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13 for 13, Part 2: Assessing key Celtics role players through 13 games

13 for 13, Part 2: Assessing key Celtics role players through 13 games originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Editor’s Note: In a three-part series, Chris Forsberg is sharing 13 thoughts on the 13 Celtics players who have played in the team’s first 13 games. Part 1 focused on the “core four.” Next up: four of the team’s top role players.

One of the more encouraging developments through the early part of the 2025-26 season has been the contributions of role players for these new-look Boston Celtics. 

After the team’s offseason roster overhaul, it was fair to wonder who was ready to step into elevated roles. The Celtics confidently rolled 10 deep in recent seasons, but beyond the returnees who contributed to the 2024 championship run, it was fair to wonder who amongst a motley crew of recent draftees and offseason signings would be able to fill the clear voids of the veterans who departed. 

While some of Boston’s younger players are still on a quest for individual consistency, the bench has given the Celtics steady output to start the season. The Celtics rank 11th in the NBA in bench scoring (38.1 points per game) but are getting a league-best 6.8 bench 3-pointers per game, while the reserve group has often provided energy and grit. 

For Part 2 of our “13 for 13” series, we’re putting the spotlight on some of the team’s top role players.

Jordan Walsh

One number: +23.6

That is Walsh’s net rating this season. For context, here are the NBA’s net rating leaders (minimum of 15.0 minutes per game and nine games played):

  1. Alex Caruso, Thunder: +29.1
  2. Jordan Walsh, Celtics: +23.6
  3. Chet Holmgren, Thunder: +22.6
  4. Nikola Jokic, Nuggets: +21.0

Essentially, Walsh is lingering among key members of a championship team that’s now on pace to challenge the 2016 Warriors’ 73-win season, as well as a three-time MVP. That’s solid company.

One thought

Entering November, Walsh had logged three DNPs and played fewer than six total minutes in his three appearances. Now he’s starting games and setting a tone for Boston with his willingness to defend the best offensive player on the opposing team regardless of what position they play.

Life comes at you fast in the NBA. 

We don’t want to overreact to a five-game sample, but Walsh has clearly put together the best week of his NBA career and given hope that he can be a true contributor as these Celtics shape their next title-chasing team. He’s shooting the 3-pointer with confidence (43.8 percent beyond the arc on 1.8 attempts per game) and his ability to guard all shapes and sizes — from Tyrese Maxey to Paolo Banchero — has won him the confidence of Mazzulla.

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Walsh needs to keep his foot on the accelerator, but it sure feels like he’s the sort of wing who can take a whole bunch of stress off Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, at least on the defensive end. His rebounding has been vital since his minutes spiked.

Josh Minott

One number: 5.0

That’s Minott’s foul percentage this season, which ranks in the highest fifth of the league, per Cleaning the Glass data. His propensity to pick up early fouls has hindered his ability to lock down the starting role that he elevated to early in the season.

One thought

The Lawn Mower’s ability to impact the game with his energy is undeniable. When the Celtics were getting battered on the glass to start the season, he injected some much-needed height and athleticism into Boston’s starting frontcourt. His offense emerged, too, as he started knocking down above-the-break 3s and finishing loud alley-oops in transition.

But the 22-year-old Minott is still searching for consistency — and the coaching staff seems to be imploring him to play without fouling. Minott has all the physical abilities to be a consistent presence for this team, and being laser-focused will ensure he stays on the floor.

Hugo Gonzalez

One number: 8

That’s the number of All-Stars the Celtics have had Gonzalez defend in his first 171 minutes of floor NBA time. From long stretches against Cade Cunningham, Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Maxey; to shorter stints jousting with Lauri Markkanen, Kevin Durant, Paolo Banchero, Donovan Mitchell and Alperen Sengun; the Celtics have put Gonzalez to the test early and often.

He’s held up well, limiting his opponents to 44.7 percent shooting, or 1.2 percent below expected output. Gonzalez generates steals on 3.6 percent of defensive possessions, which ranks in the 100th percentile among wings, per Cleaning the Glass data. 

One thought

Gonzalez does not look like a teenager on the floor. He confidently hounds opposing players and even displays a little bit of a swagger, particularly in his exasperation when he gets a rookie whistle.

We’ve maintained that there’s an All-Defense player inside that body, and Mazzulla’s willingness to even play the rookie shows the team’s early confidence in his potential.

Yes, Gonzalez gets an earful every time he makes a mistake. Yes, his offense has a long way to go to keep him on the court. But he plays with a poise that few NBA teenagers possess. Having him on a bargain rookie pact for the next four seasons could be vital in giving the team flexibility to build its next title contender.

