Analysis: VanVleet has been out since he suffered an ankle injury on February 1 against the Nets. The 30-year-old point guard was said to be on track to return after the All-Star break, but his questionable listing gives him a legitimate chance of missing Friday's game. Amen Thompson and Jalen Green would continue to benefit from VanVleet's absence in fantasy basketball if VanVleet were to miss another game. |
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Alperen Sengun Sengun, Giannis, Wemby support USA vs. World game
Mon, Feb 17, 2025, 9:01 AM
Danielle Lerner
Alperen Sengun, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Victor Wembanyama are among multiple international players who support the idea of holding a Team World vs. Team USA game during All-Star weekend.
Analysis: The 2025 NBA All-Star game was received rather disappointingly from fans, pundits and players alike, leading to the obvious question - what's next? One idea that's received traction among international players is a game pitting All Stars from the USA against All Stars from the international community. Sengun - who played in his first All-Star game - said âOf course, I think it would be nice. You know, that's not my decision, but yeah, they try different stuff every year, and I'm excited to see what's gonna happen next year.â Antetokounmpo and Wembanyama supported the idea, too. It's unclear if the NBA will stick with its new, four-team, single-elimination tournament. |
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Amen Thompson Amen Thompson has 11/2/2 line in loss Friday
Fri, Feb 14, 2025, 4:39 PM
Amen Thompson had 11 points (5-of-6 FGs), two rebounds and two assists against Team G League in the Rising Stars Challenge on Friday.
Analysis: Thompson led Team M in scoring with 11 points on six attempts from the field. The 22-year-old point guard also had three turnovers in 11 minutes and was -4 in the one-point upset loss. Thompson has asserted himself as a better scorer recently with at least 16 points in four of his last six games. He's so good in the other categories that he's a high floor player with lots of upside when his shot is falling. |
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Alperen Sengun Alperen Sengun delivers double-double in loss
Thu, Feb 13, 2025, 5:05 PM
Alperen Sengun finished Thursday's loss to Golden State with 10 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and a steal across 27 minutes.
Analysis: This was a night to forget for Houston on offense, and Sengun didn't fare much better, posting 10 points on 10 shots. Despite the muted offensive showing, Sengun did what he does best, racking up rebounds and assists and finishing with his 32nd double-double in 52 games. He'll head into the All-Star break ranked just inside the top 75 in per-game fantasy value. |
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Aaron Holiday Super stream: Aaron Holiday delivers 25/8/4/1 line
Thu, Feb 13, 2025, 4:48 PM
Aaron Holiday sparked Houston's offense with 25 points on 10-of-21 shooting in a loss to the Warriors on Thursday.
Analysis: Holiday wasn't particularly efficient from the field, as he hit just 2-of-9 shots from three-point range, but he was Houston's most effective offensive option in this one. He added eight rebounds, four assists and a steal to deliver a phenomenal Thursday stream on the final night before the All-Star break. It was the first time Holiday had played more than 26 minutes all season, as he logged 37:25 of game action. Houston's roster may be healthier after a week off, and Holiday could head back to the bench but, hey, we'll always have the Warriors game on that magical February night. |
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Aaron Holiday HOU starting Holiday, Green, Brooks, Amen, Sengun
Thu, Feb 13, 2025, 1:45 PM
Houston Rockets
The Rockets will start Aaron Holiday, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun against the Warriors on Thursday.
Analysis: With Fred VanVleet (ankle) still sidelined, Holiday will make a return to the starting lineup. Tari Eason has started during most of FVV's absences, but on the second night of a back-to-back, Eason is sidelined. Holiday contributed six points, four rebounds, three assists, one steal and one triple during his last start. |
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Steven Adams Steven Adams (anke) off injury report Thursday
Thu, Feb 13, 2025, 9:05 AM
Steven Adams (ankle) is off the injury report ahead of Thursday's game against the Warriors.
Analysis: Initial reports suggested that Adams was set to rest on Thursday, but he's off the injury report. Jock Landale would back up Alperen Sengun if Adams is ultimately ruled out. |
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Amen Thompson Amen Thompson has triple-double in win over Suns
Wed, Feb 12, 2025, 5:42 PM
Amen Thompson had 18 points (7-of-13 FGs), 10 rebounds, 11 assists, two steals and two blocks against the Suns on Wednesday.
Analysis: Thompson has now scored at least 16 points in four of his last six games. The 22-year-old point guard had 18 points on 13 shots while also recording 10 rebounds and 11 assists on his way to a triple-double. Thompson also impacted the game on the defensive end with multiple steals and blocks. While his offensive usage can fluctuate, Thompson is an awesome fantasy option due to his rebounding and defense, which provide a solid floor. |
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Alperen Sengun Alperen Sengun has double-double in win vs. Suns
Wed, Feb 12, 2025, 5:41 PM
Alperen Sengun had 17 points (7-of-12 FGs), 13 rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block against the Suns on Wednesday.
Analysis: Sengun was questionable Wednesday after leaving Sunday's game early due to back spasms. He appeared to be over the injury Wednesday as he played 38 minutes in the win over the Suns. Sengun was effective with 17 points on 12 shots and five assists on the offensive end. He also pulled down 13 rebounds to earn a double-double and had two steals and a block on the defensive end. Sengun was just 3-of-6 from the free throw line, but that continues to be the only category where the 22-year-old center struggles. |
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Tari Eason Tari Eason has 25/9/4 line in win over Suns
Wed, Feb 12, 2025, 5:40 PM
Tari Eason had 25 points (11-of-16 FGs), nine rebounds, four assists, three steals and three 3-pointers in the Rockets' 119-111 victory over the Suns on Wednesday.
Analysis: Eason hadn't scored at least 20 points since November 22, but the 23-year-old small forward exploded for 25 against the Suns Wednesday. He was just one rebound away from a double-double. Unfortunately for fantasy managers, Eason is still dealing with a leg issue and will sit out Thursday against the Warriors in the second game of a back-to-back. |
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Tari Eason HOU starting Amen, Green, Brooks, Eason, Sengun
Wed, Feb 12, 2025, 2:16 PM
NBA Lineups
Amen Thompson, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Tari Eason, and Alperen Sengun will start Wednesday's game against the Suns.
Analysis: Eason is back after sitting out Sunday's win over the Raptors, which is Houston's second game in as many days. His return means Aaron Holiday will come off the bench, but the veteran guard could return to the starting lineup on Thursday. Eason and Steven Adams (ankle) have been ruled out for Thursday's matchup with the Warriors. |
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Alperen Sengun Alperen Sengun (back) available Wednesday vs. Suns
Wed, Feb 12, 2025, 2:06 PM
Alperen Sengun (back) is available for Wednesday's game against the Suns.
Analysis: Sengun left Sunday's game after just three minutes due to back spasms. The 22-year-old center is feeling better and will start against the Suns Wednesday with Steven Adams relegated to backup center duties. |
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