Injury Report

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Los Angeles Lakers @ Charlotte Hornets

Game Time: 7:00 pm ET

DraftKings Lines

LAL -5.5 (-230),CHA +5.5 (+190)
Game Total: 222

Key Storylines

Defence!: The Lakers welcomed back Jarred Vanderbilt over the weekend and initially I said be patient since he will be eased in. Well, the easing in was true, but even in 12 minutes, Vanderbilt’s impact was clearly felt. I still believe Vando probably won’t be a 12-team-level player, but with Dorian Finney-Smith and Vanderbilt around now it feels like it is only a matter of time until Rui Hachimura’s minutes are cut, or he is benched outright. 

Remember Moussa Diabate: The Mark Williams breakout has been wonderful, but I doubt Williams will play any B2Bs this season. If Williams is injured or worse, shut down later in the season, remember Diabate is an elite source of rebounds who can also get some defensive stats. 

We are still monitoring Nick Smith Jr. at the moment.

Stream of the Game

Nick Smith Jr.: Points, 3s and general observations. 

Alternatives:

Rui Hachimura – questionable
Max Christie
Dorian Finney-Smith (if Hachimura is out, otherwise, deep leagues only)
Josh Green

–deep league line–
Dalton Knecht
Josh Okogie (because Cody Martin is out)
Moussa Diabate
Jarred Vanderbilt

Detroit Pistons @ Cleveland Cavaliers

Game Time: 7:00 pm ET

DraftKings Lines

DET +10 (+360), CLE -10 (-470)
Game Total: 234

Key Storylines

Ausar Thompson trending up?: Thompson has put together a few better games lately and if you had been patient holding him, stick with it a while longer. If he is available, give him a grab. Tobias Harris is trending down though, but I would still hold him a bit longer. 

Cracks Appearing: The Cavs have lost three in a row for the first time this season. Obviously, they should be looking to get back on track. Donovan Mitchell regaining some efficiency would help the cause. 

Stream of the Game

Ausar Thompson: Trending up, hold him too. 

Alternatives:

Max Strus
Isaiah Stewart
Tim Hardaway Jr.
Ty Jerome

–deep league line–
Georges Niang (arguably low-end 12-team for 3s with LeVert/Okoro/Wade out)
Simone Fontecchio
Sam Merrill
Ron Holland or Marcus Sasser if Tobias Harris – questionable – misses out

Orlando Magic @ Miami Heat

Game Time: 7:30 pm ET

DraftKings Lines

ORL -1 (-112), MIA +1 (-108)
Game Total: 207

Key Storylines

Health: The Magic are very close to having their best lineup back as we await the questionable Goga Bitadze (and a questionable Jalen Suggs). The only thing left to see is if there is a timeshare between Bitadze and Wendell Carter Jr. with all the top options back in action. 

Jimmy Returns 2.0: The two-game suspension is over so you know…we are once again keep tabs on how involved Butler is. Spo seems to prefer leaning on Duncan Robinson more in lineups with Butler for spacing reasons (and less ball-handling needed) so Robinson could get a boost, though that’s also less usage so maybe it doesn’t matter. 

Stream of the Game

Nikola Jovic: He has been good regardless, albeit better with no Butler. 

Hopefully Kel’el Ware is on a roster.

Alternatives:

Wendell Carter Jr.
Duncan Robinson
Terry Rozier if he’s floating around
Jonathan Isaac

–deep league line–
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Tristan da Silva
Jaime Jaquez Jr.

Memphis Grizzlies @ New York Knicks

Game Time: 7:30 pm ET

DraftKings Lines

MEM +3.5 (+140), NYK -3.5 (-166)
Game Total: 242.5

Key Storylines

Ja: There isn’t much new here. I’ve mentioned before that Morant has not played more than five games in a row this season. Start the count again. 

Zach Edey has also had a couple of better games lately so I suppose he can survive in standard formats a bit longer, although I still believe managers are too committed to him.

Monitor KAT’s efficiency: It’s been both good and bad since his return from the thumb sprain/chipped bone that Towns has to manage the rest of the season. If he cannot be as consistent efficiency-wise, we may have to consider selling for alternate first-round value eventually. I am not at that point with him yet though. 

Stream of the Game

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