Dalton Knecht started on Thursday and contributed 17 points (5-of-14 FGs), four rebounds, three assists, one steal and three three-pointers against the Bucks,

Knecht got the starting nod due to the absences of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves on the second night of the back-to-back for the Lakers. He scored 15 of his 17 points in the second half, though it didn’t do much to reverse the Lakers’ fortunes on the scoreboard. Knecht is more than capable of pouring in the points when he gets the opportunity, but with LeBron James and Rui Hachimura expected to return on Saturday, along with the other players that sat out on Thursday, Knecht won’t see this many shots moving forward.

Dalton Knecht started on Thursday and contributed 17 points (5-of-14 FGs), four rebounds, three assists, one steal and three three-pointers against the Bucks.

Knecht got the starting nod due to the absences of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves on the second night of a back-to-back for the Lakers. He scored 15 of his 17 points in the second half, though it didn’t do much to reverse the Lakers’ fortunes on the scoreboard. Knecht is more than capable of pouring in the points when he gets the opportunity, but with LeBron James and Rui Hachimura expected to return on Saturday, along with the other players that sat out on Thursday, Knecht won’t see this many shots moving forward.

Bronny James led the Lakers with 17 points (7-of-10 FGs), three rebounds, five assists, one block and two three-pointers in a 118-89 loss to the Bucks on Thursday.

The Lakers played this game without six key rotation players, including four starters. The game got out of hand quickly, as expected, which allowed Bronny to take on a larger role. He took advantage of the opportunity against a good team, and while it wasn’t a perfect game, it was the best of his career. It is unlikely that he gets another chance like this before the final week of the regular season, depending on how the standings play out. However, it was an encouraging performance for a young player that has faced a lot of criticism.

Gabe Vincent, Jordan Goodwin, Dalton Knecht, Markieff Morris and Jaxson Hayes against the Bucks on Thursday.

The only typical starter that will be available for the Lakers in this game is Hayes. They are incredibly shorthanded on the second night of this back-to-back after beating Denver on Wednesday. Vincent, Knecht and Morris are the new faces in the starting lineup for the Lakers on Thursday.

Gabe Vincent, Jordan Goodwin, Dalton Knecht, Markieff Morris and Jaxson Hayes will start against the Bucks on Thursday.

The only typical starter that will be available for the Lakers in this game is Hayes. They are incredibly shorthanded on the second night of this back-to-back after beating Denver on Wednesday. Vincent, Knecht and Morris are the new faces in the starting lineup for the Lakers on Thursday.

Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) and Jarred Vanderbilt (groin) have been ruled out against the Bucks on Thursday.

Both forwards were initially doubtful, so it isn’t surprising that they’ve been ruled out. Markieff Morris will get the start in place of DFS, but Cam Reddish should also make a return to the rotation for the shorthanded Lakers.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick said he is “hopeful” that LeBron James (groin) and Rui Hachimura (knee) will play against the Bulls on Saturday.

James will miss a seventh-straight game when the Lakers take on the Bucks on Thursday, while it will be a 12th-straight absence for Hachimura. However, Los Angeles could be close to full strength against Chicago to wrap up the week. Their returns will likely push Dorian Finney-Smith and Jordan Goodwin back to the bench, though both have been productive in increased roles. The Lakers enter Thursday’s game having won three in a row, and they’re currently a game behind the Rockets for the No. 2 seed in the West.

Aaron Gordon (calf, ankle) and Christian Braun (foot) are probable to play against the Trail Blazers on Friday.

Both players are still dealing with lower body injuries, but they should be available to play once again. That is necessary with Nikola Jokic still out and Jamal Murray questionable. Gordon had 26 points and 11 rebounds in Wednesday’s loss to the Lakers.

Jamal Murray (ankle) is questionable to play against the Trail Blazers on Friday.