Luka Garza

One number: 5.5

That’s the number of screen assists per 36 minutes that Garza is generating this season. He’s in the top 20 for total screen assists despite his limited time. Operating at times like an offensive lineman, he’s relentless in trying to pancake opposing defenders to free up a Boston ball-handler.

Thanks to Garza and Neemias Queta, the Celtics rank second in the NBA in both screen assists per game (9.6) and screen assist points generated (23.1 points per game). Only the Jazz have higher numbers this season.

One thought

Everyone knew the defensive limitations with Garza coming into the season, and that has bore itself out — the Celtics’ defense is 7.8 points worse with Garza on the floor this season. But for a team thin on big bodies, Garza is willing to fight hard for rebounds, runs the floor with reckless abandon and is content to set screens as if it’s the top line on basketball resume.

Garza has been solid in short doses, and he certainly has aided the bench offense with a variety of paint finishes and an ability to knock down 3-pointers. The Celtics are 5-0 when they’ve won — or basically tied, as was the case vs. Cleveland — Garza’s minutes.

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Bomb squads on stacked benches are making it even more crucial to control rugby’s aerial battle | Ugo Monye

Steve Borthwick deserves credit for taking what was a real weakness of England’s and making it one of their strengths

Rugby union is a sport of trends and of unintended consequences and what I expect to be the two most decisive factors in England’s clash with the All Blacks on Saturday are inextricably linked. Much has been made of England’s firepower on their bench – New Zealand’s isn’t bad either – and when coaches are able to call upon such quality replacements, often en masse, then the kicking battle becomes all the more important.

Because the international game is not currently as fluid as it has been. That isn’t necessarily a criticism, it’s just the way things are at present; a little bit like the Premier League where set pieces and long throws are dominating. Of course we would all love to see flowing, attacking rugby but it’s really difficult because all elite sides favour having 13 or 14 men in the line, they all seem to adopt a blitz defence and the sheer level of physicality means it can be hard to have possession. It means that having a good set piece and a good kicking game are paramount and the emerging trend for “bomb squads” accentuates that because less fatigue is taking hold across 80 minutes. That isn’t to say there aren’t some magical moments when teams are on transition – Henry Arundell’s try against Fiji is a great example – but it is clear to me that things are a little old school at the moment.

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It had to be Shane Warne: the Ashes Elvis had an aura that eclipsed all others | Barney Ronay

He coaxed greatness from teammates, bent occasions to his will and mastered the most complex of arts, but best of all he connected like few others in sport

Raise the Playboy pants like a pirate flag. Twirl the big brimmer in celebration. It was always going to be Shane, really, wasn’t it.

We did of course have a countdown first, because people love countdowns, because cricket is basically one unceasing countdown, an endless pencil stub ticking off names and numbers. There were 99 members of the supporting cast to be ushered to their spots, the non-Shanes of history, meat in the Ashes room.

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Buster Posey reveals what he anticipates Bruce Bochy's role will be with Giants

Buster Posey reveals what he anticipates Bruce Bochy's role will be with Giants originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

LAS VEGAS — On Monday, the Giants announced that Bruce Bochy has returned to the organization as a special advisor to the baseball operations department. That means that technically, Buster Posey is now his former manager’s boss.

Of course, the president of baseball operations doesn’t view it that way. When he thinks of their relationship these days, the main thing that stands out is something else. 

“When I was a player I never looked at Boch as a friend, because we kind of had that clean line of, ‘I’m the player, you’re the manager, you’re making the decisions and I’m going to go run through a wall for you,'” Posey said on Thursday’s “Giants Talk.” “I think post-playing, I consider Boch a friend. He’s somebody that I could pick up the phone and ask (about) any baseball-related issues.”

At the start of his second year in charge, Posey already has made that call a couple of times. Bochy was consulted as the Giants went through the process of hiring new manager Tony Vitello, and as that was being settled, Posey had another question. When Bochy parted ways with the Texas Rangers after three seasons — and a championship — he was never in consideration to take over for Bob Melvin. But Posey made it clear from the start of the offseason that he wanted Bochy back with the organization. 

At the General Managers Meetings in Las Vegas this week, Posey said he didn’t have to sell Bochy on a new job with the Giants. He knew his former manager was already excited about the possibility of returning. 

“I said, ‘I’m not speaking for you — you’re a Giant,'” Posey recalled. “He had some other options so I wanted to give him space to think about those and work through those.”

This is Bochy’s second stint as a special advisor. He had a similar role after retiring in 2019 and helped in various ways until taking the Rangers job. Posey said he’s looking forward to having Bochy around and “talking shop.”

