Category: Basketball

The Denver Nuggets (18-6) are back in the Mile High City after a four-game road stand that ended in four wins. Denver hosts Houston (16-6) as the Rockets prepare for six-straight road games.

Denver is on a four-game winning streak as they enter this contest with victories over Indiana, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Sacramento — four teams combined for a 35-70 record. The Nuggets prepare for a four-game homestead that starts with a rematch of their 112-109 victory in Houston.

The Rockets are 3-2 to start December and have played a similarly easy strength of schedule to Denver lately. The Rockets have dropped their past two road games at Dallas and Utah as they prepare for a six-game road stand that starts in Denver.

Let’s dive into tonight’s matchup and find a potential sweat or two! We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff. Odds courtesy of DraftKings recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

After 24 years, the NBA is back on NBC and Peacock, combining the nostalgia of an iconic era with the innovative future of basketball coverage. The NBA on NBC YouTube channel delivers fans must-see highlights, analysis, and exclusive and unique content.

Game Details and How to watch the Rockets vs. Pistons live

• Date: Monday, December 15, 2025
• Time: 9:30 PM ET
• Site: Ball Arena
• City: Denver, CO
• Network/Streaming: Peacock

Rotoworld has you covered with all the latest NBA Player News for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Game odds for the Rockets at the Nuggets

The latest odds as of Monday courtesy of DraftKings:

• Moneyline: Denver Nuggets (-118), Houston Rockets (-102)
• Spread: Denver -1.5
• Total: 237.5

Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & player props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!

Expected Starting Lineups for the Rockets and the Nuggets

Rockets

PG Amen Thompson

SG Josh Okogie

SF Kevin Durant

PF Jabari Smith

C Alperen Sengun

Nuggets

PG Jamal Murray

SG Cam Robinson

SF Spencer Jones

PF Peyton Watson

C Nikola Jokic

Injuries for the Rockets and the Nuggets

Rockets

F Tari Eason (oblique) is questionable against Denver

Nuggets

G Christian Braun (ankle) is OUT
F Aaron Gordon (hamstring) is OUT
G Julian Strawther (back) is questionable against Houston

Important stats, trends and insights ahead of Rockets at Nuggets on Monday

• Houston is 13-8 to the Over, ranking sixth-best
• Denver is 16-8 to the Over, ranking second-best
• Denver is 7-3 to the Over as a home favorite, ranking fifth-best
• Houston is 1-1 to the Over as a road underdog and 2-0 ATS
• Denver is 5-5 ATS as a home favorite and at home and 6-4 on the ML

Rotoworld Best Bet

Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) likes the Rockets to cover:

“Denver is not a full strength right now with Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun out, so this is a good spot for Houston to get a win over the Nuggets. Despite this game being in Denver at altitude and Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray taking the floor — this isn't much else to like.

Houston has played one game eight days, while Denver played three games in eight days then rested the past three. Houston also had off the past three days. Rest advantage goes to Houston and lost by three at home to the Nuggets in what could have been a Rockets win. Jokic and Murray combined for 60 points, 19 assists, and 12 rebounds. It will take another effort like that if the Nuggets want to win again. I will side with the Rockets."

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Rockets & Nuggets game

• Moneyline: Nuggets ML (high confidence)
• Spread: Nuggets -1.5 (medium confidence)
• Total: Over 237.5 (low confidence)

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)

- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)

- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)

- Trysta Krick (@Trysta_Krick)

How to Watch the NBA on NBC and Peacock

Peacock NBA Monday will stream up to three Monday night games each week throughout the regular season. Coast 2 Coast Tuesday presents doubleheaders on Tuesday nights throughout the regular season on NBC and Peacock. On most Tuesdays, an 8 p.m. ET game will be on NBC stations in the Eastern and Central time zones, and an 8 p.m. PT game on NBC stations in the Pacific and often Mountain time zones. Check local listings each week. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock. NBC Sports will launch Sunday Night Basketball across NBC and Peacock on Feb. 1, 2026. For a full schedule of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, click here.

