99-129
FINALLos
Angeles Lakers
42-30|L10: 7-3
Cleveland
Cavaliers
42-29|L10: 5-5
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Eastern Conference
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CLE • Power Forward • #
about 1 month ago
Signed to a two-way contract in March, Tomlin played well enough this season to earn a standard contract. The Cavaliers got that done shortly after the trade deadline, ensuring that the athletic forward will be eligible for the postseason. In 41 games, Tomlin has averaged 6.6 points and 3.1 rebounds in 17.2 minutes. While ensuring that he’s available for the rest of the season helps Cleveland’s depth, it doesn’t affect fantasy basketball.
Source: Spencer Davies
LAL • Guard • #10
about 1 month ago
The Lakers haven’t been a successful three-point shooting team this season, but the addition of Kennard off the bench should help with that. With Austin Reaves back healthy, the Lakers don’t have as much of a need for Vincent as a reserve, but Kennard should have a place in the rotation. Fantasy managers shouldn’t pay this any mind, though this will be a helpful addition for the Lakers.
Source: Shams Charania
CLE • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #71
about 1 month ago
Even though the Cavaliers didn’t have James Harden for Wednesday’s game, Schröder’s role in his debut for the team was not far removed from what he’ll be asked to do once the team is whole. He played 19 minutes, a number that may decrease once Harden is worked into the rotation, and offered decent value. Schröder can provide a spark off the bench as he did for the Pistons last season, but that won’t do much for fantasy managers.
CLE • Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 month ago
While Ellis did play 20 minutes or more in each of his final four appearances with the Kings, he was not a consistent member of Doug Christie’s rotation. That may not be an issue in Cleveland, given the Cavaliers’ need for another defensive-minded guard. Ellis only recorded one steal on Thursday, and he’ll have limited fantasy upside in his new home. However, consistent playing time should not be a major issue, which is key for a player who will be an unrestricted free agent in the summer.
CLE • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #45
about 1 month ago
Mitchell and the Cavaliers took care of the Clippers with relative ease, winning the first quarter by a 36-18 margin and not looking back. How the partnership between him and James Harden works out remains to be seen, since The Beard wasn’t available, but adding Harden to the mix should alleviate some of the playmaking pressure on Mitchell. The hope is that Harden will make his Cavaliers’ debut on Saturday against the Kings.
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
about 1 month ago
With Tuesday’s game being the first for Reaves since Christmas Day, he was on a minutes restriction. Coming off the bench, the Lakers’ guard logged 21 minutes in his first game back. Reaves didn’t have the best night shooting the ball, but he was able to get to the foul line. Based on how Lakers head coach JJ Redick handled the rotation, Jake LaRavia could be the odd man out once Reaves’ playing time is no longer restricted. Reaves started the second half, replacing LaRavia (18 points, five rebounds, one steal and one three-pointer). However, LaRavia heading to the bench isn’t set in stone, especially with Marcus Smart (6/3/1/1) being the player who moved into the lineup when Reaves went down in December.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 1 month ago
Dončić’s points total on Tuesday was his lowest in nearly a month, but the game being a blowout had more to do with that than anything the Nets may have done defensively. Regarding per-game value, he has been a top-5 player over the past two weeks. Getting Austin Reaves back in the fold should only help Dončić from a spacing standpoint as the returnee shakes off the rust after missing more than a month with a strained calf.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 month ago
The Lakers ended their annual Grammys road trip with a 5-3 record, blowing out the Nets on Tuesday. With the game getting out of hand by halftime, the team was able to give its stars a little more time on the bench. James played 30 minutes, and he wasn’t put under too much stress in his time on the floor. He should be well-rested for Thursday’s game against the 76ers, the first of two home games the Lakers will play to conclude Week 16.
CLE • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #1
about 1 month ago
Rumors of the Clippers and Cavaliers discussing a trade first surfaced Monday evening, and the two sides agreed on a deal within one day. Harden, whose contract for the 2026-27 season is only partially guaranteed if he picks up the play option, now joins forces with Donovan Mitchell to give the Cavaliers an experienced (and currently healthy) playmaker. Once he gets to Cleveland, Harden will likely push Sam Merrill or Jaylon Tyson to the bench, with the latter having an excellent second season in the NBA.
Source: Brett Siegel
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
about 1 month ago
Reaves is back after sitting out the last 18 Lakers games with a calf injury. Marcus Smart will likely remain in the starting lineup Tuesday as Lakers coach JJ Redick told reporters Reaves will come off the bench and be on a minutes restriction. Despite Reaves’ return, Smart should have a significant role against the Nets on Tuesday.