“He’s mentioned if we want him to go see a certain player, he would do that,” Posey said. “We certainly want him in spring training and I think spending time around Tony. They’ve already spent a little time together. It would be really good. I’m fired up that we have Boch. He’s a fun guy to be around.”

As an executive, Posey has surrounded himself with people from his playing days that he trusts, hiring former Giants GM Bobby Evans and his agent, Jeff Berry, as advisors. Bochy will join Dusty Baker as advisors, which should be valuable to Vitello as he goes through his first season in professional baseball. Ron Wotus will remain in his role as an advisor to Posey and helper for the big league staff. 

Posey is also now leaning on former teammate Javier Lopez, who was in Las Vegas to sit in on meetings and help out. The Giants haven’t officially announced a title for Lopez — who will remain on the broadcast team — but that could be coming soon.

Travis Ishikawa, Dan Runzler, Ryan Vogelsong and Joe Panik are among the former Posey teammates who were helping in the minors even before he returned, and Posey has said he’s hopeful that more members of the championship teams get involved in some way. Brandon Crawford is an obvious choice, although he planned to take a full year off after retiring following the 2024 MLB season. There has even been some talk of getting Madison Bumgarner involved in some way, but for the moment, Lopez appears to be the only newcomer. 

“I’ve talked to some of them,” Posey said of his former teammates. “It seems like they’re pretty content with what they have going on right now and I get it. When you have kids at home there’s certain things you don’t want to miss. It’s a big commitment. For me, our decision to move back to the Bay Area, I think, made this possible for me to do this. 

“I don’t know if it would have been something I would do if we had not moved back to the Bay Area, so I certainly understand where they’re coming from.”

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After Sabres' Latest Loss, It's Time For Major Change In Buffalo

Cale Makar (left);  Alex Tuch (right) -- (Ron Chenoy, USA TODAY Images)

The Buffalo Sabres lost their most recent game – a 6-3 loss to the Colorado Avalanche Thursday.’Once again, the Sabres got stomped, and Thursday’s loss to the Avs came one day after their loss to the Utah Mammoth.

That 5-2 loss to Utah was particularly stinging for Buffalo’s fan base, as Utah got a goal and an assist coming from former Sabre J.J. Peterka. The goal was Peterka’s fifth of the season and the 12th point of the year, and you’d better believe it felt good to stick it to his former team.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, the Sabres got hammered in Colorado. And that latest loss has Buffalo once again at the bottom of the standings. The loss to the Avs was Buffalo’s fifth in a row – with their last four losses all coming in regulation time – and the Sabres have now lost eight of their past nine games.

Needless to say, this is just beyond the pale for this Buffalo team. You are what your record says you are, and unfortunately for Buffalo fans, this is a 5-8-4 Sabres team. 

There’s no sugar-coating it – the Sabres are demonstrably terrible. There is no quality depth on this Buffalo team. There is no quality defense on this team. And there are no goalies on this team who can consistently steal games for Buffalo.

Sabres Heading Into Brutal Stretch That Could Bury Their Playoff HopesSabres Heading Into Brutal Stretch That Could Bury Their Playoff HopesA brutal four-game stretch looms for the Sabres this week. Facing above-average NHL teams including the Avalanche and Oilers, Buffalo's playoff hopes hang in the balance.

So, who pays the price for the Sabres’ latest swoon? You’d have to think both GM Kevyn Adams and coach Lindy Ruff pay the price by losing their jobs. That’s just a given at this stage. But when it comes to the roster, we’d say only forward Tage Thompson and defenseman Rasmus Dahlin aren’t going to be traded. Otherwise, just about every Sabres players could be moved.

This latest losing skid is exactly what Buffalo was hoping to avoid. The fact Sabres players couldn’t do so is an indictment of the organization, the coaching staff, and the players themselves. And now that it looks like there will be no playoff hockey in Buffalo for the 15th straight season, somebody needs to be accountable for it.

That means the end of the line for Adams and Ruff, two longtime Buffalo residents who, for one reason or another, could never get the job done. They had good intentions, of course. But this isn’t the National Good Intentions League. This is the National Hockey League, and the Sabres just aren’t very good at hockey.

Sabres Must Get Out Of Losing Spiral, Or Deal With The ConsequencesSabres Must Get Out Of Losing Spiral, Or Deal With The ConsequencesThe Sabres' losing streak is threatening their playoff hopes. Can Buffalo finally break the cycle before time runs out on their post-season dreams?