How to sign up for Peacock:

Sign up here to watch all of our LIVE sports, sports shows, documentaries, classic matches, and more. You’ll also get tons of hit movies and TV shows, Originals, news, 24/7 channels, and current NBC & Bravo hits—Peacock is here for whatever you’re in the mood for.

NBA on NBC 2025-26 Schedule

Click here to see the full list of NBA games that will air on NBC and Peacockthis season.

What devices does Peacock support?

You can enjoy Peacock on a variety of devices. View the full list of supported devices

The Detroit Pistons (20-5) travel to TD Garden for a matchup on Peacock with the Boston Celtics (15-10).

This is third meeting of the season between the teams as they split the series one apiece. Both meetings have come by six or fewer points, so another competitive and possible classic is on the way.

Boston was on a season-high five-game winning streak before losing 116-101 to Milwaukee. The Celtics as a team went 14-of-49 from three for 29% and allowed 28 assists in the loss. Jaylen Brown has been on fire with 30-plus points in four straight games and seven of the past eight. Brown scored 33 and 41 points in two meetings with Detroit this season. Boston is back at home after two road games and have had three days of rest ahead of this matchup.

Detroit is in first-place of the East and still riding high with three consecutive wins and a 5-1 record over the last six games. The Pistons offense has scored 122-plus points in three straight games and enter with equal rest as Boston. Cade Cunningham scored 42 and 25 points versus Boston this year and is coming off a season-low 15 points in 23 minutes over Atlanta (142-115).

Let’s dive into tonight’s matchup and find a potential sweat or two! We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff. Odds courtesy of DraftKings recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

After 24 years, the NBA is back on NBC and Peacock, combining the nostalgia of an iconic era with the innovative future of basketball coverage. The NBA on NBC YouTube channel delivers fans must-see highlights, analysis, and exclusive and unique content.

Game Details and How to watch the Pistons vs. Celtics live

• Date: Monday, December 15, 2025
• Time: 7:00 PM ET
• Site: TD Garden
• City: Boston, MA
• Network/Streaming: Peacock

Rotoworld has you covered with all the latest NBA Player News for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Game odds for the Pistons at the Celtics

The latest odds as of Monday courtesy of DraftKings:

• Moneyline: Boston Celtics (-122), Detroit Pistons (+102)
• Spread: Celtics -8.5
• Total: 229.5

Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & player props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!

Expected Starting Lineups for the Pistons and the Celtics

Celtics

PG Payton Pritchard
SG Derrick White
SF Jaylen Brown
PF Jordan Walsh
C Neemias Queta

Pistons

PG Cade Cunningham
SG Duncan Robinson
SF Ausar Thompson
PF Tobias Harris
C Jalen Duren

Injuries for the Pistons and the Celtics

Celtics

None

Pistons

None

Important stats, trends and insights ahead of Pistons at Celtics on Monday

• Detroit is 14-11 ATS overall
• Detroit is 2-0 ATS as a road underdog
• Detroit is 11-8 ATS coming off a win
• Detroit is 14-10-1 to the Over
• Boston is 4-4 ATS as a home favorite
• Boston is 6-3 ATS coming off a loss
• Boston is 13-12 to the Under

Rotoworld Best Bet

Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) leans the Pistons to cover the first quarter:

“On Peacock this season, the underdogs have done very well in the first quarter and I think this is another case. Boston finally dropped a game to Milwaukee after a five-game winning streak, so they are most vulnerable. Normally, I'd back Boston off a loss, but this is not the same Celtics team without Jayson Tatum.

Despite Boston winning four-consecutive first quarters, I will fade them here coming off a loss. The Celtics have actually been the best team in the NBA coming off a loss and winning the first quarter at 7-1 on the ML, but this could easily be a spot where that regression hits. Detroit has taken four-straight first quarters and 13 of the past 14. I will take the half-point in the first quarter with Detroit.”

