NBA Thursday Night Preview - November 20, 2025

Looking for potential roster changes for a small slate of games? This may help.

🏀 Basketball • November 20, 2025

Welcome to your Thursday night NBA preview for Salary Cap Sports! Tonight's four-game slate presents some opportunities for buy/sell decisions in your season-long roster. Let's break down the matchups and identify which players are positioned for a successful game (fantasy-wise). NOTE: Price information (including current prices and change in prices) are reflective of Wednesday November 19

Thursday's Slate:

Sacramento Kings @ Memphis Grizzlies - The Shootout Special
Philadelphia 76ers @ Milwaukee Bucks - Battle of Injured Superstars
Atlanta Hawks @ San Antonio Spurs - Spurs Without Wemby
LA Clippers @ Orlando Magic - West Meets East

Game 1: Sacramento Kings @ Memphis Grizzlies

The Shootout Special - Fantasy Gold Mine

This is THE game to target tonight. The Kings travel to Memphis for what should be the highest-scoring, fastest-paced matchup of the slate. Both teams are dealing with significant injuries that have opened up massive usage opportunities, and neither prioritizes defense.

Why This Game Matters:

Fastest combined pace of any matchup tonight
Both teams missing key defenders (Morant for MEM, no elite rim protector for SAC)
Multiple underpriced players on both sides
High total expected score = more fantasy points for everyone

Sacramento's Loaded Arsenal

Russell Westbrook ($4.71M) - The ageless wonder continues to stuff the stat sheet at 32.4 SCS PPG. His recent surge (37.6 PPG over the last 20 days) shows he's trending up. With assists worth 2 points and his rebounding prowess, Westbrook delivers elite value at under $5M. His price increased $10K today - the market is catching on. Against Memphis' depleted backcourt, Westbrook should feast on assists and transition opportunities.

Domantas Sabonis ($9.33M) - Currently listed as OUT tonight, but worth monitoring. When healthy, Sabonis is a fantasy monster at 38.1 PPG. His double-double consistency and elite rebounding (1.5 points per board) make him a premium play. If he's cleared, he's a must-start despite the price.

Dennis Schroder ($3.64M) - Outstanding mid-tier value at 26.0 PPG. Schroder's playmaking (2 points per assist) and scoring efficiency make him one of the best value plays on the slate. Price up $3K today. Memphis' perimeter defense without Morant creates scoring lanes.

DeMar DeRozan ($6.50M) - The smooth mid-range assassin is averaging 28.3 PPG with minimal turnovers. His efficiency is perfect for our scoring system that penalizes missed shots. DeRozan's accuracy means fewer -0.5 penalties. Price up $3K.

Zach LaVine ($6.54M) - Contributing 27.0 PPG in his Kings tenure. The high-flying scorer should thrive in this pace-up environment. Price up $1K.

Malik Monk ($4.69M) - Streaky but capable of 20+ point outbursts at 18.5 PPG. In a shootout, Monk's ceiling rises significantly.

Kings Value Plays:

Drew Eubanks ($1.19M) - If Sabonis sits, Eubanks becomes an elite punt play at 11.6 PPG for minimum price. Against Memphis' thin frontcourt, he could deliver 15-20 points.
Keon Ellis ($2.57M) - Defensive stats boosting him to 12.6 PPG. His steals (2.5 points each) make him valuable even in smaller minutes.

Memphis' Young Guns Rising

Ja Morant (OUT) - The star guard will miss at least 2 weeks with a calf injury, creating a massive usage vacuum that multiple players are filling.

Cedric Coward ($1.71M) - MUST-PLAY VALUE. The rookie sensation is averaging 30.2 PPG for just $1.71M! Even adjusting for possible regression, Coward represents elite value. His 28.2 PPG over the last 20 days shows sustainability. Price jumped $20K but still way underpriced. Against Sacramento's defense, Coward could explode for 35+.

Santi Aldama ($3.32M) - The Spanish forward is having a breakout year at 26.1 PPG. His recent hot streak (29.6 last 10 days) continues. At $3.32M, Aldama is one of the slate's best value plays. Price increased $59K - largest single-day jump on our slate! The Kings' frontcourt defense gives Aldama space to operate. He's a strong play whether Sabonis plays or not.