The status quo is a non-starter for this Buffalo team. Change has to come for the Sabres, and change has to come now. This Sabres squad simply doesn’t have what it takes to consistently win games, and until such time as a page is turned on this terrible era for the franchise, the losing and suffering is going to continue.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

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Stand aside Australia, New Zealand are now England’s No 1 sporting rival | Emma John

Harmonious Kiwi teamwork across various sports should fill us with frustrated envy – if only to annoy some Aussies

Do we talk about England and Australia’s sporting rivalry too much? In the past couple of weeks, we haven’t had much choice. The rugby league Kangaroos have been hopping about between London, Liverpool and Leeds, while the Wallabies grazed on the Twickenham turf. In F1, Bristol-born Lando Norris has been getting booed on track during his relentless comeback against his Melburnian McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri. And that personal battle has reached its climax just in time for the much-hyped men’s Ashes – with England kicking off their tour in Perth to already hysterical headlines.

This weekend brings a pause in hostilities. One Ashes series has ended, another is yet to begin. A gap in the calendar before back-to-back grands prix leaves Lando quietly teetering at the top of the drivers’ table. And into that small air pocket – if the Pom-bashing and Aussie-baiting has left a breath of oxygen – come the Kiwis. On Saturday afternoon, just after three o’clock, New Zealand’s rugby union team will run out against England in west London. And by the time we know the result, the Silver Ferns will be taking to the netball court on the other side of the city, in the first of a three-match series against the Roses.

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LA Kings Continue Their Road Dominance In Toronto

© Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Kings picked up where they began in this six-game road trip, continuing their impressive run away from home, rallying from a 2-0 hole to defeat the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-3 in Overtime on Thursday afternoon. 

In what might go down as one of their grittiest wins of the season so far, the Kings once again are showing why they're slowly becoming one of the toughest road teams to beat in 2025. 

LA Kings (@LAKings) on XLA Kings (@LAKings) on X📰 LA Team Beats Toronto Team in Extra Time in Toronto 📰

Maple Leafs Jump Ahead

The Kings went down early, trailing 2-0, after a couple of costly turnovers and other bad moments that wound up in their net. The Kings would eventually settle in and tie the score 2-2 in the second period after a pair of goals from Warren Foegele and Kevin Fiala. 

Kings Respond

But the Maple Leafs weren’t done. John Tavares would strike again, scoring his second goal of the game, giving Toronto back the lead 3-2 heading into the third. Even with the Maple Leafs leading, the Kings kept battling and weren’t phased at all by playing in Toronto. 

Statement Road Win

The fight would pay off in the third period with Alex Laffarie deflecting a point shot from Brandt Clarke into the net of the final period, tying the game 3-3 and forcing overtime. In the extra period, Drew Doughty fed a perfect pass to Quinton Byfield, who buried the goal to seal the 4-3 victory 35 seconds in overtime for Los Angeles. 

LA Kings (@LAKings) on XLA Kings (@LAKings) on XLAFFY CALLS TIE

The win was special because the Kings never bowed to the Maple Leafs in a challenging environment. It was also great to see Los Angeles record their road point streak for the ninth straight game, being the fifth time in the last 20 seasons that the Kings have achieved this feat. 

12 games (11-0-1) in 2023-24

10 games (8-0-2) in 2021-22

10 games (8-0-2) in 2013-14

9 games (6-0-3) in 2010-11

The victory improves the Kings to (9-5-4) and gives them an impressive road record at (8-1-2). Coach Jim Hiller said after the game that he’s "really proud" of how the team played tonight.

"I think we've found a little bit of our rhythm and now we're in a good place.”

The message is clear for the Kings: they’ve found their confidence, and it keeps growing more by the day, especially away from home, where they continue to score points at an elite rate. 

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Ohtani wins fourth Major League MVP award

Shohei Ohtani
Shohei Ohtani hit 55 home runs for the Dodgers this year [Reuters]

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani has been named one of baseball's Most Valuable Players for the third year in a row, and the fourth time overall.

The 31-year-old played a key role in the Dodgers winning the World Series for a second straight year as they overcame the Toronto Blue Jays earlier this month.

Ohtani is a rare "two-way" player, operating both as a pitcher and a hitter at the elite level, and was named the best player in the National League.

He is second on the all-time list, after Barry Bonds who won seven between 1990 and 2004. He has won all four of his MVPs in unanimous fashion with all 30 first-place votes.

"If I'm playing well as an individual that means I'm helping the team win, so in that sense, hopefully I can end up with a couple more MVPs," Ohtani said through an interpreter. "But it's all about winning games."

