110-87
FINALCharlotte
Hornets
36-36|L10: 8-2
Denver
Nuggets
44-28|L10: 5-5
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Eastern Conference
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CHA • Center • #
about 2 months ago
Due to Monday’s game being a blowout, Kalkbrenner (26 minutes) played more than starter Moussa Diabaté (12 points and five rebounds in 20 minutes). The rookie finished one rebound shy of a double-double, and the overall production was excellent. Kalkbrenner’s fantasy ceiling is lower than it was earlier this season since he’s coming off the bench, but the 7-foot-1 center is still playing consistent rotation minutes.
CHA • Small Forward • #
about 2 months ago
Like the other Hornets starters, Knueppel’s playing time decreased because Monday’s game was a blowout. The rookie logged 20 minutes, negatively affecting his production. However, fantasy managers still received solid value in the rebound, assist and steal categories. Knueppel, who has been one of the best rookies in the NBA this season, returns to action on Wednesday when the Hornets visit Memphis.
CHA • Point Guard • #1
about 2 months ago
Recently, the Hornets have taken measures to manage Ball’s workload, so the training staff must have loved Monday’s outcome. Charlotte won by a large margin, beating the 76ers 130-93, which led to Ball playing only 20 minutes. Fantasy managers who have him rostered would have hoped for a more competitive game given the impact on Ball’s playing time, but keeping him healthy throughout the season is Charlotte’s priority.
CHA • Small Forward • #24
about 2 months ago
Monday’s game was one of the best of the season for Miller, and not just because he notched his third 30-point game. The third-year wing only needed to attempt 12 shots from the field to get the job done, shooting 6-of-9 from beyond the arc. And with the Hornets leading by as much as 50, Miller did not play at all during the fourth quarter. He’s been on a roll recently, having scored at least 20 points in seven consecutive games.
DEN • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #8
about 2 months ago
With Watson unavailable for Friday’s win over the Bucks, Spencer Jones moved into the starting lineup. Since Denver won’t have Aaron Gordon on Tuesday, Jones may remain with the starters, pushing Zeke Nnaji to the bench if Jonas Valančiūnas plays.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Center • #17
about 2 months ago
Valančiūnas did not play in Friday’s win over the Bucks, which prompted Zeke Nnaji to move into the starting lineup. With Aaron Gordon (hamstring) out, Nnaji’s playing time may remain high, but he could be asked to come off the bench.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #27
about 2 months ago
Murray did not play in Friday’s win over the Bucks and was listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Grizzlies, which was postponed due to inclement weather. His likely return would push Julian Strawther to the bench after he scored 20 points against Milwaukee.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Power Forward and Small Forward • #32
about 2 months ago
Gordon strained his right hamstring during the second quarter of Friday’s win over the Bucks. This is the second time he’s injured his hamstring this season, so an extended absence may be in play. While DaRon Holmes II may pick up a few more minutes, Zeke Nnaji is the player fantasy managers should consider after he logged 37 productive minutes in Milwaukee.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Shooting Guard • #0
about 2 months ago
Tuesday’s game will be the tenth that Braun has missed as the team looks to get his left ankle right. With Jamal Murray (hamstring, hip) listed as probable, his return will likely push Julian Strawther to the bench. There’s no need to stream Strawther when he’s used in a reserve role.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CHA • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #2
about 2 months ago
Sexton has done most of his damage off the bench this season, and if he’s not in the starting lineup, his availability doesn’t have a major impact in the realm of fantasy hoops.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CHA • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #2
about 2 months ago
While Sexton’s availability does affect the Hornets’ bench rotation, it will not have a significant impact on fantasy basketball. Tre Mann may pick up a few more minutes off the bench, but there’s no need to roster him in redraft leagues.