Murray has missed Denver’s last two games but could return against Portland. Russell Westbrook has been an assists machine with Murray out of the lineup, but he will likely return to a reserve role if Murray returns on Tuesday.

Nikola Jokic (ankle) has been ruled out against the Trail Blazers on Friday.

The nightmare week for fantasy managers will continue on Friday. Prior to this week, Jokic hadn’t missed a game since January and had only missed six games all season. He’ll miss a third-straight on Friday, and it’s unclear if he’ll be back to play in Houston on Sunday. It’s at least the playoffs in most fantasy leagues, and it’s championship week in many leagues, which means these absences could not come at a worse time. Peyton Watson started on Wednesday, but Mike Malone could opt for a taller starting center to match up with Donovan Clingan, such as DeAndre Jordan or Zeke Nnaji.

Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) and Jarred Vanderbilt (groin) are doubtful to play against the Bucks on Thursday.

Both forwards are expected to be sidelined for the second leg of the Lakers’ back-to-back. Cam Reddish and Markieff Morris are both candidates to return to the rotation, but at this point, everyone available for the Lakers should play a ton of minutes.

Austin Reaves (ankle) has been ruled out against the Bucks on Thursday.

Luka Doncic (ankle) had already been ruled out for the second leg of the Lakers’ back-to-back, and now Reaves will join him on the sidelines. Gabe Vincent and Dalton Knecht will likely both enter the starting unit, and Jordan Goodwin should see more offensive opportunities with Doncic and Reaves sidelined.

ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reports that Luka Doncic (ankle) has been ruled out for Thursday’s game against the Bucks.

Doncic is a little hobbled despite sitting for the entire fourth quarter during his team’s latest win against the Nuggets. He won’t play in the second leg of this back-to-back and Austin Reaves will get a chance to run the show against Milwaukee.

ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reports Luka Doncic (ankle) has been ruled out for Thursday’s game against the Bucks.

Doncic is a little hobbled despite sitting for the entire fourth quarter during his team’s latest win against the Nuggets. He won’t play in the second leg of this back-to-back, and Austin Reaves will get a chance to run the show against Milwaukee. Doncic’s absence will open up a spot in the starting unit that may be filled by Dalton Knecht.

Luka Doncic shot 10-of-21 from the field and 7-of-10 from the foul line in Wednesday’s win over the Nuggets, finishing with 31 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, two steals, one block and four three-pointers in 32 minutes.

Doncic came out scalding hot on Wednesday, scoring 21 points in the first quarter on 7-of-11 shooting from the field. The lone negative was the six turnovers, and Luka’s stat line would have been even better had he played during the fourth quarter. The Lakers led by as much as 30, so there was no need for Doncic to play during the final period. Hopefully, that time off will ensure that Doncic will be available for Thursday’s game against the Bucks. The good news is that he played both games of the Lakers’ most recent back-to-back.

Jordan Goodwin accumulated eight points (2-of-7 FGs, 4-of-4 FTs), three rebounds, three assists and four steals in 26 minutes in Wednesday’s win over the Nuggets.

Goodwin has started the Lakers’ last four games, filling the void left by LeBron James (groin). While he has reached double figures on three occasions, he has been most valuable in the defensive categories. Averaging 2.0 steals and 1.0 blocks per game, Goodwin has offered fifth-round value in nine-cat formats in his four starts. Goodwin is only rostered in one percent of Yahoo! leagues and is worthy of consideration among managers seeking defensive production.

Austin Reaves finished Wednesday’s win over the Nuggets with 22 points (8-of-16 FGs, 4-of-4 FTs), five rebounds, eight assists, two steals, one block and two three-pointers in 36 minutes.

Reaves has scored 20 points or more in five straight games, and the Lakers are 3-3 since losing LeBron James to a groin injury. Over the past two weeks, he has provided top-20 value in eight-cat formats. The Lakers have two more games to play during Week 20, starting with the Bucks on Thursday. Reaves’ fantasy value will remain elevated as long as James is unavailable.