Jaren Jackson Jr. ($8.49M) - Triple-J delivers 25.4 PPG with elite defensive stats. Blocks and steals at 2.5 points each make him a fantasy weapon beyond just scoring. JJJ's defensive prowess could feast on Kings' turnovers. He's the steady floor play from Memphis.

Jock Landale ($990K) - The Australian big man provides 20.2 PPG for under $1M! Another incredible value play. If you need to save salary, Landale is your guy. Against Sabonis (if he plays) or the Kings' backup bigs, Landale can produce. Price up $3K.

Cam Spencer ($500K) - Minimum price player posting 16.7 PPG! Perfect punt play to afford your studs. In a fast-paced game, Spencer's minutes could lead to ceiling games. This is the definition of finding value.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope ($2.40M) - Contributing 16.3 PPG with solid defense. The veteran provides a safe floor.

Kings Side - Buy Targets:

Westbrook ($4.71M) + Schroder ($3.64M) + DeRozan ($6.50M) = $14.85M for ~86 PPG

Grizzlies Side - Strong Buy Targets:

Coward ($1.71M) + Aldama ($3.32M) + Landale ($990K) = $6.00M for ~76 PPG

Combined Exposure: $20.85M for 162+ projected points across six players from the highest-scoring game.

Game 2: Philadelphia 76ers @ Milwaukee Bucks

Battle of Injured Superstars - Role Players Ascend

The 76ers travel to Milwaukee in a fascinating matchup of two depleted rosters. With Embiid and Giannis both sidelined, this game becomes a proving ground for secondary stars and value plays.

Why This Game Matters: Both teams are without their MVP-caliber centers, creating massive usage vacuums. The players who absorb those minutes and shots become premium plays at mid-tier prices.

Philadelphia's Offensive Burden Falls on Maxey

Tyrese Maxey ($9.55M) - The undisputed alpha with Embiid sidelined. Maxey is averaging an elite 49.4 SCS PPG and has been scorching hot with 48.0 PPG over his last 20 days. At maximum price, he's worth every penny. His volume shooting and playmaking ability make him a cornerstone play. Price increased $9K - market confidence is high.

Andre Drummond ($1.46M) - THE VALUE PLAY OF THE NIGHT. Drummond is posting 25.6 PPG for just $1.46M! With Embiid out, Drummond feasts on rebounds (1.5 points each) and has been even better lately (34.0 PPG last 10 days). This is the definition of market inefficiency - his price jumped $15K today but he's still criminally underpriced.

Quentin Grimes ($3.50M) - Solid secondary option at 26.9 PPG. Consistent across all time frames (27.0 last 10 days, 26.6 last 20). Good complementary piece to stars.

VJ Edgecombe ($3.28M) - Rookie with upside but only 6 games played. High ceiling (35.0 PPG average, 29.1 PPG last 30 days) but limited sample size creates risk.

Injury Report Critical:

Joel Embiid (OUT) - Confirmed out, boosting Drummond and Maxey
Paul George (OUT) - Continues to miss time, more shots for Maxey
Kelly Oubre Jr. (OUT) - Opens minutes for Grimes and Edwards

But consider the Bucks side too...

Milwaukee's Response to Life Without Giannis

The Bucks face the 76ers with their own superstar sidelined, creating a fascinating strategic puzzle.

Giannis Antetokounmpo (OUT) - The Greek Freak (53.8 PPG) will miss 1-2 weeks with a groin strain. This creates opportunity and risk across the roster.

Ryan Rollins ($2.31M) - The biggest beneficiary of Giannis' absence. Rollins has been sensational, averaging 31.0 PPG while staying hot (30.7 last 10 days). At just $2.31M, he's your second-best value play after Drummond. Price dropped $20K - BUY THE DIP! Against Philadelphia's defense, Rollins should have space to operate.

Myles Turner ($7.22M) - The defensive anchor provides consistent production at 27.5 PPG. Turner's blocks (2.5 points each) are fantasy gold in our scoring system. He's steady across all time frames and provides a safe floor. Matching up against Drummond creates an interesting pivot point.

Kyle Kuzma ($3.20M) - Sneaky value at 21.8 PPG, trending up (25.6 last 10 days). Kuzma should see increased usage with Giannis out.