CLE • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #10
about 1 month ago
Garland has missed Cleveland’s last nine games with a right great toe injury. He was able to do some individual work during Tuesday’s practice, but a return to game action appears to be a way off for the Cavaliers’ point guard. New additions Keon Ellis and Dennis Schröder practiced fully on Tuesday and did some extra work afterward. They’ll help the Cavaliers account for Garland’s absence on Wednesday against the Clippers.
Source: Chris Fedor
LAL • Shooting Guard • #9
about 1 month ago
James will return following a one-game absence, but his availability has no impact in the realm of fantasy hoops.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Shooting Guard • #9
about 1 month ago
James missed Sunday’s game against New York, but his status for this game won’t alter the Lakers’ rotation.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
about 1 month ago
Reaves has missed the last 18 games for the Lakers but has been questionable ahead of their last couple of games. He could make his long-awaited return against Brooklyn, which would push Marcus Smart to the bench. Reaves will likely have his minutes managed, so Smart should still play a significant reserve role.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CLE • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #45
about 1 month ago
With Darius Garland (toe) out again, Mitchell had nine assists in the playmaker role. With Evan Mobley (calf) out as well, center Jarrett Allen had a 40-point game. This is how Mitchell, who is averaging 29.1 points per game, ended up with less than 20 points for the second game in a row. He’s provided fifth-round per game value over the last two weeks. The Cavaliers only have two games upcoming in Week 16, starting with a matchup against the Clippers on Wednesday.
CLE • Shooting Guard • #5
about 1 month ago
Merrill has now had four games with six made three-pointers this season. With De’Andre Hunter traded to the Kings, it’s reasonable to think the Cavaliers could lean on Merrill more for his outside shooting. Without contributing in other categories, though, he’s difficult to even consider outside of deeper formats.
CLE • Center • #31
about 1 month ago
Allen became one of five players in league history, joining Joel Embiid, Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Joe Barry Carroll, with 40 points, 17 rebounds, five assists, two steals and four blocks or better in a game. It was an absolutely dominating performance from the 27-year-old center, who carried the Cavaliers to victory with Evan Mobley (calf) still sidelined. There was no better way for Allen to close out Week 15 for his fantasy managers.
LAL • Center • #2
about 1 month ago
Ayton only attempted six shots on Sunday, but he made the most of his opportunities, knocking down all six of them. The production wasn’t on par with what he did in Friday’s win over the Wizards, but the Knicks are a far better team than Washington, so greater resistance was expected. Over the past two weeks, Ayton’s limited production outside of points and rebounds has weighed down his fantasy value. Even if he doesn’t score 28 points as he did on Saturday, doing more as a defender will help preserve Ayton’s value.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 month ago
If Sunday’s visit to Madison Square Garden was James’s last as an active NBA player, he had a solid night at the office. For those in leagues that include turnovers, the 41-year-old committed just one, a step in the right direction given recent performances. LeBron has averaged 3.3 turnovers per game over the past two weeks, and the limited defensive production has also lowered his fantasy value. The good news for him and the Lakers is that they play three games in Week 16 without a back-to-back.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 1 month ago
The NBA’s leading scorer, Dončić, has scored at least 30 points in six of his last seven games, missing out on a 30-point streak due to a measly 29-point effort against the Cavaliers on Wednesday. He finished Sunday’s defeat two assists shy of a triple-double and has been the top-ranked player in fantasy basketball over the past two weeks, according to Basketball Monster. The Lakers play three games in Week 16, starting with the final game of their road trip on Tuesday against the Nets.
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
about 1 month ago
Given the high-profile nature of Sunday’s game, there was hope that Reaves would be able to return after missing 18 games with a strained calf. Unfortunately, after going through his pregame workout, the Lakers’ guard could not play. While there is hope that Reaves will be able to play on Thursday, Redick noted that the guard needs to have “100 percent confidence” in his calf before returning. Reaves is considered day-to-day, and Marcus Smart will remain in the starting lineup until that changes.
Source: Law Murray
CLE • Point Guard • #9
about 1 month ago
Porter missed Friday’s loss to the Suns with Lonzo Ball seeing 25 minutes off the bench. Ball wasn’t effective as he made just 1-of-8 field goal attempts. Porter and Ball figure to split backup point guard minutes when both are available, though neither are worth rostering in most fantasy leagues.
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
about 1 month ago
Initially listed as questionable with a calf injury, Reaves will remain out as he hasn’t played since December 25. The 27-year-old shooting guard’s return may not be far off, but Marcus Smart is in line for another start Sunday, though he’s not worth rostering in most fantasy leagues.