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Pistons & Celtics game

• Moneyline: Pistons ML (low confidence)
• Spread: Pistons +1.5 (low confidence)
• Total: Under 229.5 (low confidence)

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
- Trysta Krick (@Trysta_Krick)

How to Watch the NBA on NBC and Peacock

Peacock NBA Monday will stream up to three Monday night games each week throughout the regular season. Coast 2 Coast Tuesday presents doubleheaders on Tuesday nights throughout the regular season on NBC and Peacock. On most Tuesdays, an 8 p.m. ET game will be on NBC stations in the Eastern and Central time zones, and an 8 p.m. PT game on NBC stations in the Pacific and often Mountain time zones. Check local listings each week. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock. NBC Sports will launch Sunday Night Basketball across NBC and Peacock on Feb. 1, 2026. For a full schedule of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, click here.

How to sign up for Peacock:

Sign up here to watch all of our LIVE sports, sports shows, documentaries, classic matches, and more. You’ll also get tons of hit movies and TV shows, Originals, news, 24/7 channels, and current NBC & Bravo hits—Peacock is here for whatever you’re in the mood for.

NBA on NBC 2025-26 Schedule

Click here to see the full list of NBA games that will air on NBC and Peacockthis season.

What devices does Peacock support?

You can enjoy Peacock on a variety of devices. View the full list of supported devices

Don't miss tonight's Peacock NBA Monday doubleheader. The action starts at 7:00 PM when the Detroit Pistons take on the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Then, at 9:30 PM, it's the Houston Rockets vs Denver Nuggets. See below for additional information on how to watch both games and follow all of the NBA action on NBC and Peacock. Peacock will feature 100 regular-season games throughout the course of the 2025-2026 season.

Click here to sign up for Peacock!

Fantasy Basketball Week 9 Schedule Primer: Gearing up for the pre-Christmas rush

The end of the Emirates NBA Cup means the back end of Week 9 will be loaded with games.

• Raphielle Johnson,

Houston Rockets:

The Rockets are coming off a 115-113 win against the LA Clippers last Thursday. Alperen Sengun, who returned to the lineup after missing two games due to illness, led the way for Houston with 22 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists. The All-Star center is on pace for career highs in scoring (23.0 ppg), assists (7.0 apg), and three-point percentage (36.4%).

Amen Thompson scored 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists. Jabari Smith Jr. added 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Kevin Durant finished with 16 points.

Durant leads the Rockets with 24.8 points per game this season, marking his 18th straight year averaging 20-plus.

Denver Nuggets:

The Nuggets (18-6) are off to their best start through 24 games in franchise history. They have won their last four consecutive matchups, most recently defeating the Sacramento Kings 136-105 last Friday. Nikola Jokic finished with 36 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists. Peyton Watson added 21 points while Cameron Johnson added 16.

The Nuggets are still without two key players. Aaron Gordon has missed the team’s last 9 games due to a Grade 2 right hamstring strain, while Christian Braun has missed the last 13 games due to a left ankle sprain. Both players are expected to return after Christmas.

Even without both starters, Denver continues to find ways to win. The Nuggets currently lead the NBA in points per game (125.5) and field goal percentage (51.7%).

How to watch Houston Rockets vs Denver Nuggets:

• When: Tonight, Monday, December 15
• Where: Ball Arena, Denver, CO
• Time: 9:30 PM ET
• Live Stream:Peacock

Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: Last Call on P.J. Washington

With Dereck Lively II out for the season and Daniel Gafford banged up, Washington is in line for an expanded role moving forward.

• Zak Hanshew,

What other NBA games are on tonight?

Detroit Pistons vs Boston Celtics - 7:00 PM ET on Peacock

How to watch the NBA on NBC and Peacock:

Peacock NBA Monday will stream up to three Monday night games each week throughout the regular season. Coast 2 Coast Tuesday presents doubleheaders on Tuesday nights throughout the regular season on NBC and Peacock. On most Tuesdays, an 8 p.m. ET game will be on NBC stations in the Eastern and Central time zones, and an 8 p.m. PT game on NBC stations in the Pacific and often Mountain time zones.

Check local listings each week. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock. NBC Sports will launch Sunday Night Basketball across NBC and Peacock on Feb. 1, 2026. For a full schedule of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, click here.