Source: Charlotte Hornets
DEN • Center • #17
about 2 months ago
Valančiūnas did not play in Friday’s win over the Bucks, with Zeke Nnaji starting in his place and playing 37 minutes. Given Denver’s lack of depth in the frontcourt, Nnaji would be worth streaming in deep leagues if he starts.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #8
about 2 months ago
Watson did not play in Friday’s win over the Bucks, resulting in Spencer Jones returning to the starting lineup. With Aaron Gordon suffering a strained hamstring during Friday’s game, Jones will likely remain in the starting lineup even if Watson plays.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #27
about 2 months ago
Murray was held out of Friday’s win over the Bucks, with Julian Strawther replacing him in the starting lineup. Despite a 1-of-6 night from three, the former first-round pick was productive in that role, finishing with 20 points, five rebounds, three assists, one steal and one three-pointer. Strawther and Tim Hardaway Jr. will be worth a look in fantasy leagues if Murray remains out.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Shooting Guard • #0
about 2 months ago
Sunday’s game will be the ninth that Braun has missed as he continues to work his way from a sprained left ankle initially suffered in mid-November. With Jamal Murray also out, the Nuggets started Julian Strawther in Friday’s win over the Bucks. Murray is listed as questionable for Sunday; if he can play, Strawther will head to the bench.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CHA • Center • #14
about 2 months ago
Diabaté again started ahead of Ryan Kalkbrenner against the Wizards on Saturday. The 24-year-old center also played the majority of the center minutes with 32 minutes played to Kalkbrenner’s 16 and it’s no mystery as to why given their respective production Saturday. The pair of centers continue to handle the center minutes, though it’s anyone’s guess who will lead the team in minutes on a given night. Kalkbrenner’s fantasy value would have better standing if Diabaté’s role was diminished in any way.
CHA • Small Forward • #24
about 2 months ago
Miller was just three assists shy of recording a triple-double against the Wizards on Saturday. The 23-year-old small forward is averaging 23.7 points per game, 4.7 rebounds per game, 4.0 assists per game and 3.2 three-pointers per game over his last six games. Miller has returned fifth-round per game value over the last two weeks. The Hornets will play four games next week, starting with a matchup against the 76ers on Monday.
CHA • Point Guard • #1
about 2 months ago
Ball played 32 minutes for the first time in 12 days, a span of five games. The 24-year-old had 20 points on 19 field goal attempts, but his real value came from setting up teammates. Ball had 11 assists and the Hornets won their third consecutive game when he has double-digit assists. He’s provided seventh-round per game value over the last two weeks.
CHA • Center • #
about 2 months ago
Kalkbrenner came off the bench in the Hornets’ win over the Magic on Thursday, but the 24-year-old rookie center played 27 minutes compared to starter Moussa Diabate’s 16 minutes. The Hornets’ Twitter account initially had Kalkbrenner in Saturday’s starting lineup, before correctly showing Diabate as the starter. Both centers will likely still play Saturday, but if Charlotte continues to give Kalkbrenner more minutes he could move into the starting lineup eventually.
CHA • Center • #
about 2 months ago
Kalkbrenner was originally listed as probable with a wrist injury, so it’s no surprise he’s available for Saturday’s game. The 24-year-old rookie center had 10 points and nine rebounds in 27 minutes off the bench in the Hornets’ win over the Magic on Thursday. We don’t expect Kalkbrenner to be limited against the Wizards, though he’ll still share center minutes with Moussa Diabate.
CHA • Small Forward • #24
about 2 months ago
Miller was initially listed as probable with an ankle injury, so his availability Saturday isn’t a surprise. The 23-year-old small forward is averaging 24.2 point per game over his last five games and has an excellent matchup against the Wizards.
DEN • Power Forward • #22
about 2 months ago
With Nikola Jokic (knee) and Jonas Valanciunas (calf) out, Nnaji made a spot start and provided the Nuggets with some solid production. In his 37 minutes, he attacked the glass hard to lead Denver in rebounds, and also led them in blocked shots. Additionally, the sixth-year pro scored in double figures to collect his first double-double of the season. He will likely remain the starter at center for as long as Jokic and Valanciunas are out.
DEN • Point Guard • #
about 2 months ago
Hardaway wasn’t the most efficient shooter on Friday, but his scoring was massive in helping the undermanned Nuggets secure a victory. More than half of the field goals he made came from beyond the arc, and he made a couple of big free throws late in this one to help give Denver some cushion. Hardaway has sustained his scoring production throughout the year and has performed really well in January. He’s been a nice addition to this Nuggets bench.
DEN • Shooting Guard and Small Forward • #3
about 2 months ago
Strawther made his first start of the season for the injury-hit Nuggets and recorded arguably his best game of the season. In 27 minutes, the third-year guard led Denver in scoring, despite struggling from behind the three-point line. He’ll likely return to a reserve role once Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, and Peyton Watson return from injuries, and he’s not someone that fantasy basketball managers should consider adding to their roster. Still, his strong showing on Friday helped the Nuggets earn a win.
