Unfortunately, this will have to be an abridged version once again, but as always, I’ll try to pack in some useful stuff even if it’s in fewer words. As for the game spreads and lines, we have a few teams on back-to-backs whose injuries will drop during the day, so the lines/spreads may change accordingly later in the day.

Injury Report

To stay up-to-date on all of the injury news with up-to-the-minute updates, make sure to check out our LIVE Injury Report!

Toronto Raptors @ Detroit Pistons

Game Time: 7:00 pm ET

DraftKings Lines

TOR +5 (-110), DET -5 (-110)
Game Total 221

Key Storylines

Bruce’s Knee: I already hit on Bruce Brown being close to a return in the previous Layup Line. Interestingly, the player himself stated that he was playing through a knee issue last season, which is why he didn’t look as “engaged” with the Raptors. That’s the same knee he had surgery on which kept him out so far, so hopefully it means we’ll get something closer to his Denver version again.

Ausar cleared, DNP: There is no need to panic about Thompson being in the Pistons’ plans. Sometimes a healthy player is given an extra “game off” to fully ensure they are right. I would expect his debut to come tonight or sometime this week, but the ramp-up is likely to be slow. I don’t think we see 12-team value for a couple months, if it actually comes this season. Hopefully he gets up to speed quickly and the positive thing is that he is healthy again.

Stream of the Game

Malik Beasley (points, 3s) is the obvious choice with a doubtful Cade Cunningham.

Alternatives: 

Gradey Dick (may be available after his recent downturn, long-term add), Chris Boucher, Davion Mitchell, Ochai Agbaji, Jonathan Mogbo

Bruce Brown (a long-term 14-plus team stash if we get offical word of his return, this injury report will be out later since they’re on a B2B)

Isaiah Stewart, Tim Hardaway Jr.

Orlando Magic @ Charlotte Hornets

Game Time: 7:00 pm ET

DraftKings Lines

ORL -6 (-108), CHA +6 (-112)
Game Total 213.5

Key Storylines

All-Star Franz: 23.6 PPG, 2.2 3PG, 5.8 RPG and 5.6 APG so far. Wagner is the No. 13 player in 9-cat on a per-game basis so far. While that should slow down, especially when Paolo Banchero (oblique) returns, Wagner seems to be taking that “next step” which is so often spoken about. If you’re getting a top-25, maybe top-30 talent, it’s likely a good sell-high opportuntiy, but otherwise, Wagner looks like he is cooking.

Grant Williams’ season over: It sucks for Williams, but it means Moussa Diabate should get a run at center until Nick Richards or Mark Williams return and if you need rebounds plus blocks, Diabate has gotten those. Don’t expect much else though. Rookie Tidjane Salaun should also start at PF until Miles Bridges returns within the next week or so, but he is a flier at best in standard formats as a player somewhat reliant on scoring who won’t have high usage unless a hot-hand scenario unfolds.

Side note: Tre Mann’s back continues to bother him and he’s out again.

Stream of the Game

I like the Moussa Diabate pick as a rebounds and blocks specialist, but mainly for the rebounds.

Alternatives: 

Anthony Black, Goga Bitadze (will Wendell Carter Jr. finally clear his questionable tag? Monitor that of course), Jonathan Isaac, Moritz Wagner, Wendell Carter Jr. (you know, if he plays)

Cody Martin, Josh Green, Tidjane Salaun, Taj Gibson if you’re desperate for some big stuff in deep formats…they don’t have another option.

New Orleans Pelicans @ Indiana Pacers

Game Time: 7:00 pm ET

DraftKings Lines

NOR +6.5 (-112), IND -6.5 (-108)
Game Total 225.5

Key Storylines

Many are returning, one is not: We recently got a report about Zion Williamson “not being remotely close” to a return, per Shams. On the other hand, CJ McCollum (questionable) is expected to return tonight and Dejounte Murray got upgraded to doubtful, indicating a potential return on Wednesday or Friday if the progression continues. The streaming gold mines in New Orleans will be neutralized and I’d expect Herb Jones back late this week or early next week as well.

And…of course Brandon Ingram got downgraded to questionable…

Moses Brown won’t be a thing, right?: I am not going to suggest Brown in anything above a 20-team format yet. 15 points and four boards in 12 minutes on Sunday night is a reminder of his fantasy production ability though. He also barely played in his first two games, but that might have just been him adjusting to the new team. Watch-list in 16-plus team formats, try a flier in a 20-plus team league.

Extra note: Ben Sheppard is now also out for weeks.

Stream of the Game

TJ McConnell feels like steady value for 12-team managers as a streamer.

Alternatives: 

Brandon Boston Jr., Yves Missi (questionable, now probable), Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Jordan Hawkins, Obi Toppin, Jarace Walker

Los Angeles Clippers @ Boston Celtics

Game Time: 7:30 pm ET

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