Ohtani is the first player to win the honour in both of Major League Baseball's two leagues after becoming the American League (AL) MVP in 2021 and 2023 while playing for the Los Angeles Angels.

In the AL, outfielder Aaron Judge became the New York Yankees' fourth three-time winner.

Judge, who won the AL award in 2022 and 2024, joined Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra and Mickey Mantle as three-time MVPs with the Yankees.

"It's tough for me to wrap my head around," Judge said. "It's mind blowing from my side of things, because I play this game to win, I play this game for my team-mates, my family, all the fans in New York.

"You've got to pinch yourself every single day. It's truly an incredible honour."

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Phillies notes: Outfield, Harper in the spotlight during GM Meetings in Vegas

Phillies notes: Outfield, Harper in the spotlight during GM Meetings in Vegas originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

At this point, it would be more surprising not to hear about the Phillies’ outfield, Bryce Harper or Kyle Schwarber’s market. Those three topics have dominated headlines, and they were front and center again at the MLB GM Meetings in Las Vegas.

Bader’s IG message – not a goodbye

Harrison Bader set off a mini-storm with his season-ending Instagram post:

“PHILLY BABY … Two and a half months was not nearly enough … To the ones who made it happen — THANK YOU. To every screaming fan — I LOVE YOU and THANK YOU. To a clubhouse I’m humbled to have been a part of — especially, THANK YOU.”

To some, it read like a farewell. But 94WIP’s Devan Kaney reported that a source said the message “does not mean he’s not returning in the slightest.” It was gratitude, not a signal.

The Phillies remain interested in bringing him back. Dave Dombrowski told The Athletic that Bader’s camp “knows we have interest” and understands the club would like him to return, while also acknowledging Bader plans to explore the market after one of the best seasons of his career.

Phillies likely to move on, but ‘open-minded’ on Castellanos

Nick Castellanos’ outlook for 2026 remains unsettled.

Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Dombrowski has already met multiple times with Castellanos since the season ended, and in those discussions noted that “a change of scenery” can sometimes benefit a player coming off a difficult year.

Nothing is imminent, but the Inquirer also noted the Phillies could evaluate potential trade frameworks — including the idea of a bad-contract swap. Castellanos, 33, is owed $20 million and enters the final season of his five-year, $100 million deal.

Justin Crawford will factor into the outfield picture

One of the clearest takeaways from the GM Meetings came from Matt Gelb of The Athletic, who reported that Justin Crawford is firmly in the mix for the Opening Day roster.

“In my mind, Crawford has a real strong chance to be with our club,” Dombrowski told Gelb. “We think he can play center field.”

Crawford’s speed gives him the range the position demands, and the Phillies sound confident in the 21-year-old. If he earns a starting role, Brandon Marsh — potentially part of a platoon — may be the only other outfield certainty.

Harper, Dombrowski had a ‘nice conversation’

Harper’s name also surfaced after his reaction to Dombrowski’s end-of-season remarks circulated last month. MLB.com‘s Todd Zolecki noted that the two spoke before the GM Meetings and reportedly cleared the air.

Dombrowski also highlighted where he views Harper defensively. The two-time MVP has said he would return to the outfield if the Phillies added a significant bat at first base, but the president of baseball operations reiterated that the club still views him as its everyday first baseman.

“We really appreciate that aspect of it, but we really look at him as a first baseman at this time,” Dombrowski told Zolecki. “He’s a good first baseman and he continues to get better. We really like our club with him there, so I think he is more of our first baseman.”

Schwarber drawing early interest, including from Boston

Kyle Schwarber’s free-agent market is already in motion.

MLB Network’s JonMorosi projected him as one of the earliest major free agents to sign, noting that the designated hitter’s market is “more defined” than others. 

FanSided’s Robert Murray added that the Red Sox have interest, a logical fit given Schwarber’s impactful two-month stint in Boston in 2021 and their need for left-handed power.

The Phillies want him back, but the competition is very real.

Boras weighs in on Ranger Suárez’s market

Ranger Suárez hasn’t been a major topic early in free agency, but his agent Scott Boras made sure his name surfaced in Las Vegas.

Speaking with USA Today, Boras highlighted Suárez’s reputation in October:

“There’s no doubt that anyone that looks at the playoffs, the last three, four years,” he said. “If you’re interested in acquiring a postseason pitcher that has proven himself, I would suggest you don’t want to miss the Suarez postseason soiree.”

“Proven” might undersell it. Suárez owns a dominant 1.48 ERA across 42 2/3 postseason innings — one of the best playoff track records of any active starter.