Russell Westbrook recorded 12 points (4-of-14 FGs, 3-of-5 FTs), four rebounds, nine assists, two steals and one three-pointer in 29 minutes in Wednesday’s loss to the Lakers.

While Westbrook did not shoot the ball well in the Nuggets’ two games without Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, he did provide solid value in the assist and steal categories. He accounted for nine assists and two steals against the Lakers, providing some value on a night when he shot 4-of-14 from the field. Westbrook has been a top 75 player in eight-cat formats over the past two weeks, exceeding his season-long value. The Nuggets play two more games during Week 20, starting with Portland on Friday.

Peyton Watson accounted for 12 points (5-of-8 FGs, 1-of-4 FTs), two rebounds, two assists, one block and one three-pointer in 25 minutes in Wednesday’s loss to the Lakers.

Watson made his second consecutive start on Wednesday as the Nuggets remained without Nikola Jokic. No one expected Watson to provide similar value, but he was solid in his 25 minutes against the Lakers. The negative was that he only grabbed two rebounds, as that’s one category where it was fair to expect reliable value. Watson’s value for the remainder of Week 20 depends on Jokic’s availability; if the Joker returns for Friday’s game against the Trail Blazers, there’s no need to continue streaming Peyton.

Aaron Gordon finished Wednesday’s loss to the Lakers with 26 points (9-of-14 FGs, 3-of-4 FTs), 11 rebounds, one steal and five three-pointers in 30 minutes.

While Gordon wasn’t as explosive offensively as he was in Monday’s win over the Warriors, he had another productive outing with Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray unavailable. Over the past two weeks, Gordon has provided top 50 value in eight-cat formats. Struggles with his health and production earlier this season are why he’s rostered in 58 percent of Yahoo! leagues, but it may be time for that percentage to creep up a bit before Denver’s final two games of Week 20.

Russell Westbrook, Christian Braun, Michael Porter Jr., Peyton Watson and Aaron Gordon will start Wednesday’s game against the Lakers.

The Nuggets are without Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray for Wednesday’s game. However, they’ll go small with their three-time MVP sidelined as Watson enters the starting lineup. He’s worth a look in deep leagues but should not be considered a must-add.

Aaron Gordon (calf, ankle) and Christian Braun (foot) are available for Wednesday’s game against the Lakers.

Gordon was previously listed as probable with calf and ankle injuries while Braun had been questionable with a foot issue. It’s no surprise Gordon is suiting up given his probable listing and Braun appeared to be moving around well enough pregame. Both players will receive a boost in usage against the Lakers with Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray already ruled out.

NBA Insider Chris Haynes reports Nikola Jokic (elbow, ankle) and Jamal Murray (ankle) are out for Wednesday’s game against the Lakers.

This comes on the heels of an ESPN report that the Nuggets’ pair of stars were doubtful so it isn’t a surprise that Jokic and Murray aren’t playing. This boosts everyone else’s fantasy value on Denver. Russell Westbrook and Peyton Watson should move into the starting lineup as replacements.

Trey Jemison (illness) is available for Wednesday’s game against the Nuggets.

Jemison is available after a three-game absence. However, his return will not impact fantasy basketball, as starting center Jaxson Hayes is available. Jemison or Christian Koloko will be the backup center, and neither should be rostered in fantasy leagues.

ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reports the Nuggets are leaning toward not playing Nikola Jokic (elbow, ankle) or Jamal Murray (ankle) in Wednesday’s game against the Lakers.

Jokic and Murray have not officially been ruled out, but it appears likely that both will miss a second straight game. According to MacMahon, Murray was laboring while playing 1-on-1 with an assistant coach during his individual workout. Russell Westbrook and Peyton Watson are the likely replacements in the starting lineup.

Luka Doncic (ankle) is available for Wednesday’s game against the Nuggets.