How to sign up for Peacock:

Sign up here to watch all of our LIVE sports, sports shows, documentaries, classic matches, and more. You'll also get tons of hit movies and TV shows, Originals, news, 24/7 channels, and current NBC & Bravo hits—Peacock is here for whatever you’re in the mood for.

NBA on NBC 2025-26 Schedule

Click here to see the full list of NBA games that will air on NBC and Peacock this season.

What devices does Peacock support?

You can enjoy Peacock on a variety of devices. View the full list of supported devices here.

On the court, a calf strain has cooled off Giannis Antetokounmpo and kept him in street clothes.

Off the court, Dec. 15 is the day that 79 players who signed or extended their contracts last summer become eligible to be traded — it's the unofficial opening day of NBA trade season. That, however, didn't move things closer to an Antetokounmpo trade.

Where do things stand with an Antetokounmpo trade? Let's break it down.

Is Antetokounmpo willing to be the bad guy?

As of Dec. 15, the main thing holding up a serious Antetokounmpo trade market is Antetokounmpo himself.

Antetokounmpo has yet to actually demand a trade — if he doesn't knock over the first domino, the others won't fall in time for the Feb. 5 trade deadline. The league is still waiting for Antetokounmpo to make his move, something NBA insider Marc Stein noted in his latest Substack missive. Milwaukee is not going to trade the best player they have had since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar until he demands it (as Kareem himself did).

While Antetokounmpo and his agent are reportedly meeting with the Bucks about his future, that is not a trade demand. At least yet. Antetokounmpo has come off as not wanting to be the bad guy in all this and force his way out of Wisconsin, but he is not getting traded at the deadline unless he is willing to be that guy. (Things change this summer, when if he refuses to sign a contract extension with the team, then the Bucks will be forced to make a deal or risk losing him for nothing.)

Knicks not all in?

If Antetokounmpo does demand a trade, the market for his services may not be quite as robust as expected, although some of that also could be posturing by teams.

Multiple reports have said Antetokounmpo wants to play in New York. While the details on the discussions between the Knicks and Bucks last August remain vague, what you believe happened says a lot about what you want to see happen in the future. The spin out of New York is that it made what it believed was a fair offer for Antetokounmpo. The vibe out of Milwaukee was that New York did not go all in on a trade.

Why should the Knicks come harder for Antetokounmpo now? With New York at 18-7, playing for the NBA Cup championship, sitting near the top of the East and looking every bit a contender, why would it break up the core of what it has and overpay for Antetokounmpo at the deadline? Especially if it feels he is going to force his way there anyway?

That is exactly what the Knicks are thinking, Sam Amick reports at The Athletic. If Antetokounmpo wants to be a Knick, he is going to have to force his way there — and hope another team doesn't swoop in with a better offer that the Bucks just take (like the Raptors did with Kawhi Leonard, or like the Bucks themselves did when Damian Lillard wanted to go to Miami).

Speaking of the Heat…

Could Miami be in play?

The Miami Heat are always big game hunting — is South Florida a place Antetokounmpo would be open to playing? A lot of league sources say yes, according to Amick at The Athletic.

The challenge with an Antetokounmpo-to-Miami trade is that, to make it work, the Heat would have to give up a lot, likely including Tyler Herro, possibly Kel'el Ware (he could be a sticking point in the trade talks), and a lot of draft picks. If a deal could be reached with all those players thrown in, are the Heat the contenders that Antetokounmpo wants to play for?

That said, never count Miami out in a deal.

Timberwolves interested in Giannis

The Timberwolves are 17-9, but the team that reached the Western Conference Finals each of the past two seasons has looked more like a team taking half a step back than the step forward they expected.

That has Minnesota as one of the teams to watch if Antetokounmpo becomes available, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes. This trade would have to be centered around Jaden McDaniels and Julius Randle, with a lot of picks thrown in to make it work.

Would Antetokounmpo want to go to Minnesota? Only he can say, but Antetokounmpo next to Anthony Edwards would be a force.

Spurs, Rockets face same question

Both San Antonio and Houston have long been linked to Antetokounmpo because they are stacked with young players and stockpiled draft picks. These two teams can put arguably the best offers on the table for Antetokounmpo.