Bobby Portis ($4.23M) - The energy big averages 17.0 PPG but has been better lately (18.3 last 10). Another player who benefits from Giannis' absence.

Fades:

Cole Anthony ($3.05M) - Down to 14.9 PPG last 10 days from 20.6 season average - trending wrong direction
Gary Trent Jr. ($2.42M) - Slumping at 10.8 PPG last 10 days

Roster Management Strategy - 76ers vs. Bucks:

The Two-Team Opportunity: This game offers clear buy signals:

Drummond vs. Turner - The big man battle creates rebounding opportunities for both
Maxey vs. Rollins - The guard showdown means high usage for both
Consider exposure to both sides: Maxey + Drummond + Rollins + Turner all positioned for price increases

Buy Recommendations:

Maxey + Drummond from PHI - Elite opportunities with Embiid out
Rollins from MIL - Underpriced given Giannis absence
Turner from MIL - Steady producer who should maintain value

Sell Considerations:

Cole Anthony - Trending down, sell before price drops further
Gary Trent Jr. - Slumping, might see continued price erosion

Pace Consideration: Both teams will slow down without their superstars' transition game. This might be a grind-it-out affair that favors efficiency over volume. Target players with high shooting percentages who won't lose points to missed shots.

Game 3: Atlanta Hawks @ San Antonio Spurs

Hawks' Prime Opportunity - Wemby Out 2-4 Weeks

The Hawks travel to San Antonio to face a Spurs team without their generational talent. With Victor Wembanyama sidelined for 2-4 weeks, this game transforms from a star showcase into a significant opportunity for Atlanta's emerging talent.

Why This Game Matters: Without Wembanyama, the Spurs lose their defensive anchor and primary offensive weapon (55.1 PPG). This creates a drastically more favorable matchup for Hawks players, particularly Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu who would have faced Wemby's elite rim protection.

Atlanta's Jalen Johnson Explosion Opportunity

Jalen Johnson ($8.85M) - Johnson is absolutely on fire, averaging 46.8 PPG on the season but an absurd 59.5 PPG over his last 10 days! The price increased $152K today - the biggest jump on our entire slate - but he might still be underpriced given recent form. Without Wembanyama protecting the rim, Johnson can attack the basket freely. His all-around game (rebounds, assists, steals) is perfect for our scoring system. This is a smash spot for GPPs.

Onyeka Okongwu ($5.54M) - With Wembanyama out, Okongwu becomes one of the slate's best plays. The rim-running big man provides 31.3 PPG with excellent recent form (35.0 last 10 days). Against San Antonio's depleted frontcourt (no Wemby, no Castle), Okongwu should dominate inside. Price dropped $114K - massive value correction opportunity!

Dyson Daniels ($8.01M) - The defensive specialist averages 30.6 PPG with elite steals/blocks production. At 2.5 points per steal and block, Daniels' defensive stats are fantasy gold. Price up $13K today.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker ($2.97M) - Currently OUT tonight, but if cleared, he's posting 26.0 PPG and surging (30.1 last 10 days). Monitor his status closely - if active, he's elite value against San Antonio's thin perimeter.

Injury Concerns:

Trae Young (OUT) - The star guard misses tonight, boosting usage for Johnson and Okongwu
Kristaps Porzingis (OUT) - The big man remains sidelined

Supporting Cast Value:

Mouhamed Gueye ($1.02M) - Contributing 15.2 PPG. Cheap frontcourt option against Wemby-less Spurs.
Luke Kennard ($2.10M) - Steady 14.3 PPG. Safe floor play for salary relief.
Vit Krejci ($1.79M) - Hot lately (23.4 last 10 days). Tournament dart throw at under $2M.
Keaton Wallace ($1.47M) - Contributing 13.2 PPG with increased minutes. Solid punt play.

San Antonio's Adjustment Without Their Star

Victor Wembanyama (OUT 2-4 weeks) - The generational talent (55.1 PPG, 64.3 last 10 days) will miss extended time with injury. This fundamentally changes the Spurs' offense and defense. The team loses its rim protector, primary scorer, and elite rebounder all at once.

Stephon Castle (OUT) - The rookie (36.1 PPG when healthy) also remains sidelined with hip flexor injury (1-2 weeks).