No surprise here as Doncic was initially listed as probable Wednesday against the Nuggets. The 26-year-old point guard played 34 minutes Monday against the Spurs and was one rebounds shy of a triple-double. Doncic should play without limitations Wednesday.

Trey Jemison (illness) is questionable for Wednesday’s game against the Nuggets.

Jemison has missed the Lakers’ last three games with an illness, but his absence has not impacted fantasy basketball. Christian Koloko picked up a few minutes off the bench but is not worth rostering in fantasy leagues.

Luka Doncic (ankle) is probable for Wednesday’s game against the Nuggets.

Doncic’s right ankle did not prevent him from playing 34 minutes in Monday’s win over the Spurs, but he did shoot 5-of-20 from the field. Fantasy managers should anticipate him being on the court for Wednesday’s matchup with the Nuggets.

Aaron Gordon (calf, ankle) is probable for Wednesday’s game against the Lakers.

Gordon was outstanding on Monday, going off for 38 points in a win over the Warriors. Denver was without Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Christian Braun, which freed up additional scoring opportunities for Gordon, and he took advantage. He’s probable for Wednesday’s game, so fantasy managers should assume he will play.

Christian Braun (foot) is questionable for Wednesday’s game against the Lakers.

Braun did not play in Monday’s win over the Warriors, with his absence freeing up a space in the starting lineup for Peyton Watson. In 35 minutes, Watson tallied 13 points, five rebounds, one assist, one steal, four blocks and one three-pointer. He will be worth a look as a deep-league streamer if Braun remains out.

Nikola Jokic (elbow, ankle) and Jamal Murray (ankle) are questionable for Wednesday’s game against the Lakers.

Jokic and Murray were held out of Monday’s win over the Warriors, and Hunter Tyson and Russell Westbrook replaced them in the starting lineup. The Nuggets could face a similar situation on Wednesday, as Christian Braun is also questionable. If Jokic and Murray remain out, Westbrook and Aaron Gordon’s fantasy ceilings will rise.

Russell Westbrook posted a full line on Monday with 12 points (5-of-18 FGs), 12 rebounds, 16 assists, three steals, two blocks, two three-pointers and seven turnovers in a 114-105 win over the Warriors.

With both Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic sidelined, Westbrook took on the workload as the primary playmaker for Denver. He took the role seriously, which resulted in plenty of assists for him. This was the 40th time in Westbrook’s career that he had at least 16 dimes in a game and his first since 2021. Westbrook’s stat set makes him ideal for managers that can disregard turnovers and field goal percentage, since he is still more than capable of filling up the box score. Unless Jokic and Murray remain sidelined against the Lakers on Wednesday, Westbrook likely won’t repeat this performance.

Michael Porter Jr. recorded a double-double on Monday with 21 points (7-of-18 FGs), 10 rebounds, five assists, two steals and three three-pointers against the Warriors.

With Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Christian Braun all sidelined, Denver relied on MPJ more on the offensive end. He delivered his second-straight 20-point double-double and had his highest assist total since December. That was enough for the shorthanded Nuggets to get the win in Golden State after a disappointing loss to the Wizards two days before. MPJ will continue to be productive, but managers shouldn’t get used to 20-point double-doubles. They have three more games this week on this road trip, with the Lakers up next on Wednesday.

Aaron Gordon led the Nuggets with 38 points (14-of-23 FGs), six rebounds, three assists, four three-pointers and seven turnovers against the Warriors on Monday.

After sitting out on Saturday, Gordon was back in the lineup to take on Golden State. Denver was missing three starters, which forced Gordon to take on a larger role on offense. He scored 20 points in the first half and nearly matched that total after the break. This was the fourth-highest scoring performances of Gordon’s career, with the top three all coming when he was with Orlando. This was an incredible night for Gordon, but managers shouldn’t expect this level of production from him moving forward.

Hunter Tyson started on Monday and contributed nine points (4-of-9 FGs), seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and one three-pointer against the Warriors.