LAL • Shooting Guard • #9
about 1 month ago
James will not be available for Sunday’s game after initially being listed as questionable. His absence won’t affect fantasy basketball, and there may have been even fewer minutes available to the second-year guard due to Austin Reaves’ potential return from a strained calf.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CLE • Power Forward • #20
about 1 month ago
While Chicago received two second-round picks as a “reward” for taking on Dario Šarić to help complete the trade, the team had to send a player elsewhere per league rules. That player is Miller, who’s on a two-way deal and appeared in 11 NBA games during his two seasons in Chicago. To free up a two-way slot for Miller, the Cavaliers are waiving Luke Travers.
Source: Julia Poe
CLE • Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 month ago
The Bulls were also involved in Saturday’s trade, acquiring Dario Sarić and two future second-round picks. As for Ellis, his time in Sacramento comes to a merciful end, as earning consistent rotation minutes became increasingly difficult under head coach Doug Christie. While his offensive production has been limited, adding Ellis to the fold gives the Cavaliers another capable perimeter defender.
Source: Shams Charania
CLE • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #71
about 1 month ago
One night removed from one of his worst performances of the season, Schröder is on the move. After beginning the season as Sacramento’s starting point guard, the veteran lost his job to Russell Westbrook, with his fantasy value diminishing considerably. The move to Cleveland puts Schröder in a more challenging spot, as Lonzo Ball and Craig Porter Jr. are already on the roster. While it’s unknown how long starting point guard Darius Garland will be sidelined with a right toe injury, it will be tough for Schröder to regain fantasy relevance.
Source: Shams Charania
CLE • Point Guard • #9
about 1 month ago
Porter did not play in Friday’s loss to the Suns, resulting in Lonzo Ball playing 25 minutes off the bench. Ball did not play well, shooting 1-of-8 from the field, and there isn’t much to be gained from streaming him if Porter remains out.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Shooting Guard • #9
about 1 month ago
James’ availability does not affect fantasy basketball, as he is on the back end of the Lakers’ rotation on most nights, if he plays at all. And with Austin Reaves (calf) potentially returning, the chances of Bronny playing decrease even more.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
about 1 month ago
Reaves has been out since Christmas Day, but that could change during the Lakers’ lone trip to Madison Square Garden. Marcus Smart has been the replacement in the starting lineup, but the production has not been consistent enough to merit being rostered in most 12-team leagues.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CLE • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #45
about 1 month ago
While the Cavaliers entered the season as one of the strongest teams in the Eastern Conference, Cleveland is a bit of a different animal with Evan Mobley and Darius Garland sidelined. The load for scoring largely falls on Mitchell’s shoulders even when the Cavs are at 100 percent, which makes it all the more curious that he didn’t lead the team in points or field goal attempts Friday. The 29-year-old shooting guard led the team in turnovers by far with eight as the team lost to the Suns by 13. He’s provided third-round value over the last two weeks. The Cavaliers will look to bounce back Sunday against the Trail Blazers.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 month ago
James struggled in Wednesday’s blowout loss, but he was able to get back on track in this game. He was far more efficient, though it didn’t turn into a great outing because of how dominant Luka Doncic and Deandre Ayton were and how lopsided the score was. Still, it was good to see LeBron bounce back, especially since he has been quieter in recent weeks after a strong start to January. Next up on the schedule is a trip to New York on Sunday, which will be game seven of this eight game road trip.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 1 month ago
Dončić got off to an unreal start to this game, and he ended up entering halftime with 26 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists. This was the second time in Dončić’s career that he recorded a triple-double in a single half, joining Nikola Jokic and Russell Westbrook as the only players to do it multiple times in the play-by-play era, per Stathead. He has been fantastic all season, and this performance was one of his best. He’ll look to keep it going in New York on Sunday to wrap up the week.
LAL • Center • #2
about 1 month ago
It has been a rough stretch for Ayton recently, but the Wizards didn’t have an answer for him in this game. This was Domin-Ayton at his finest. Across his five games prior to this game, he had scored a total of 33 points. He fell one point shy of matching his season high for scoring, though that hasn’t been typical for him. Ayton’s role has been inconsistent, which has contributed to his production following the same trend. He’ll look to stay hot in New York on Sunday.