DEN • Power Forward and Small Forward • #32
about 2 months ago
The injury occurred in the second quarter when Gordon pushed the ball in transition. As he attacked, he pulled up suddenly, reached for his hamstring, and then surrendered possession of the ball to a teammate. He exited at the next deadball and was eventually ruled out in the third quarter. Gordon had already dealt with a hamstring injury this season, so a reaggregation may cause the Nuggets to take a cautious approach going forward.
Source: Bennett Durando
DEN • Shooting Guard and Small Forward • #3
about 2 months ago
The Nuggets’ starting unit on Friday features many changes. With Nikola Jokic, Peyton Watson, Christian Braun and Jamal Murray all out with injuries, several reserves have been elevated to the starting lineup. The unusual combination of players will look to overpower the Bucks, put together a second straight victory, and remain near the top of the Western Conference standings.
Source: Denver Nuggets
DEN • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #8
about 2 months ago
Watson is one of multiple starters for Denver that will miss this game. He has been on fire as of late, and they’ll have to turn to Julian Strawther, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Spencer Jones to try and make up some of that production.
Source: Denver Nuggets
DEN • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #27
about 2 months ago
Murray will sit out on Friday due to lower-body injuries. His absence will come on the second game of a back-to-back, as the Nuggets look to put together back-to-back wins. The veteran point guard’s scoring and improved facilitating have been key for the Nuggets during Nikola Jokic’s extended absence (knee). Without Murray, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown could see increased opportunities.
Source: Denver Nuggets
DEN • Center • #17
about 2 months ago
Valančiūnas returned to the lineup on Thursday following a multi-week absence, so it isn’t surprising that he’ll miss the second leg of this back-to-back. Zeke Nnaji and DaRon Holmes should take on larger roles with Valančiūnas out of the lineup, though only Nnaji has upside as a streamer.
Source: Denver Nuggets
CHA • Power Forward • #2
about 2 months ago
After missing Thursday’s game against the Magic with a knee injury, Williams appears ready to go for Saturday’s matchup with the Wizards. The veteran forward has only played in five games thus far after making his season debut on January 10 against the Jazz, and shouldn’t make much of an impact from a fantasy basketball standpoint.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CHA • Center • #
about 2 months ago
Despite logging 27 minutes in a win over the Magic on Thursday, the rookie center isn’t a lock to take the floor on Saturday against Washington. He had started most of his debut NBA season before settling into a reserve role recently. If he’s able to play, he’ll provide the Hornets with another two-way rim presence as they look to put together back-to-back wins.
Source: Rod Boone
CHA • Small Forward • #24
about 2 months ago
Miller is managing an ankle injury, but he isn’t expected to miss this game. He has scored at least 20 points in five straight games and will look to keep that streak going against Washington.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CHA • Point Guard • #25
about 2 months ago
Simpson will remain sidelined, but with the guards ahead of him in the rotation all healthy, he likely wouldn’t have seen the floor even if he was able. This will be a third straight absence for him.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CHA • Point Guard • #23
about 2 months ago
Mann will be back after missing one game due to an illness. However, he has only played a minimal role in recent weeks, so his return won’t alter the Hornets’ rotation dramatically.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Center • #17
about 2 months ago
Valančiūnas returned to the lineup on Thursday and posted a 16/9 line across 22 minutes. After multiple weeks on the shelf, it’s understandable that he’s questionable for the second leg of the Nuggets’ back-to-back set. If JV sits this one out, Zeke Nnaji and DaRon Holmes II could handle additional playing time.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #8
about 2 months ago
Watson has been electric as of late, culminating with a career-high 35 points in Thursday’s win over Washington. The severity of his injury is unknown, but it’s possible he’s getting a maintenance day on the second leg of Denver’s back-to-back set. If Watson is ultimately ruled out, Julian Strawther, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Spencer Jones are all candidates for additional playing time.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #27
about 2 months ago
Murray is dealing with right hamstring inflammation and left hip inflammation. With Christian Braun (ankle) out, Denver’s backcourt could be shorthanded if Murray is ultimately sidelined. Jalen Pickett and Bruce Brown could be in line for additional playing time against Milwaukee.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #27
about 2 months ago
Murray has been fantastic all season, but he has been extra hot as of late. Over the last two weeks, he is shooting 55.6 percent from the floor and has shot at least 50 percent in five of his last six games. That was enough in this game to snap Denver’s two-game losing streak. It was also the first leg of a back-to-back, and he’ll look to stay hot in Milwaukee on Friday.