For the first time in his NBA career, Tyson was part of the starting lineup. Sure, it only happened because Denver played without three starters, but it was still a great opportunity for him. The Clemson product played well in his 20 minutes, but it is unlikely that he remains a large part of the team’s rotation moving forward. He set career-highs for points and rebounds in this game.

Jordan Goodwin finished Monday’s win over the Spurs with 15 points (6-of-9 FGs), four rebounds, three assists, three steals, one block and three three-pointers in 33 minutes.

Rostered in one percent of Yahoo! leagues, Goodwin has been one of the most productive Lakers fantasy-wise since LeBron James injured his groin on March 8. Despite inconsistent scoring, the fourth-year guard has been a top-100 player in nine-cat formats over the last five games. A double-digit scorer in three of those five games, Goodwin scored two points in the other two. While the scoring output has been unpredictable, Goodwin has been effective enough as a defender to be worth a look in extremely deep leagues while LeBron sits.

Luka Doncic accounted for 21 points (5-of-20 FGs, 10-of-13 FGs), nine rebounds, four assists, three steals, one block and one three-pointer in 34 minutes in Monday’s win over the Spurs.

Luka Doncic accounted for 21 points (5-of-20 FGs, 10-of-13 FGs), nine rebounds, 14 assists, three steals, one block and one three-pointer in 34 minutes in Monday’s win over the Spurs.

Doncic had a brutal night shooting the ball from the field, going 5-of-20 overall and 1-of-7 from beyond the arc. However, a 10-of-13 night at the foul line salvaged the point total, and he recorded excellent numbers in the rebound, assist and steals categories. Since the Lakers lost LeBron James to a strained groin, Doncic has provided top-5 value in eight-cat formats and top-10 in nine-cat. However, with the Lakers having a midweek back-to-back, Luka may only be available for two of the team’s final three Week 20 contests.

Austin Reaves shot 12-of-21 from the field in Monday’s win over the Spurs, scoring 30 points with seven rebounds, six assists, two steals and five three-pointers in 36 minutes.

Reaves has been on a roll recently, scoring 28 points or more in four straight games. While the Lakers are now 2-3 since LeBron James went down with a strained groin, Reaves has elite fantasy value when James sits. Averaging 28.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 7.6 assists, 1.6 steals and 3.6 three-pointers per game, he has been a top-5 player in eight- and nine-cat formats. With James out for at least another week, fantasy managers who have Reaves rostered are well-positioned to win their Week 20 playoff matchups.

Jarred Vanderbilt was ejected from Monday’s game against the Spurs with 6:27 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Vanderbilt got into a shoving match with Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan, which resulted in both players being ejected. Vanderbilt kicked things off with a forceful forearm to the Spurs forward’s back, and Sochan responded by hitting the Lakers forward with the ball. Vanderbilt shoved Sochan, and both players were ejected after the players and officials broke things up. Vanderbilt finished with two points, one rebound, and one assist in 15 minutes.

Russell Westbrook, Michael Porter Jr., Hunter Tyson, Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson against the Warriors on Monday.

The starting unit looks quite different from Denver’s last game. Gordon is back after a one-game absence, but with Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Christian Braun all sidelined, Tyson and Watson will enter the the starting unit. This will be the first career NBA start for Tyson. He was drafted by Denver with the 37th overall pick in 2023.

Christian Braun (foot) is out for Monday’s game against the Warriors.

Braun joins Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray as Nuggets starters who are unavailable for Monday’s game. Peyton Watson and Jalen Pickett should play additional minutes, with the former potentially being a starter. Given how shorthanded the Nuggets are, Watson is worth a roll of the dice in deep leagues.

Aaron Gordon (calf, ankle) will be available to play against the Warriors on Monday.

Gordon sat out the second night of Denver’s back-to-back on Saturday, but he will be back for this game. Russell Westbrook started in his place and will likely return to the bench when everyone is healthy. But with Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Christian Braun all out, Westbrook will likely get one more start.