Keldon Johnson ($3.10M) - FEATURED PLAY WITHOUT WEMBY. With both stars out, Keldon becomes the primary option. Steady 23.2 PPG with consistent production across all time frames. In an expanded role with 35+ minutes, Johnson could push 30+ fantasy points.

Devin Vassell ($4.83M) - The secondary scorer averages 21.8 PPG. With Wemby and Castle out, Vassell sees increased usage. Solid mid-tier option but not spectacular value at this price.

Harrison Barnes ($2.95M) - The veteran provides 21.0 PPG and has been trending up (24.1 last 20 days). Barnes' experience makes him reliable in high-usage games.

De'Aaron Fox ($8.65M) - Fox is averaging 33.4 PPG in his 6 games with San Antonio. With Wemby out, Fox becomes the alpha scorer. Price dropped $10K. If he plays tonight, Fox could be the ultimate pivot off Jalen Johnson in tournaments - similar upside at lower ownership.

Julian Champagnie ($2.80M) - Contributing 17.4 PPG from the wing. Increased minutes without the stars make him a viable punt play.

Roster Management Strategy - Hawks @ Spurs:

The Hawks' Exploit: Without Wembanyama, Atlanta becomes significantly more attractive for season-long owners. The Spurs' defense craters without their rim protector - they go from elite to below-average defensively.

Strong Buy Recommendations:

Jalen Johnson ($8.85M) - Already surging (59.5 PPG last 10), now faces ideal matchup. Price will likely continue rising. If you don't own him, tonight might be your last chance before another spike.
Onyeka Okongwu ($5.54M) - Price DOWN $114K despite facing Wemby-less Spurs. This is a market inefficiency. BUY NOW before tonight's performance causes fellow players to start correcting the price upward.
Keldon Johnson ($3.10M) - Spurs' alpha with both stars out. Consistent producer who could see sustained price growth if he handles the increased role well.

Pace and Style:

Without Wembanyama, San Antonio speeds up significantly. They can't grind possessions through him in the post anymore. Atlanta wants to push pace regardless. This becomes a faster-paced game that favors the Hawks' athletes and depth.

Key Insight: Wembanyama's 2-4 week absence is a MASSIVE matchup upgrade for every Hawks player. Johnson's $152K price increase is justified - he might actually continue rising. Okongwu going DOWN $114K despite the ideal matchup is the market mistake of the night. BUY OKONGWU IMMEDIATELY.

Fades:

Spurs' bench players - Too much uncertainty in rotation without the stars
Devin Vassell ($4.83M) - Overpriced at nearly $5M for 21.8 PPG when better value exists

Game 4: LA Clippers @ Orlando Magic

West Coast Meets East Coast in Battle of Depth

Franz Wagner ($8.54M) - The German forward leads Orlando at 35.3 PPG with excellent recent production (39.9 last 10 days). Wagner's efficiency and all-around game make him a premium play.

Desmond Bane ($7.91M) - The newly acquired guard provides 27.3 PPG and has been hot lately (34.1 last 10 days). Bane's shooting efficiency fits perfectly with our penalty system for missed shots.

Wendell Carter Jr. ($3.23M) - STRONG VALUE PLAY. WCJ delivers 26.0 PPG for just $3.23M. His rebounding and efficient scoring make him one of the best per-dollar values. Recently even better at 30.5 last 10 days!

Anthony Black ($2.56M) - The sophomore guard provides 19.4 PPG with solid defense. Good tertiary piece.

Jalen Suggs ($5.25M) - Injury concerns but 26.3 PPG when healthy. Monitor his status.

Now let's examine the Clippers' side...

LA's Veteran Leadership Tested in Orlando

The Clippers visit Orlando without Kawhi Leonard, placing massive responsibility on James Harden.

James Harden ($9.50M) - The Beard continues to defy Father Time at 46.9 PPG. Harden's playmaking ability (2 points per assist) makes him elite even when his shot isn't falling. Price dropped $50K - possible market overreaction to one poor game. Against Orlando's perimeter defense, Harden should facilitate freely.

