-
December 29, 2024, 11:44 am
Injury Report
Brooklyn Nets @ Orlando Magic
Game Time: 03:30 pm ET
DraftKings Lines
BKN +7 (+235) , ORL -7 (-290)
Game Total 203.5Key Storylines
We Stay On Clowney Watch: Noah Clowney was unfortunately ejected from Friday’s contest, but I hope that this did not lead to too many fantasy managers out there already cutting bait with him.
Marc Stein reported over the weekend that the Nets and Grizzlies are working on a trade deal centred around Dorian Finney-Smith. If Clowney ends up getting the starting four spot once Finney-Smith is traded, he would become really interesting as a fantasy option in all formats. For now, I would advise fantasy managers (especially in deeper formats) to make sure to add Clowney, especially considering the fact the Nets play on Sunday anyways.Another Change: The Magic decided to switch up their starting unit once again last time out, introducing Anthony Black into the lineup in place of Trevelin Queen. Black has had opportunities this season due to the Magic’s injuries to impress but has not really done much with the opportunities except on one or two occasions. Fantasy managers in standard formats can take a shot at Black to see whether this move sticks moving forward but should keep expectations in check. Tristan da Silva cooled down on Friday shooting-wise, but continues to get solid minutes and can also be rostered in standard formats at the moment. Trevelin Queen is trending in the wrong direction and is better suited for deeper formats.
Stream of the Game
The previously mentioned Anthony Black and Tristan da Silva are the priorities for this game assuming Noah Clowney is already rostered.
Alternatives: Keon Johnson, Jalen Wilson. Shake Milton and Trevelin Queen (deeper formats)…and Dorian Finney-Smith if he isn’t traded by game time…
Also note, Cam Thomas is probable and his return could hurt Johnson and Milton.
Atlanta Hawks @ Toronto Raptors
Game Time: 6:00 pm ET
DraftKings Lines
ATL -1.5 (-125), TOR +1.5 (+105)
Game Total 239.5Key Storylines
Down Goes Nance: Larry Nance unfortunately suffered a hand injury during Saturday’s game vs. the Heat and has been labelled as “out indefinitely”.
A tough break for fantasy managers who had been streaming in Nance over the last few games due to the absence of Onyeka Okongwu, as Nance had been playing really well. Nance even closed out Saturday’s contest over Clint Capela. Dominick Barlow could be getting the backup minutes on Sunday and is someone fantasy managers in very deep formats can consider streaming in for big man stats. While we await specifics regarding Nance’s injury, it is tough to hold a player on IL in standard formats whose minutes only opened up due to an injury of another player, making Nance a drop in most cases.Brucy B: Bruce Brown practiced fully on Saturday and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. Brown will most likely be on a strict minutes restriction for a bit once he returns and will most likely only play a secondary role on the Raptors, making him only an option in very deep formats for now until (if) we see his minutes ramp up. Jakob Pöltl is also listed as questionable and his potential return would kill the streaming appeal of Kelly Olynyk and Chris Boucher.
Stream of the Game
Want to get access to the rest of this game preview Layup Line article? You’ll need to have an NBA FantasyPass membership. Click here to learn more and sign up!
Premium Access RequiredClick here to join us on Discord! And Follow us on Twitter by clicking here!
Join the SportsEthos team by filling out an application by clicking here!