Zion Williamson reaches 41st straight appearance, headline moment for fantasy GMs
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New Orleans forward Zion Williamson played his 41st consecutive game on Friday, marking the first time in his career he has logged 30-plus outings in a row. The milestone triggered a $16.8 million guarantee in his 2026-27 contract and positions the 25-year-old to raise that figure to $25.3 million at 51 games and $33.7 million at 61. A full $42.2 million guarantee becomes automatic at 61 games if specified weight clauses are also met, or on July 15 regardless of games played.
Williamson, who entered the season at a reported 264-271 pounds—his lightest since joining the Pelicans—is averaging 21.8 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 29.8 minutes. His availability has provided sixth-round fantasy draft value despite New Orleans’ on-court struggles.
Spurs stretch winning run to nine
The San Antonio Spurs pushed their streak to nine with Monday’s double-digit win over Detroit. The victory was the club’s fifth this year against a team that began the day holding the NBA’s top record, the league’s highest total since the 1992-93 Knicks. San Antonio has taken eight of those nine games by at least 10 points, outscoring opponents by more than 15 per contest. Rookie center Victor Wembanyama anchored the latest effort with 21 points, 17 boards and six blocks, while the lopsided scores have trimmed guard De’Aaron Fox’s minutes.
Melton seizes larger role in Golden State
De’Anthony Melton, rostered in just 6.0 percent of ESPN leagues, has surpassed 40 fantasy points in two of his past three games while filling in for injured starters Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler III.
Clingan’s interior production climbs in Portland
Portland rookie center Donovan Clingan delivered his sixth career 20-point, 10-rebound performance this month. He sits second in February total rebounds behind Nikola Jokic and trails only Wembanyama in blocks.
Mathurin’s usage spikes with Clippers
Since arriving from Indiana, Bennedict Mathurin owns a 30.7 percent usage rate and is averaging 39 fantasy points across his last four outings. The 21-year-old serves as Los Angeles’ sixth man behind Kawhi Leonard, who leads the league this month in points, field-goal attempts and free throws. Leonard’s maintenance days and the pending return of Darius Garland are not expected to dent Mathurin’s workload.
Injury-riddled Jazz elevate Filipowski, Collier
Utah’s frontcourt is depleted after Jaren Jackson Jr. (left knee PVNS), Jusuf Nurkic (nose surgery) and Walker Kessler (shoulder) were lost for the season, while Lauri Markkanen remains day-to-day. Rookie forward Kyle Filipowski, available in 74.9 percent of ESPN leagues, has topped 35 fantasy points in three straight games and averages 17.1 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.6 steals when playing 30-plus minutes.
At point guard, Isaiah Collier leads the NBA in February assists while starting for the injured Keyonte George (right ankle). Collier is producing 44.6 fantasy points per game over his last nine and ranks 11th in total fantasy points for the month. He is rostered in 58.8 percent of leagues.
Raynaud steps up for Sabonis-less Kings
The Sacramento Kings ruled out Domantas Sabonis for the rest of the season following meniscus surgery and continue to miss Dylan Cardwell (ankle). Rookie center Maxime Raynaud, rostered in 32.8 percent of leagues, sits seventh in February total rebounds despite averaging only 28.4 minutes. In three games without both veterans, Raynaud has supplied 14.3 points, 13.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists while adding shot-blocking and secondary playmaking.
Source: ESPN
