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January 3, 2025, 12:20 pm
Injury Report
Charlotte Hornets @ Detroit Pistons
Game Time: 07:00 pm ET
DraftKings Lines
CHA +6.5 (+220) , DET -6.5 (-270)
Game Total 218.5Key Storylines
Ball, Miller Questionable: LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miler are listed as questionable for Friday’s contest. The Hornets have had a few days off since their last game so I would assume that both players will suit up, although make sure to check our live injury report (but especially our blurb feed, get the app!) prior to tip-off for official confirmation.
Should Ball be unable to play again, it would catapult Vasilije Micic back into streaming territory in standard formats.Season Done for Ivey: Jaden Ivey suffered an unfortunate injury on Wednesday night that will cost him at least the remainder of the regular season. With Ivey sidelined, Malik Beasley and Ausar Thompson should get a boost minutes wise and can be added in standard formats. Marcus Sasser is someone to consider in very deep formats.
Stream of the Game
If LaMelo Ball is out, Vasilije Micic would be the priority for a boost in assists and triples.
Alternatives: Malik Beasley (must-roster), Ausar Thompson, Tim Hardaway Jr, Nick Richards and Marcus Sasser (deeper formats).
Orlando Magic @ Toronto Raptors
Game Time: 7:30 pm ET
DraftKings Lines
ORL -1.5 (-120), TOR +1.5 (+100)
Game Total 216Key Storylines
Wendell At The Four: I mentioned this earlier this week, if Wendell Carter Jr. continues to start at the four next to Goga Bitadze, we can roster Carter in standard formats. Paolo Banchero has been doing more in practice but remains without a firm timetable at the moment, opening the door for Carter to provide value for at least the next few games as a starter.
Immediate Impact: It was a pleasant surprise when Immanuel Quickley was unexpectedly upgraded to questionable for Wednesday’s game vs. Nets. Not only did Quickley end up eclipsing the 30-minute mark in his first game back, he played a really good game and put up 15 assists in a much needed win for the Raptors. Fantasy managers who have been patiently holding Quickley on their rosters should feel excited about what is to come from Quickley in the coming weeks now that he is finally able to be out on the court again.
Stream of the Game
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