But should they?

Both of those teams are already very good, both are young and improving, and both play in a West where needing to beat Oklahoma City four times in seven games is a daunting concern for teams going all-in this season. These are both teams that like the rosters they have right now — and both are winning right now and only going to get better.

Would both of them be better off waiting a season or two, letting their young stars mature, allowing the tax apron start to take its toll on the Thunder, and then making any all-in moves? If they even need to.

Another thing those teams have to consider is availability. Antetokounmpo is out right now with a calf strain and missed time earlier this season with a groin strain. He just turned 31. As ESPN noted this week, the team that trades for him will offer him a max extension of $275 million that will take him to age 37. All of that is giving some teams a slight pause, and should with the Spurs and Rockets.

No doubt, the thought of Antetokounmpo next to Victor Wembanyama is frightening. As is the idea of Antetokounmpo between Amen Thompson and Kevin Durant. But those are already teams on the rise — San Antonio just beat Oklahoma City in the NBA Cup — so why not build on the Thunder model and let their young guys mature before making a big swing? For the Rockets, Durant complicates that timeline, but the team is still top four in the East and improving.

How to Watch the NBA on NBC and Peacock

Peacock NBA Monday will stream up to three Monday night games each week throughout the regular season. Coast 2 Coast Tuesday presents doubleheaders on Tuesday nights throughout the regular season on NBC and Peacock. On most Tuesdays, an 8 p.m. ET game will be on NBC stations in the Eastern and Central time zones, and an 8 p.m. PT game on NBC stations in the Pacific and often Mountain time zones. Check local listings each week. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock. NBC Sports will launch Sunday Night Basketball across NBC and Peacock on Feb. 1, 2026. For a full schedule of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, click here.

The Detroit Pistons head to Boston to take on the Celtics at TD Garden in the first game of tonight's doubleheader matchup on Peacock at 7:00 PM ET. Then, at 9:30 PM, it's the Houston Rockets vs Denver Nuggets. See below for additional information on how to watch both games and follow all of the NBA action on NBC and Peacock. Peacock will feature 100 regular-season games throughout the course of the 2025-2026 season.

Click here to sign up for Peacock!

Fantasy Basketball Week 9 Schedule Primer: Gearing up for the pre-Christmas rush

The end of the Emirates NBA Cup means the back end of Week 9 will be loaded with games.

• Raphielle Johnson,

Detroit Pistons:

The Detroit Pistons have won five of their last six matchups, most recently defeating the Atlanta Hawks 142-115 at home last Friday. It was the team's largest win of the season, and the bench scored a season-high 77 points in the win. 12 players scored at least 7 points, making the Pistons the third team in NBA history to accomplish that feat.

"[Wins like tonight] show the world we’re serious about winning...we’re not here just to win games; we’re here to win championships… I think we’re the best team in the league, and we’re going to continue to show it," said Jalen Duren after the win.

The Pistons, now 20-5, lead the Eastern Conference and have the second-best record in the league behind the Oklahoma City Thunder (24-2). It’s only the third time in franchise history that Detroit has won 20 or more games in the team’s first 25 games of a season.

Boston Celtics:

The Celtics' five-game win streak was snapped last Thursday night, when they fell 116-101 to the Milwaukee Bucks. Jaylen Brown scored a team-high 30 points in the win. He has continued to lead the Celtics while Jayson Tatum recovers from the torn Achilles he suffered last season. Brown is on pace for career highs in points per game (29.1), field-goal attempts (21.4), field goals made (10.7), free-throw attempts (7.2), and assists (4.8).

Boston is currently third in the Eastern Conference.

How to watch Detroit Pistons vs Boston Celtics:

• When: Tonight, Monday, December 15
• Where: TD Garden, Boston, MA
• Time: 7:00 PM ET
• Live Stream:Peacock

Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: Last Call on P.J. Washington

With Dereck Lively II out for the season and Daniel Gafford banged up, Washington is in line for an expanded role moving forward.

• Zak Hanshew,

What other NBA games are on tonight?