Nikola Jokic (elbow, ankle) and Jamal Murray (ankle) are out for Monday’s game against the Warriors.

Denver will play Monday’s game without its two best players, as Jokic and Murray have been downgraded from doubtful to out. Russell Westbrook will remain in the starting lineup, while Jokic’s absence means more playing time for Zeke Nnaji and DeAndre Jordan. Of the three, Westbrook will be most valuable to fantasy managers. Nnaji offers a higher ceiling than Jordan, but the veteran center boasts a higher floor.

Luka Doncic (ankle) and Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) are available to play against the Spurs on Monday.

After initially being listed as probable, both players will be available to play on the second night of a back-to-back. Doncic will continue to be the star that he is, while DFS will remain in the starting unit alongside him with LeBron James and Rui Hachimura still sidelined.

Christian Braun (foot) is questionable for Monday’s game against the Warriors.

Initially probable to play on Monday, Braun’s status has been downgraded to questionable. With Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray doubtful, the Nuggets could be without three starters. Jalen Pickett and Vlatko Cancar are two players who may log additional minutes if all three starters are unavailable.

Head coach Mike Malone said he “doesn’t think” Nikola Jokic (elbow, ankle) or Jamal Murray (ankle) will play against the Warriors on Monday.

Malone said that he is “waiting to confirm” if Jokic and Murray will play, but the expectation is that Denver will be shorthanded. He did say that he thinks Aaron Gordon (calf) will be available, which will make up for one of the absences. Zeke Nnaji will likely complete the starting lineup, with Russell Westbrook remaining in the opening unit.

Jaxson Hayes (knee) is off the injury report for Monday’s game against the Spurs.

Sunday’s win over the Suns was Hayes’ first since missing four with a knee injury, and he played 29 minutes. His availability for the Lakers’ second game in as many nights is a good sign regarding Hayes’ health. Look for Hayes to approach 30 minutes, and he can provide deep-league value with LeBron James (groin) still out.

Trey Jemison (illness) is out for Monday’s game against the Spurs.

Jemison’s continued absence does not impact fantasy basketball, especially with Jaxson Hayes in the Lakers’ lineup. Christian Koloko will remain the backup center, but that isn’t enough to merit being rostered in fantasy leagues.

Luka Doncic (ankle) and Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) are probable to play against the Spurs on Monday.

Both players played significant minutes in Sunday’s win over the Suns, but their ankle injuries aren’t expected to keep them from suiting up against San Antonio. Doncic will continue to dominate regardless of the rest of the team’s status, while DFS has been productive as a starter with LeBron James and Rui Hachimura sidelined. That should continue on Monday.

Jamal Murray (ankle) is questionable for Monday’s game against the Warriors.

Murray rolled his right ankle during the fourth quarter of Saturday’s loss to the Wizards. While he did return to the game, the Nuggets point guard is questionable to play on Monday. If he cannot play, Russell Westbrook will likely remain in the starting lineup. Westbrook and Zeke Nnaji are potential starters if Murray and Aaron Gordon both sit.

Nikola Jokic (elbow, ankle) is questionable for Monday’s game against the Warriors.

Already dealing with a right elbow issue, Jokic also labored through a left ankle impingement during Saturday’s loss to the Wizards. If the three-time MVP cannot play on Monday, Zeke Nnaji would be in line for more playing time, and DeAndre Jordan could re-enter the rotation. Jokic’s absence would also raise the fantasy ceiling for the available starters, most notably Jamal Murray.

Aaron Gordon (calf, ankle) is questionable for Monday’s game against the Warriors.

Gordon was held out of Saturday’s loss to the Wizards, Denver’s second game in as many nights. Russell Westbrook filled the void in the starting lineup, which raised the veteran point guard’s fantasy ceiling. Westbrook should be rostered in standard leagues regardless of Gordon’s availability.