Ivica Zubac ($8.28M) - The Croatian center provides 34.5 PPG with excellent rebounding. Zubac's consistency (35.7 last 10 days, 36.3 last 20) makes him a safe premium play. Matching up against Wendell Carter Jr. and Goga Bitadze creates an interesting pivot point - which big man will dominate?

Kawhi Leonard (OUT) - The superstar (40.5 PPG) remains out with ankle/foot issues. Monitor for any surprise return.

Derrick Jones Jr. (OUT) - The athletic wing will miss at least 6 weeks.

Roster Management Strategy - Clippers @ Magic:

The Star Power Approach:

Harden + Wagner + Carter gives you playmaking, scoring, and rebounding
Total cost: ~$19M for three players averaging 111+ combined PPG
This trio provides stability in what should be a competitive game

The Big Man Battle:

Zubac vs. Carter Jr. - Both centers should produce on the glass
Consider which big man fits your roster better - both are solid holds

Buy Recommendations:

James Harden ($9.50M) - Price dropped $50K possibly due to one poor game. If you believe in his consistency, this is a buy opportunity.
Wendell Carter Jr. ($3.23M) - Excellent value, trending up (30.5 last 10 days)

Hold Recommendations:

Franz Wagner - Already properly priced, solid hold
Ivica Zubac - Consistent producer, stable price expected
Desmond Bane - Hot lately, but fairly priced

Pace and Defense:

Both teams play slower and prioritize defense more than the other matchups tonight. This game will likely have the lowest total score. Target efficiency over volume - players who don't force shots and commit turnovers.

Value Considerations:

Most Clippers outside Harden/Zubac provide mediocre value given their prices and production. Same for Magic beyond Wagner/Carter/Bane. This game is best for holding existing players rather than making aggressive buy/sell moves.

Season-Long Roster Strategy

Tonight's Top Buy Opportunities (Before Games):

Must-Buy Players:

Andre Drummond ($1.46M) - 25.6 PPG, trending up (34.0 last 10). Embiid out indefinitely. Price will rise.
Cedric Coward ($1.71M) - 30.2 PPG. Rookie breakout continuing. Price jumped $20K but still undervalued.
Onyeka Okongwu ($5.54M) - 31.3 PPG, price DOWN $114K despite Wemby being OUT. Market inefficiency - BUY NOW.
Ryan Rollins ($2.31M) - 31.0 PPG with Giannis out 1-2 weeks. Price dropped $20K - massive value.
Santi Aldama ($3.32M) - 26.1 PPG, trending up hard. Price jumped $59K but still has room to grow.

Strong Buy Considerations:

Jalen Johnson ($8.85M) - On fire (59.5 PPG last 10), faces Wemby-less Spurs. Price rising but ceiling is high.
Russell Westbrook ($4.71M) - In fastest game, trending up (37.6 last 20 days)
Wendell Carter Jr. ($3.23M) - Underpriced at 26.0 PPG (30.5 last 10)
Keldon Johnson ($3.10M) - Spurs' alpha without Wemby/Castle

Safe Premium Holds ($9M+):

Tyrese Maxey ($9.55M) - 49.4 PPG - Embiid out indefinitely means sustained usage. HOLD or BUY.
James Harden ($9.50M) - 46.9 PPG - Price dipped $50K. If you believe in consistency, BUY.

Risky Premium Plays:

Jalen Johnson ($8.85M) - Price surging ($152K jump). High ceiling but high price. Only buy if you believe he's a true star.
Jaren Jackson Jr. ($8.49M) - Steady 25.4 PPG. Safe hold, unlikely to dramatically change price.

Mid-Tier Value Plays ($3-5M):

Best Value (Buy Now):

Dennis Schroder ($3.64M) - 26.0 PPG, price up only $3K
Quentin Grimes ($3.50M) - 26.9 PPG with Embiid/George out
Keldon Johnson ($3.10M) - 23.2 PPG, will see more with Wemby/Castle out
Kyle Kuzma ($3.20M) - 21.8 PPG, trending up (25.6 last 10)

Hold or Avoid:

Devin Vassell ($4.83M) - Overpriced at 21.8 PPG
Bobby Portis ($4.23M) - Decent but not spectacular value

Budget Plays (Under $3M):

Elite Budget Options:

Anthony Black ($2.56M) - 19.4 PPG, solid role
Keon Ellis ($2.57M) - 12.6 PPG but defensive stats boost value
Nickeil Alexander-Walker ($2.97M) - 26.0 PPG if healthy (currently OUT)

Sample Season-Long Core Build:

Budget Value Core (~$8M):

Drummond ($1.46M) + Coward ($1.71M) + Rollins ($2.31M) + Aldama ($3.32M)
Combined: ~90 PPG for just $8.8M

Add Two Stars (~$18M):

Maxey ($9.55M) + Jalen Johnson ($8.85M) = 108+ PPG

Add Mid-Tier Studs (~$10M):

Okongwu ($5.54M) + Westbrook ($4.71M) = 77+ PPG

Total: ~$37M for 8 players averaging 275+ SCS Points

This build emphasizes value exploitation while maintaining star power. The budget picks (Drummond, Coward, Rollins) are all positioned for price increases, meaning your roster value grows even before considering performance.

Understanding the Scoring System

Remember our unique scoring that creates value opportunities:

Efficiency Matters: -0.5 per missed FG, -1.0 per missed FT
Defense Pays: +2.5 per block/steal
Playmaking Rewarded: +2.0 per assist
Rebounding Counts: +1.5 per board
Triple-Doubles Bonus: +10 bonus

Season-Long Implications:

Players with high assist totals (guards/forwards who facilitate) accumulate more value over time
Defensive specialists (Daniels, Turner, Okongwu) are undervalued by the market
Efficient scorers maintain better price stability than volume shooters
Rebounding bigs provide consistent, predictable value

Top Value Opportunities (Points Per $1M Spent):

These players offer the best return on investment tonight:

Cam Spencer (MEM) - $500K, 16.7 PPG = 33.4 pts/$1M
Jock Landale (MEM) - $990K, 20.2 PPG = 20.4 pts/$1M
Cedric Coward (MEM) - $1.71M, 30.2 PPG = 17.7 pts/$1M
Andre Drummond (PHI) - $1.46M, 25.6 PPG = 17.5 pts/$1M
Ryan Rollins (MIL) - $2.31M, 31.0 PPG = 13.4 pts/$1M
Wendell Carter Jr. (ORL) - $3.23M, 26.0 PPG = 8.0 pts/$1M
Santi Aldama (MEM) - $3.32M, 26.1 PPG = 7.9 pts/$1M
Quentin Grimes (PHI) - $3.50M, 26.9 PPG = 7.7 pts/$1M
Keldon Johnson (SAS) - $3.10M, 23.2 PPG = 7.5 pts/$1M
Kyle Kuzma (MIL) - $3.20M, 21.8 PPG = 6.8 pts/$1M

Notice: Memphis dominates the value charts! The Grizzlies' depth with Morant out creates multiple exploitable pricing inefficiencies. These are players whose prices haven't caught up to their production.

Game-By-Game Buy/Sell Priority:

Tier 1 (Highest Priority for Roster Moves):

Sacramento Kings @ Memphis Grizzlies - Most value opportunities! Fastest pace means biggest potential price movements tomorrow. Focus buy/sell activity here.
Atlanta Hawks @ San Antonio Spurs - With Wembanyama OUT 2-4 weeks, Hawks players get sustained value boost. Time to buy Hawks, sell Spurs (except Keldon).
Philadelphia 76ers @ Milwaukee Bucks - Clear roles without superstars. Drummond and Rollins are must-buys. Maxey is a hold/buy for season-long.

Tier 2 (Monitor But Less Active):

LA Clippers @ Orlando Magic - Slower pace, more predictable outcomes. Better for holding existing players than aggressive moves. Harden dip might be a buy opportunity.