Houston Rockets vs Denver Nuggets - 9:30 PM ET on Peacock

How to watch the NBA on NBC and Peacock:

Peacock NBA Monday will stream up to three Monday night games each week throughout the regular season. Coast 2 Coast Tuesday presents doubleheaders on Tuesday nights throughout the regular season on NBC and Peacock. On most Tuesdays, an 8 p.m. ET game will be on NBC stations in the Eastern and Central time zones, and an 8 p.m. PT game on NBC stations in the Pacific and often Mountain time zones.

Check local listings each week. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock. NBC Sports will launch Sunday Night Basketball across NBC and Peacock on Feb. 1, 2026. For a full schedule of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, click here.

How to sign up for Peacock:

Sign up here to watch all of our LIVE sports, sports shows, documentaries, classic matches, and more. You'll also get tons of hit movies and TV shows, Originals, news, 24/7 channels, and current NBC & Bravo hits—Peacock is here for whatever you’re in the mood for.

NBA on NBC 2025-26 Schedule

Click here to see the full list of NBA games that will air on NBC and Peacock this season.

What devices does Peacock support?

You can enjoy Peacock on a variety of devices. View the full list of supported devices here.

With limited NBA action due to the NBA knockout rounds, there are some repeat names in this week’s column. Not every name on this list has carried over from last week, however, and we’ve got some new options to consider.

As we head into the new week, Dallas’ frontcourt depth is even more shallow, opening up a major opportunity for P.J. Washington. Frontcourt injuries in Sacramento, Cleveland, Memphis and Washington have put three role players on the map, and defensive studs in LA and New Orleans are ready to contribute for fantasy managers.

Here are the top fantasy basketball waiver wire adds for Week 9.

→ Watch the NBA on Peacock on Monday night, as the Pistons take on the Celtics at 7 p.m. ET before the Nuggets host the Rockets at 9 p.m. ET!

Fantasy Basketball Week 9 Schedule Primer: Gearing up for the pre-Christmas rush

The end of the Emirates NBA Cup means the back end of Week 9 will be loaded with games.

• Raphielle Johnson,

Priority Adds

1. P.J. Washington
2. Marcus Smart
3. Anthony Black
4. Jock Landale
5. Jordan Walsh
6. Bub Carrington
7. Jaylon Tyson
8. Marvin Bagley III
9. Davion Mitchell
10. Maxime Raynaud
11. Mitchell Robinson
12. Herbert Jones

P.J. Washington, Dallas Mavericks (45 percent rostered)

Washington is averaging 15.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.2 blocks and 1.6 triples per game this season, stuffing the stat sheet nightly. Dereck Lively II is out for the season, and Daniel Gafford doesn’t have a timeline to return. Anthony Davis has already missed time this season, and Washington is the most reliable option in Dallas’ frontcourt. His across-the-board production makes him an attractive option, and he’s rostered in more than 50% of leagues for what is likely the last week.

Anthony Black, Orlando Magic (29 percent rostered)

With Franz Wagner out for 2-4 weeks due to a high-ankle sprain, Black could be a fixture in Orlando’s starting five. The young guard was already coming on strong in recent weeks, but his move to the first unit has proven to be a boon for fantasy managers. The biggest wart to his game is efficiency, but managers willing to absorb his poor shooting percentages can reliably count on points, rebounds, assists and defensive contributions. Black averaged 11 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.5 swats across his last two games - both starts.

Davion Mitchell, Miami Heat (29 percent rostered)

“Off Night” is averaging career highs in assists (7.8), steals (1.3) and FG% (51.1). He’s not going to score, rebound or hit triples at a high rate, but he’s highly valuable as a facilitator. Across his last six games, Mitchell has dished 9.3 dimes per contest. He’s worth a look if you need help in a category that’s often scarce on the waiver wire.

Herbert Jones, New Orleans Pelicans (28 percent rostered)

Jones returned from an eight-game absence and immediately rejoined the Pelicans’ starting lineup on Monday with a 17/6/4/4/1 line. He was ejected in his next game out, but he posted four points, six boards and a swat across 14 minutes. Jones wasn’t great on Sunday, providing minimal production across 20 minutes. Zion Williamson and Jordan Poole came off the bench in that one, but the pair are surely getting close to rejoining the starters. Jones’ playing time could fluctuate with New Orleans’ ever-changing lineups, but he’s worth a look as a potential starter moving forward.