DEN • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #8
about 2 months ago
Watson has scored at least 20 points 15 times in his career. 13 of those have come this season. This was a new career high for scoring for Watson, and it was more than just a big scoring night. He also matched his career high for triples, which he previously set two weeks prior to this one. It was also a full stat line and an efficient shooting night. Watson’s breakout season has been impressive, and he should remain an elite option until Nikola Jokic returns, though he should certainly retain value after that.
DEN • Center • #17
about 2 months ago
Valančiūnas was back in the lineup after missing the past few weeks, and he immediately started and played 22 minutes. He got off to a hot start, scoring eight points in the first three minutes. He wasn’t quite as effective the rest of the way, but it was important for Denver to have him back out on the floor. This was the first leg of a back-to-back, so don’t expect Valančiūnas to be available to take on Milwaukee on Friday. That should mean a return to the starting lineup for Spencer Jones.
CHA • Small Forward • #24
about 2 months ago
Miller got hot late in the third quarter and scored 11 points over the final six minutes of the frame. He didn’t do any more scoring in the fourth quarter, but he didn’t need to due to the lopsided score. This was his fifth straight game scoring at least 20 points, which is his longest stretch of the season. He has shot the ball more efficiently in recent weeks, which has helped his value. He’ll look to stay hot against the Wizards on Saturday.
CHA • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #2
about 2 months ago
Sexton has been a consistent source of offense off the bench for the Hornets this season, but that hasn’t led to much production for fantasy managers. However, he was incredibly efficient in this game, which led to his highest field goal percentage in a game this year. Sexton hasn’t been worth rostering in standard leagues this season, and that won’t change just because of one solid performance. Unless he’s starting consistently, he should be left on the waiver wire in standard leagues.
CHA • Point Guard • #1
about 2 months ago
Ball got off to a hot start for Charlotte, scoring eight of their first 11 points and assisting on the other three. He didn’t stay that hot, but he was back in the starting lineup after coming off the bench on Wednesday. He logged 28 minutes after playing 22 minutes on Wednesday. The limited minutes may get frustrating during these back-to-backs, but Ball has been able to stay healthy for about the past month, which can only be seen as a positive.
CHA • Point Guard • #1
about 2 months ago
Due to the expectation of inclement weather in the Charlotte area, the start time for Saturday’s game has been moved up to 12 p.m. Eastern. Fantasy managers need to be mindful of this when setting their lineups for that day.
Source: Charlotte Hornets
DEN • Center • #17
about 2 months ago
Valančiūnas is available for the first time since straining his right calf on New Year’s Eve, prompting a change to the Nuggets’ starting lineup. With the veteran center available, Spencer Jones heads to the bench, which shifts Gordon back to his familiar power forward position.
Source: NBA Lineups
CHA • Point Guard • #1
about 2 months ago
Ball will be back in the starting unit after coming off the bench during the first leg of this back-to-back, which is a new strategy that they’ve used during their last few back-to-backs to maximize his availability. That will push Sion James to the bench.
Source: Charlotte Hornets
CHA • Point Guard • #1
about 2 months ago
Ball was initially listed as questionable to play against Orlando after coming off the bench on Wednesday, which is a tactic they have used during back-to-backs to ensure LaMelo can play both legs and be available to close games. He should be back in the starting lineup for this game since that is what they’ve done in recent back-to-backs, which means Sion James will head to the bench.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Center • #17
about 2 months ago
Thursday’s game will be Valančiūnas’ first since New Year’s Eve, when he strained his right calf during a win over the Raptors. While a minutes restriction is likely, the veteran center’s return likely means that fewer minutes will be available to Zeke Nnaji.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Center • #17
about 2 months ago
Valančiūnas has been out since straining his right calf during a December 31 win over the Raptors. A return on Thursday would mean he’s about a week ahead of schedule. While the veteran center will likely be under a minutes restriction, Zeke Nnaji will get less playing time.