A new name enters the trade landscape

A fresh wrinkle emerged when Dan Hayes of The Athletic shared that Byron Buxton may reconsider his no-trade clause if the Twins continue dismantling their roster.

There’s no direct Phillies link in the reporting, but in an offseason where right-handed outfield help is a priority, Buxton’s name adds another potential path.

The 32-year-old is coming off a career season: 35 homers, 83 RBIs, a .264/.327/.551 slash line, a perfect 24-for-24 on stolen bases and a Silver Slugger Award.

He’s owed just over $15 million annually for the next three seasons — a team-friendly structure that would fit many clubs, including the Phillies.

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Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: Week 5 Streaming Targets

Heading into Week 5, the landscape of fantasy basketball is rapidly changing, demanding that managers stay updated on the latest trends.

With a flurry of NBA injury news shaking up NBA depth charts across the league, a number of potential pickups are emerging as permanent assets capable of drastically improving your fantasy basketball rankings. Identifying players who are benefiting from expanded roles—whether it's an offensive threat delivering points and threes or a defensive-minded player boosting your steals and blocks—is vital as you navigate the season.

Let's dive into nine key NBA sleepers whose current stats suggest they are poised for significant value and are currently rostered in fewer than 40% of Yahoo leagues.

Yahoo High Score Leagues

Brandon Williams (18% rostered)

At this point, we are considering Williams a must-roster player across all formats. Having supplanted D'Angelo Russell as the starting point guard in Dallas, Williams has flashed upside on both ends of the floor. He has played 33 minutes in consecutive games, both of which were narrow losses. However, it is clear that the team looks to function a lot better with Williams steering the ship, a fact that shouldn't be lost on fantasy managers. Having scored 49, 34 and 40 fantasy points in each of the past three games, his value is not confined to one category, making him a player with a relatively safe floor. Dallas has four games on the slate for this week, including a favorable back-to-back against the Pelicans and the Grizzlies. Make sure he isn't still available in your league.

De'Andre Hunter, Cleveland Cavaliers (34% rostered)

Known primarily as a scorer, Hunter has been able to add some wrinkles to his overall game thus far this season. With Darius Garland continuing to deal with a toe injury, Hunter has been saddled with more responsibility, resulting in strong numbers. He has scored at least 35 fantasy points in five of his past seven games and is coming off a game in which he tallied a season-high six assists, highlighting his improved peripheral production. Outside of a couple of poor performances, Hunter has been relatively consistent, something that is not typically the case. Garland is without a specific timetable, making Hunter a sneaky addition across all formats, including high score leagues.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Atlanta Hawks (32% rostered)

Despite having locked down the starting point guard position in Atlanta, at least until Trae Young returns from his knee injury, Alexander-Walker remains drastically under-rostered. He has assumed the starting point guard role and, to this point, has left no stone unturned. Since returning from a brief injury-related absence, Alexander-Walker has put up 34 and 40 fantasy points in each of his past two games. He is by no means flashy, but should continue to play a sizeable role for the foreseeable future, making him a must-add player.

Standard 9-Category Leagues

Reed Sheppard, Houston Rockets (33% rostered)

Seen as a potential breakout candidate heading into the season, Sheppard took his time to get going. He scored double digits only twice in the first six games, with his playing time limited off the bench. However, the past three games have reinvigorated his potential fantasy value. During that span, he has averaged 17.7 points, 3.7 assists, 2.3 steals and 4.3 three-pointers, despite continuing to come off the bench. Perhaps the biggest takeaway has been the fact that his playing time has increased to 26.8 minutes per game. While his hot shooting is likely to regress at some point, he certainly should be rostered in a lot more leagues right now.

Derik Queen, New Orleans Pelicans (18% rostered)

The Pelicans are going nowhere fast, with Queen being one of the only positives thus far. After a modest start to his rookie season, injuries to other players have afforded Queen an opportunity to play meaningful minutes. He has scored double digits in five straight games, averaging 14.4 points to go with 6.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.8 steals. The imminent return of Zion Williamson from yet another hamstring injury is going to complicate matters somewhat. However, with very little to play for other than looking to develop its young players, New Orleans could do a lot worse than continuing to have Queen play a sizeable role.

Andre Drummond, Philadelphia 76ers (15% rostered)

Coming into the season, Drummond was viewed by many as the third-strong center behind Joel Embiid and Adem Bona. With Embiid continuing to deal with knee issues, it has been Drummond who has stood tall, turning back the clock with some regularity. Over the past four games, he has averaged 12.0 points, 11.5 rebounds and 1.7 combined steals and blocks. Bona has offered very little thus far, especially on the offensive end. With Embiid's future, both long-term and short-term, continuing to raise questions, Drummond could very well maintain some sort of fantasy value, at least for the foreseeable future.