Roster Action Priority:

SAC/MEM - Most active trading game. Multiple buy opportunities (Coward, Aldama, Westbrook, Schroder)
ATL/SAS - Clear Hawks buy signal with Wemby out for 2-4 weeks
PHI/MIL - Specific buy targets (Drummond, Rollins) while prices are low
LAC/ORL - Hold existing players, selective buying only

Final Thoughts - Season-Long Strategy

Tonight's four-game slate presents clear opportunities for roster improvement. The combination of injuries (Giannis, Embiid, Ja Morant, Wembanyama OUT 2-4 weeks) creates distinct value opportunities:

Kings @ Grizzlies: Fast-paced shootout - Buy players from this game before prices rise

76ers @ Bucks: Depleted rosters - Buy Drummond and Rollins at depressed prices

Hawks @ Spurs: Hawks' exploitation window - Buy Hawks, avoid Spurs

Clippers @ Magic: Defensive grind - Hold existing players, buy Harden dip if you believe

Tonight's Action Plan:

IMMEDIATE BUYS (Before Tonight's Games):

Onyeka Okongwu ($5.54M) - Price DOWN $114K despite ideal matchup vs. Wemby-less Spurs. This is the #1 market inefficiency.
Andre Drummond ($1.46M) - Absurd value with Embiid out indefinitely
Cedric Coward ($1.71M) - Breakout rookie still underpriced
Ryan Rollins ($2.31M) - Price dropped despite Giannis absence
Santi Aldama ($3.32M) - Hot streak continuing, room to grow

STRONG HOLDS:

Tyrese Maxey - Elite usage with Embiid out
Jaren Jackson Jr. - Consistent producer
Franz Wagner - Stable, quality player

AVOID/SELL:

Spurs bench players (except Keldon Johnson)
Cole Anthony - Trending down
Gary Trent Jr. - Slumping badly

The Wembanyama Factor:

Victor Wembanyama being OUT for 2-4 weeks creates a sustained value shift. This isn't just tonight - this is multiple weeks of:

Hawks players facing easier matchups (BUY and HOLD)
Keldon Johnson with increased usage (BUY)
Other Spurs struggling without their anchor (AVOID)

Market Inefficiencies to Exploit:

Biggest Mistakes in Current Pricing:

Okongwu DOWN $114K despite Wemby OUT - Market hasn't processed the matchup upgrade
Rollins DOWN $20K despite Giannis OUT 1-2 weeks - Market overreacting to one game
Harden DOWN $50K - Possible overreaction to poor performance
Drummond at $1.46M - Should be $2M+ given Embiid's absence

Long-Term Value Building:

The players you buy tonight at depressed prices will:

Perform well (based on matchup analysis)
See price increases tomorrow
Increase your roster value even before considering future games

This is how you build season-long success in Salary Cap Sports - identifying value before the market corrects.

Remember: Price movements in Salary Cap Sports reward those who anticipate, not react. Tonight's opportunities won't be available tomorrow. Buy now, benefit all season.

Good luck with your roster management tonight! May your player values rise and your season-long rankings climb!

*Follow along on Salary Cap Sports as prices update in real-time. Today's bargains won't last forever - the dynamic pricing model ensures that. Strike while the iron is hot!*

Key Injury Updates to Monitor:

Victor Wembanyama (SAS) - OUT 2-4 weeks - CONFIRMED - Massive boost to Hawks matchup
Nickeil Alexander-Walker (ATL) - Monitor status vs. SAS - Impacts Hawks' depth
Domantas Sabonis (SAC) - Listed OUT but monitor closely vs. MEM
Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL) - OUT 1-2 weeks vs. PHI - CONFIRMED
Joel Embiid (PHI) - OUT @ MIL - CONFIRMED
Ja Morant (MEM) - OUT 2+ weeks vs. SAC - CONFIRMED
Stephon Castle (SAS) - OUT 1-2 weeks - CONFIRMED

Matchup-Specific Notes:

SAC/MEM playing in fastest-paced game - adjust projections upward
PHI/MIL both without superstars - role player minutes more predictable
ATL/SAS heavily tilted toward Hawks with Wemby out 2-4 weeks
LAC/ORL slowest pace game - target efficiency over volume

Last-Minute Advice: The big question marks have been answered - Wemby and Giannis are both confirmed OUT. Lock in your Atlanta exposure early. Monitor NAW's status for the Hawks. Set alerts for Sabonis (though he's listed OUT).

Game Time Staggering: All four games should tip around the same time. Lock in your SAC/MEM and PHI/MIL plays confidently. ATL/SAS is now a clear Hawks smash spot with Wemby out.

*All statistics and pricing current as of 11/19/2025. Prices reflect most recent changes. Player status subject to change.*

(Automated analysis with editorial review by the SCS team)