New York Knicks

The NBA is denying the New York Knicks a $7.8 million Disabled Player Exception for the loss of center Mitchell Robinson (ankle) because there's optimism that Robinson can return from ankle surgery to play late in the regular season. The Knicks anticipated that Robinson would miss the rest of the year after undergoing ankle surgery as of Dec. 20, but they now hope to get back one of league's best rim protectors at some point likely around the spring. Isaiah Hartenstein has presented top-50 fantasy value in nine-category leagues during Robinson's absence, averaging 8.2 points on 64.6% shooting from the field, 10.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 3.4 combined steals plus blocks in 32.8 minutes over 16 games since Dec. 11. Robinson is suddenly worth picking up off waiver wires where he was discarded for teams that can afford the stash, but the impact of his potential return may not be felt very much in fantasy.

The Brooklyn Nets have no intention of trading forward Mikal Bridges, and the organization wants to continue to add talent around him as a foundational piece to their roster, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. Bridges' lauded "iron-man" status has carried into his first full year with Brooklyn, having not yet missed a single game in his career. The 27-year-old two-way star's late-season scoring binge after the Nets acquired him as the key coup of last February's Kevin Durant trade, however, is beginning to look a bit flukey. Although the front office appears to value him as a building block, Bridges has experienced a considerable drop in points (20.9) and turnovers (2.4) per game as well as free-throw percentage (83.2%) from last year's second half. With that said, Bridges is still a head-to-head fantasy gem for his exceptional ability to stay on the court.

New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby made his team debut during Monday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. It looks like the Knicks got exactly what they needed as Anunoby displayed a strong defensive ability with reliable catch-and-shoot accuracy. He finished Monday's game with 17 points, six rebounds, and one assist with three 3-pointers in the victory. The hope is that Anunoby will continue to do better once he gets more comfortable with his new teammates.

New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby isn't listed on the league's injury report ahead of Monday's matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Although he's not hurt, he didn't suit up on Saturday versus the Pacers while the trade between the Raptors and Knicks, which also involved RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, was finalized. At any rate, the 26-year-old averaged 15.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in 27 games with Toronto this season. He's expected to improve in many statistical areas with his new team. However, while Anunoby remains a must-start in season-long fantasy setups, DFS managers should take a cautious approach, especially since it may take him a few games to get acclimated with how things work under head coach Tom Thibodeau.