CLE • Point Guard • #9
about 1 month ago
Porter was initially listed as questionable with a knee injury, but has since been ruled out for Friday’s game against the Suns. With Darius Garland (toe) also out, Porter’s absence impacts the Cavaliers’ depth, though it doesn’t impact fantasy basketball. Lonzo Ball could see more minutes and usage, but isn’t worth rostering in most fantasy leagues.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 1 month ago
Dončić twisted his ankle during Wednesday’s loss to the Cavaliers. The 26-year-old point guard was able to return and finish the game, but wound up on the injury report as questionable. Dončić will play Friday against the Wizards and should be without restriction.
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
about 1 month ago
Reaves hasn’t played since Christmas Day, but he was upgraded to questionable ahead of this game. However, he won’t make his return yet, which means Marcus Smart will get another start. Reaves’ next chance to play will be against the Knicks on Sunday.
Source: Dave McMenamin
CLE • Point Guard • #9
about 1 month ago
Porter is dealing with a sore left knee. While his availability does not significantly affect fantasy basketball, the Cavaliers are already without Darius Garland (toe). If Porter can’t play, the Cavaliers will have to rely a bit more on Lonzo Ball, but he is not worth the risk in most fantasy leagues.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
about 1 month ago
Reaves has been sidelined since Christmas Day, but he could be back to take on Washington. Marcus Smart has been starting in his place, but with Luka Doncic (ankle) also questionable, there is a scenario where Reaves returns and Smart starts in place of Luka. Eventually, Smart will be pushed to a reserve role.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 1 month ago
The Cavs’ lifted court resulted in an injury scare for Dončić and the Lakers; he twisted his ankle on the uneven surface while hopping backwards after shooting a three-pointer. He was able to return to finish the game, but there is a chance he sits out against Washington. In that scenario, Gabe Vincent will likely slide back into the starting unit in his place.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Center • #2
about 1 month ago
The good news for Ayton and those who have him on their fantasy rosters is that he didn’t miss a shot. The bad news is that he wasn’t much of a factor otherwise, recording four rebounds and a blocked shot in addition to his 10 points. With LeBron James being 41, the Lakers need more from Ayton. And so do those who have him rostered.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 month ago
It’s unknown whether this will be LeBron’s final visit to Cleveland as an active NBA player, but the emotions of the moment appeared to get the best of him during a first-quarter video tribute. As for his production, the Lakers’ forward struggled, shooting 30 percent from the field and committing six turnovers. James will look to rebound on Friday when the Lakers visit the Wizards.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 1 month ago
Dončić had an injury scare during the first quarter, when a step back off the court after a three-pointer led to him tweaking his left leg. The Lakers’ guard returned to action after a quick trip to the locker room, and he recorded a relatively efficient stat line. However, that didn’t keep Dončić and the Lakers from getting blown out. The Lakers face Washington on Friday, and it would be unsurprising if Luka went off.
CLE • Small Forward • #12
about 1 month ago
Back in the Cavaliers’ rotation after a two-game absence, Hunter’s 19 points were the most he’s scored in a game since December 22. The issue from a fantasy standpoint is that he offers little defensive value, lowering his ceiling considerably. With Evan Mobley (calf) out, the Cavaliers are going to need increased production from the entire rotation, including Hunter. He’s worth watching, but Wednesday’s performance doesn’t change much regarding Hunter’s value in standard leagues.
CLE • Center • #31
about 1 month ago
With Evan Mobley (calf) unavailable, Allen had a little more room to operate in the frontcourt. While the result wasn’t an offensive explosion, the 17 points equaled his total in Cleveland’s prior two games. Of course, fantasy managers will want more from Allen defensively, but 17 and nine isn’t a bad effort from the 6-foot-9 center.
CLE • Shooting Guard • #24
about 1 month ago
Tyson has been a revelation for the Cavaliers this season, not only earning rotation minutes but locking down a spot in the starting lineup. The second-year wing had another good night at the office on Wednesday, having now reached double figures in ten consecutive games. Wednesday’s effort was his seventh this season with at least 20 points. Given Tyson’s production, he should be rostered in a much higher percentage of Yahoo! leagues than he currently is (31 percent).
CLE • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #45
about 1 month ago
Playing their first game since losing Evan Mobley to a strained calf, Mitchell and the Cavaliers flipped the switch during the third quarter. He knocked down two three-pointers and shot 3-of-6 from the field in the frame, and the Cavs outscored the Lakers by a 42-22 margin. As a result, Mitchell and the other Cavaliers’ starters didn’t play much in the fourth quarter in a game they won by 30. Cleveland hits the road for its final two games of Week 15, starting with the Suns on Friday.