Christian Braun (foot) is probable for Monday’s game against the Warriors.

Braun has been dealing with left foot inflammation recently, but the probable tag suggests he will be available on Monday. The Nuggets guard, a seventh-round player in eight-cat formats since the All-Star break, has not missed a game since December 16.

Jaxson Hayes accounted for 19 points (8-of-10 FGs, 3-of-7 FTs), six rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block in 29 minutes in Sunday’s win over the Suns.

In his return from a knee injury that sidelined him for four games, Hayes outplayed his Suns counterparts on Sunday afternoon. The Lakers center recorded a complete stat line, minus three-pointers, shooting 80 percent from the field. The foul shooting was poor, but that’s usually a category the few managers who have Hayes rostered will have to punt. The Lakers play four games during Week 20, starting with the Spurs on Monday.

Austin Reaves amassed 28 points (10-of-21 FGs, 4-of-5 FTs), four rebounds, six assists, two steals, one block and four three-pointers in 39 minutes in Sunday’s win over the Suns.

With Luka Doncic back in the Lakers’ lineup, Reaves had more assistance than he did in Friday’s loss to the Nuggets. While there was an injury scare during the second half of Sunday’s game when Suns wing Ryan Dunn landed on Reaves, he still logged 39 minutes. Reaves has provided top-30 value in eight-cat formats since the All-Star break, remaining the dependable fantasy option he has been all season.

Dorian Finney-Smith accounted for 10 points (3-of-7 FGs, 2-of-4 FTs), seven rebounds, three assists, one steal, one block and two three-pointers in 35 minutes in Sunday’s win over the Suns.

Finney-Smith returned to the Lakers’ lineup on Sunday after sitting out Friday’s loss to the Nuggets, bumping Jarred Vanderbilt (three rebounds in 10 minutes) to the bench. The veteran forward was solid in his 35 minutes, providing decent value in the rebound, assist and three-point categories. However, even with LeBron James (groin) sidelined, Finney-Smith is a deep-league player at best.

Jamal Murray (ankle) accounted for 24 points (9-of-16 FGs, 3-of-3 FTs), six rebounds, seven assists, four steals and three three-pointers in 37 minutes in Saturday’s loss to the Wizards.

Murry recorded an excellent stat line on Saturday, but his night included a sprained right ankle suffered during the fourth quarter. The good news is that the Nuggets guard returned later in the period. However, Murray was already dealing with left knee inflammation, so two lower body injuries may land him on the injury report ahead of Monday’s game against the Warriors. Denver plays four games during Week 20 but will not have to deal with a back-to-back until the end of the week.

Michael Porter Jr. shot 7-of-16 from the field and 3-of-4 from the foul line in Saturday’s loss to the Wizards, scoring 20 points with 11 rebounds, one assist, one steal, one block and three three-pointers in 37 minutes.

Porter recorded his first 20-point game since March 9, which was also his last double-double. The Nuggets forward is up to 13 double-doubles, one shy of his 2023-24 tally, and his average of 18.3 points per game is the highest for MPJ since his second NBA season. If Porter has had an issue since the All-Star break, it has been his shooting. He has made 43.1 percent of his attempts since the break, over seven percentage points lower than his mark for the season (50.9). He’ll look to turn things around during Denver’s four-game Week 20.

Nikola Jokic finished Saturday’s loss to the Wizards with 40 points (16-of-30 FGs, 7-of-7 FTs), 13 rebounds, nine assists, one steal, two blocks and one three-pointer in 39 minutes.

While Jokic appeared to be a bit heavy-legged in Denver’s second game in as many nights, that didn’t prevent him from recording another elite stat line. The three-time MVP finished one assist shy of a triple-double, and he’s had six double-doubles this season with at least 40 points scored. According to Basketball Monster, Jokic is ranked third in eight- and nine-cat formats since the All-Star break. And he remains atop the rankings in both formats for the season. The Nuggets play four games during Week 20.