Jaylon Tyson, Cleveland Cavaliers (28 percent rostered)

Tyson has been the perfect backup for Cleveland this season, filling in wherever he’s been needed due to consistent injuries across the roster. With Evan Mobley set to miss multiple weeks, Tyson should continue to see big minutes. Dean Wade replaced him in the starting lineup on Sunday, but Tyson still produced a 16/13/1/1 line with a pair of triples across 35 minutes off the bench. He’s ranked just outside the fifth round in fantasy value across the last month, yet he’s widely available. That should change very soon.

Jordan Walsh, Boston Celtics (23 percent rostered)

Walsh was inserted into Boston’s starting lineup on November 12, and he’s never looked back. Over the last month, Walsh has provided fifth-round value. He’s been elite in the steals and FG% categories, but he’s been serviceable in nearly every other category. Walsh’s production is certainly sustainable given his role and playing time, so fantasy managers should get him on their rosters.

Maxime Raynaud, Sacramento Kings (20 percent rostered)

With Domantas Sabonis still out and without a timeline for return, the rookie out of Stanford should continue to operate as Sacramento’s starting center. Raynaud has averaged 14.6 points and 7.8 boards across his last five, starting each of Sacramento’s last four. He turned in a disappointing 8/6 effort on Sunday, but Raynaud is still worth a look off the waiver wire with his increased opportunities.

Bub Carrington, Washington Wizards (18 percent rostered)

Carrington has been largely left out of the starting lineup this season, though he’s started each of the last three games for Washington, averaging 17.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 1.0 steals and 3.3 across 38 minutes. The Wizards have a logjam at guard, but at some point in the near future, they’ll have to move on from giving CJ McCollum big minutes and focus on the development of guys like Carrington. The second-year man has shined when given additional playing time, and fantasy managers should take a chance on him while he is still so widely available.

Marvin Bagley III, Washington Wizards (16 percent rostered)

This one feels a little gross to write, but when a guy’s producing, he’s got to be added. Alex Sarr (adductor) is still sidelined, and Bagley III has been locked into Washington’s starting lineup. In six straight starts, Bagley III has averaged 14 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.2 swats, including a monster 23/14/1/1/1 line in Sunday’s win over the Pacers. It’s unclear when Sarr will return, so Bagley III can be streamed until further notice.

Jock Landale, Memphis Grizzlies (11 percent rostered)

A left ankle injury will keep Zach Edey sidelined for the next four weeks, which means plenty of run for Landale. Over his last two, Landale has averaged 11.5 points, 8.5 boards, 1.5 dimes, 1.0 steals and 0.5 swats across 24 minutes. Expect him to be a regular part of Memphis’ rotation until Edey returns.

Marcus Smart, Los Angeles Lakers (10 percent rostered)

Smart returned from a six-game absence in Wednesday’s loss to the Spurs, finishing with 26 points, three rebounds, an assist, a block and eight triples across 28 minutes. He’s not going to catch fire from beyond the arc with regularity, but he should be a featured contributor for the Lakers moving forward. Austin Reaves (calf) will be out for at least a week, so Smart will be pencilled into the starting five. LeBron James and Luka Doncic have had trouble staying on the court this season, so opportunities could be available for Smart even after Reaves returns.

Mitchell Robinson, New York Knicks (7 percent rostered)

Robinson is still playing second banana to Karl-Anthony Towns in the Knicks’ center rotation, but he’s done enough in his limited playing time to be useful to fantasy managers as a rebounder and shot-blocker with low turnovers and high FG%. Robinson has posted 3.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.7 steals and 1.2 blocks while shooting 66.7% across his last six outings.

Other options:Santi Aldama (44%), Jaime Jaquez Jr. (38%), Cason Wallace (26%), Tari Eason (25%), Kyle Filipowski (20%), Cam Spencer (18%), Jamal Shead (5%), Brandon Williams (5%)