Source: Bennett Durando
CHA • Power Forward • #2
about 2 months ago
Williams missed the beginning of the season while recovering from ACL surgery and made his season debut on January 10th. As of now, it appears that the Hornets are just resting him in the second game of a back-to-back in order to help him in his continued recovery. Charlotte plays again on Saturday, so we’ll know the extent of Williams’ discomfort by then. Tidjane Salaün (Achilles) was available to play on Wednesday but didn’t see the court, so he may step back into Williams’ minutes on Thursday.
Source: Charlotte Hornets
CHA • Point Guard • #23
about 2 months ago
Mann was questionable with the same illness before Wednesday’s game and was available but didn’t play. The Hornets have since ruled him out for Thursday’s game to give him more time to rest. It doesn’t change much for the Hornets’ rotation with Brandon Miller listed as probable.
Source: NBA.com
CHA • Point Guard • #1
about 2 months ago
Ball came off the bench on Wednesday, which seemed to be an indication that the Hornets were hoping to monitor his minutes on the first leg of a back-to-back, but now it’s possible that he may not play on Thursday. Of course, Ball shot just 1-of-12 from the field, so his thumb likely played a major role in that. Sion James may start in his place again.
Source: NBA.com
CHA • Small Forward • #
about 2 months ago
For the second time in three games, Kneuppel grabbed 11 rebounds, pushing his double-double tally to four. The Hornets’ rookie has been a top-50 player over the past two weeks, remaining one of the most productive rookies in fantasy basketball. If there comes a point when the Hornets decide to sit LaMelo Ball, Kneuppel is one of the players who stands to benefit because of his ability to play on or off the ball.
CHA • Small Forward • #24
about 2 months ago
Miller is enjoying one of his most productive scoring stretches of the season, having tallied at least 23 points in four consecutive games. According to Basketball Monster, he’s been a third-round player in eight-cat formats over the past week. As long as he stays healthy, Miller is capable of offering excellent fantasy value, especially considering how productive he’s been recently.
CHA • Shooting Guard • #
about 2 months ago
The Hornets’ decision to bring LaMelo Ball off the bench is a form of injury management without holding him out for the entire game. Fantasy managers should still slot Ball into their lineups, but his fantasy value does take a slight hit with the change. With the Hornets visiting Orlando on Thursday, James may be bumped back to the bench for that one.
Source: Charlotte Hornets
CHA • Power Forward • #31
about 2 months ago
Salaün and Mann were initially probable, with the latter being added to the injury report earlier Wednesday. Both are good to go, but they’re unable to get the playing time needed to affect fantasy basketball. Leave Salaün and Mann on the waiver wire.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Center • #17
about 2 months ago
On January 1, Valančiūnas was given a four-week timeline for re-evaluation, but the questionable tag indicates that he is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a right calf strain. If Valančiūnas is cleared to return, he’ll likely face a minutes restriction, but DaRon Holmes II and Zeke Nnaji could see their playing times reduced.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Power Forward and Small Forward • #32
about 2 months ago
Gordon was back in the Nuggets’ lineup after sitting out Sunday’s loss to the Hornets, pushing DaRon Holmes II (DNP-CD) out of the rotation entirely. While he didn’t record any defensive stats, Gordon’s points, rebounds, assists and three-pointers were solid. The combination of decreased defensive production and poor foul shooting has negatively affected Gordon’s fantasy value recently, pushing him outside the top-100. That said, he’ll be worth holding onto as long as the Nuggets are without Nikola Jokić.
DEN • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #8
about 2 months ago
Two nights removed from being limited to 11 points in a blowout loss to the Hornets, Watson was more productive against the Lakers. The fourth-year forward recorded a complete stat line in his 38 minutes, and he has offered consistently reliable value over the past month. Rostered in 43 percent of Yahoo! leagues, Watson has been a sixth-round player in eight-cat formats over the past month. He’s worth rostering until Christian Braun (ankle) and Cameron Johnson (knee) return from their injuries.
DEN • Small Forward • #21
about 2 months ago
Like Jamal Murray, Tuesday’s game was a tale of two halves for Jones. After making all four of his three-point attempts during the first half, he was 0-of-3 from beyond the arc after halftime. Jones shot 2-of-5 from the field in the second half, and the Nuggets blew a 14-point lead. The two-way contract forward has filled in admirably over the last few weeks, but he’s barely been a top-200 player over the past month. There’s no need to add Jones, especially with Aaron Gordon back in the lineup.