CLE • Small Forward • #12
about 1 month ago
Hunter will return from a two-game absence on Wednesday as the Cavaliers take on the Lakers. The veteran forward has had a down season compared to the previous one, but is still a capable scorer off the bench. The Cavaliers are currently riding a four-game win streak, and with Hunter healthy, they should be in a stronger position to extend their run to five games.
Source: Danny Cunningham
CLE • Shooting Guard • #5
about 1 month ago
Merrill is back after missing time due to a hand injury and for personal reasons. He’ll move into the starting lineup, filling the void left by the injured Evan Mobley. Cleveland’s other four starters are unchanged from Monday’s win over the Magic.
Source: Cleveland Cavaliers
CLE • Small Forward • #12
about 2 months ago
Hunter has missed Cleveland’s last two games, but he is expected to return to take on Los Angeles. However, with Sam Merrill (illness) also probable, and Jaylon Tyson playing well, Hunter will likely continue to play a role off the bench that won’t be large enough for him to make an impact for fantasy managers.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CLE • Shooting Guard • #5
about 2 months ago
Merrill has missed the last six games with a hand injury, but is poised to make his return Wednesday against the Lakers. The 29-year-old shooting guard could be more involved in small-ball lineups with Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (calf) sidelined.
CLE • Power Forward • #4
about 2 months ago
Mobley suffered a calf injury in Monday’s game against the Magic. A Tuesday MRI revealed a left calf strain. The 24-year-old center is set to miss the next 1-3 weeks before he’s re-evaluated. Dean Wade should continue to start for Cleveland with Mobley sidelined and every Cavaliers starter should see a boost in usage.
Source: Cavaliers
LAL • Power Forward • #28
about 2 months ago
Hachimura recorded one of his best games of January, scoring over 20 points for the first time since early November. The points came from efficient jump shooting and strong contributions from the three-point line. And although Hachimura didn’t make much noise in any other areas of the game, his scoring output on Monday should serve as another encouraging sign that the seventh-year forward has found his rhythm on offense again, having now totaled 40 points over the past two games. His production will be useful for the Lakers going forward, as they look to extend their winning streak to three games on Wednesday against the Cavaliers.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 2 months ago
James played a solid game on Monday. He scored above his season average and was solid on the glass. His assist total was lower than usual, however, which brought down his fantasy production. While James has slowed down some in his 23rd NBA season, he’s still a reliable performer on a nightly basis, with the potential to contribute consistently across most statistical categories.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 2 months ago
Dončić followed a very strong performance against the Mavericks with another stellar one on Monday. He was outstanding in the win over Chicago, as he led Los Angeles in points, rebounds, assists and three-pointers. The Bulls had no answer for the superstar guard, who picked apart Chicago’s defense in various ways. The cherry on top for fantasy managers who roster Dončić was that he recorded only three turnovers. The Lakers have now put together back-to-back wins and Dončić has been a big reason why.
CLE • Shooting Guard • #24
about 2 months ago
Tyson got the start on Monday and logged another productive line. The sophomore wing’s double-digit scoring performance marked his ninth in a row, as he used a nice combination of three-point shooting, two-point shots, and free throws to extend his streak. Tyson also recorded four assists for the sixth straight game, and came up just one board shy of his second double-double of January. His well-rounded effort on Monday should leave some fantasy managers happy.
CLE • Power Forward • #4
about 2 months ago
Mobley followed an inefficient 13-point showing against the Magic on Saturday with a much better overall performance in Monday’s rematch. He shot the ball well, leading him to finish as one of two Cavaliers players to score at least 20 points. Additionally, his solid work on the glass left him just shy of a double-double. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year added a couple of blocks on defense and even chipped in a three-pointer on the end, giving him a fine fantasy basketball performance altogether. He’ll have a chance to put together another good stat line on Wednesday against the Lakers.
CLE • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #45
about 2 months ago
Just two days after dropping 36 points on the Magic in a win, Mitchell torched Orlando again on Monday. Efficient shooting, great three-point production, and lots of work at the charity stripe led the veteran shooting guard to his fifth 40-point game of the season. He also led all Cleveland starters in assists, as the Cavs put together their fourth straight win. Mitchell has been sensational all season long in what’s been, statistically, his most productive season as a pro. He’ll face the Lakers and then the Suns to close out January.
CLE • Small Forward • #12
about 2 months ago
Hunter will miss a second consecutive game as he deals with a sore right knee. Rookie Tyrese Proctor saw his playing time increase in Saturday’s win over Orlando, and that should be the case on Monday as well. However, he should only be rostered in dynasty leagues.
Source: Chris Fedor