Standard Points Leagues

Max Christie, Dallas Mavericks (16% rostered)

Christie is not going to blow anyone away with his numbers, but he has quietly put together a strong start to the season. He has now scored double digits in 10 straight games, having started in the past nine. He has totaled at least 30 fantasy points in three consecutive appearances, putting him inside the top 100 during that time. His role appears relatively secure, thanks in part to the poor play of Klay Thompson. While he isn't the most exciting target, Christie seems like a relatively risk-free target, at least for now.

Royce O'Neale, Phoenix Suns (28% rostered)

Another relatively ho-hum target, O'Neale has also put together a quietly strong start to the season. He has started in eight of the past nine games, and with Jalen Green now sidelined for at least six weeks, that role seems likely to continue. Unlike Christie, O'Neale's value is built around his ability to contribute across the board. He is averaging 27.5 fantasy points per game across the first 12 games, and he should be able to sit in that range until we see Green back on the floor. If you are looking for a no-nonsense, plug-and-play option, O'Neale could be the player for you.

Noah Clowney, Brooklyn Nets (9% rostered)

Of the three points league targets, Clowney comes with arguably the most risk despite seemingly having a clear path to minutes. Brooklyn is not afraid to shuffle its rotation, which makes it difficult to project individual playing time. However, what is clear is that Clowney is a priority for the Nets, a player who could be a key piece moving forward. He has started in five straight games, averaging 14.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.4 three-pointers and 1.8 combined steals and blocks. While there will almost certainly be a few bumps in the road, perhaps Clowney is finally ready to take the next step that has seemingly been coming for the past couple of years.

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Jean-Gabriel Pageau's short-handed goal in OT lifts Islanders to 4-3 win over Golden Knights

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Jean-Gabriel Pageau scored a short-handed goal at 3:02 of overtime, and the New York Islanders beat the Vegas Golden Knights 4-3 on Thursday night for their third straight win.

Matthew Schaefer had a goal and an assist, and Mathew Barzal and Emil Heineman also scored for New York. Bo Horvat and Jonathan Drouin each had two assists and Ilya Sorokin stopped 26 shots as the Islanders improved to 5-1-1 in their last seven games.

Shea Theodore, Thomas Hertl and Reilly Smith scored for Vegas, which lost its fourth straight (0-2-2) and seventh in its last nine (2-4-3). Akira Schmid finished with 20 saves.

On a delayed penalty for too many men on the Islanders, Sorokin denied a driving attempt by Jack Eichel, and Hertl’s try on the rebound went off the crossbar.

After the penalty was called, Pageau got the puck after a draw in the Islanders’ zone, skated up the ice and fired a shot past Schmid from the right circle for the win.

Barzal tied it 3-3 with a one-timer from the left circle off a pass from Schaefer with 2:37 remaining.

The Golden Knights had taken the lead with three straight goals after falling behind 2-0 in the first period.

Theodore got the Golden Knights on the board with 1:04 left in the second. Theodore cut through several players, went in on Sorokin and sent the puck as he fell down. Sorokin appeared to deny the attempt but Theodore’s loose stick pushed the puck across the line.

Hertl tied it at 8:23 of the third as he scored on the rebound of Jack Eichel’s shot during a delayed penalty.

Smith put the Golden Knights ahead 2:22 later, scoring from the right side on a sharp angle near the goal line.

Heineman gave the Islanders a 1-0 lead with 5:57 left in the first as he scored from the top of the right circle.

Schaefer doubled the lead with a power-play goal on a long shot from the point through traffic with 2:01 to go in the opening period.

Up next

Islanders: At Utah on Friday night.

Golden Knights: At St. Louis on Saturday night.

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Nečas Sparks Colorado To 6–3 Win at Ball Arena, Avs Win Fifth Straight

DENVER — Martin Nečas recorded two goals and two assists to lead the Colorado Avalanche to a 6–3 victory at Ball Arena on Thursday night, securing their fifth consecutive win while sending the Buffalo Sabres to their fifth straight loss. 

Nathan MacKinnon picked up an assist to extend his point streak to 11 games (eight goals, 15 assists), while Gabriel Landeskog netted the 250th goal of his NHL career and Gavin Brindley contributed a goal and an assist for the Avalanche (12–1–5). Mackenzie Blackwood stopped 19 shots in the win. 

NHL (@NHL) on XNHL (@NHL) on X52 SECONDS IN ⏰ Martin Necas makes it look so easy!

For the Sabres, former Colorado defenseman Bowen Byram found the scoresheet, while Tage Thompson contributed a goal and an assist. Jordan Greenway added a tally of his own for Buffalo (5-8-4), a club mired in a five-game skid and losers in eight of their last nine. 

Goaltender Alex Lyon surrendered two goals on three shots before being pulled at 6:10 of the opening period in favor of Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who steadied the net with 26 saves in relief.

Nečas delivered a four-point performance in response to consecutive outings that head coach Jared Bednar characterized as below his usual standard. 

"I thought Marty had a really nice bounce back game," he stated. "He's had, not from a lack of effort, but probably not his most detailed last couple of games. He had a meeting this morning with (Dave Hakstol) and looked at some things; he was better tonight, and he found the back of the net a couple of times, so a big performance by him to get back on track."

First Period 

Just 52 seconds into the game, Cale Makar spotted Nečas streaking down the middle and sent him on a breakaway. Nečas buried a top-shelf wrister past Lyon to give Colorado an early 1–0 lead. 

A short time later, Buffalo’s Beck Malenstyn got into it with a couple of Avs, but the confrontation cooled quickly once Landeskog grabbed hold of his helmet and ripped it off. Officials stepped in, and no penalties were issued. 

At 6:10 of the period, the Avs extended the lead to 2–0 when Artturi Lehkonen punched in a rebound off a Sam Malinski shot. 

Following the second goal, the Sabres pulled Lyon in favor of Luukkonen. 

Buffalo answered not long after, capitalizing when Blackwood mishandled a cover attempt, allowing former Av Byram to score against his old team. 

Two minutes later, Colorado struck again to make it 3–1. Brindley fed Ross Colton at the blue line, and Colton redirected the puck to Brock Nelson, who quickly snapped a wrist shot over Luukkonen’s right shoulder to restore the two-goal cushion. 

Nearly four minutes after that, the Avs got caught napping. Buffalo’s Owen Power lofted the puck into Colorado’s defensive zone, and Jordan Greenway hustled to win the race, batting it out of the air past Blackwood to cut the deficit back to one. 

Late in the period, Landeskog scored off a rebound, but the goal was waved off after officials ruled that Jack Drury had committed goaltender interference on the play. 

Second Period 

Early in the second period, Josh Manson one-timed a shot from the point off a pass from Brent Burns, but Luukkonen slid to his right to make the save. 

Colorado went on the penalty kill at 6:30 after Landeskog was called for tripping Byram. Once the Avs killed it off, the Sabres took their turn in the box after Owen Power tripped Necas along the boards. The Avs immediately turned on the jets off the rush on the ensuing power play, with MacKinnon carrying the puck up ice and snapping a quick shot, only for Luukkonen to snag it with the glove. 

MacKinnon headed to the box moments later after falling and swinging his stick into Byram’s knees, drawing a slashing call. The Sabres capitalized on the power play when Thompson blasted a one-timer off a feed from Isak Rosen past an outstretched Blackwood. 

Gavin Brindley, the young phenom, came up big once again, giving the Avs a 4–3 lead with 3:22 left in the period. He took a pass from Manson and fired a wrister that beat Luukkonen blocker-side, sending the home crowd into pure jubilation. 

Third Period 

The Avalanche opened the final period on the power play after Tyson Kozak was assessed a high-sticking minor on Ross Colton. No blood was drawn, so the call remained a standard two-minute infraction. Colorado’s top unit generated several high-quality chances, but Luukkonen stood tall, turning away each attempt with poised, technical efficiency. 

Moments later, Sam Girard—making his first appearance in 15 games following an upper-body injury—nearly authored a storybook return. He fired a shot from the left circle toward a wide-open net, only for Luukkonen to sprawl across the crease and deflect it in a highlight-reel save that ultimately rang off the post. 

Meanwhile, Taylor Makar, younger brother of Cale, delivered a performance well beyond what might be expected less than 24 hours after being recalled from the Colorado Eagles. Though Luukkonen denied his scoring attempts, Makar was a persistent presence in the Sabres’ zone, applying sustained, intelligent pressure and consistently driving play in Colorado’s favor. 

Nečas scored his second of the night with 3:07 when he one-timed a shot in the slot from MacKinnon to give the Avalanche a 5-3 lead. Landeskog subsequently added an empty-net goal with less than two minutes to go in regulation to seal a 6-3 win for the Avalanche, although it appeared Nečas was going to go for the hat trick, he instead put his team first and served up a freebie for the captain to get him on the board.

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